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Indonesia is a unique country because of its diversity. It is not only the largest archipelago in the world but also boasts of astonishing 300 ethnic groups. The country has more than 17,000 islands out of which at least 6000 are habitats of humans. It’s not hard to imagine, why country has such diversity. Co-existence of such large groups of ethnic tribes makes it a fascinating read. Different religions, diverse languages and totally colorful historical backgrounds give this country an assortment of humungous range of soulful tunes. It is also the reason, why people find it hard to generalize the music of the country in a certain category.
However, one thing is certain. The country thrives on Islamic music. The reason is percentage of Muslims in total population. It’s as high as 88 percent. It’s the largest Muslim country in the world. Apart from Islamic music, other forms of music like Christian, Hindu and Buddhism also thrives in the country. Places like Bali, Sumatra and Java are filled with Hindu and Buddhist songs. The region has been greatly influenced by European music and many popular songs and Christian church rhymes bear testimony to this fact. In fact, a music genre called as Kroncong is a delectable mix of European musical concepts and Indonesian local music. It also shows country’s openness to different genres of music irrespective of nationality and religion.
Among the singers and groups that have made a mark for themselves in Indonesian music arena are, Krakatau, Debui, SambaSunda, Nyoman Jayus’s Bamboo Ensemble, Elvy Sukaesih, Northern – Partopi Tao Group, Sabah Habas Mustapha and Rhoma Irama etc.
Instruments like lutes, flutes, percussion instruments and gongs are frequenly used in compositions. Themes range from historical narratives, love, devotional, folk, emotional to wedding, children and courting etc. New forms of music have also started to make their mark in Indonesia.
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