9 Factors that Cause Diversity in Indonesian Society, Important to Know

Kapanlagi.com - Indonesia is known as a nation with high diversity. This can be seen in the cultural background of its multicultural society. It is important to know the factors that cause diversity in Indonesian society. By doing so, we will appreciate differences more and be able to recognize the nation's identity.

The factors that cause diversity in Indonesian society should be seen as a positive thing. In doing so, differences will bring forth positive values such as tolerance. As a result, Indonesia's diverse society will continue to live together peacefully. So, what are the factors that cause diversity in Indonesian society?

Summarized from various sources, here is the review.

1. Consequences as an Archipelagic State

Factors causing social diversity (credit: flickr)

Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world. This condition undoubtedly affects the diversity in Indonesia. Moreover, Indonesia has approximately 17 thousand islands spread from Sabang to Merauke.

Although not all islands are inhabited, every community living in a specific cluster of islands always has its own uniqueness and distinctiveness. These uniqueness and distinctiveness can be seen in the diversity of culture, language, customs, and habits in each different region.

2. Natural Conditions

Natural Conditions (credit: flickr)

Indonesia is one of the countries with a very large territory. Not only that, Indonesia's territory also has diverse and amazing natural landscapes, ranging from mountains, grasslands, forests, rice fields, oceans, and others.

This diversity of natural landscapes also affects the conditions and habits of the surrounding communities. For example, coastal communities who are accustomed to living as fishermen and mountain communities who are accustomed to farming. These two groups of communities clearly have different activities and habits.

3. Climate Conditions

In general, Indonesia is indeed located in a tropical climate region. However, whether realized or not, in reality, in the vast Indonesian region, there are some areas with slightly different climate conditions.

For example, the western part of Indonesia tends to have a long and regular rainy season compared to the eastern part of Indonesia, which has a longer dry season. Such differences will also greatly affect the activities and habits of the people.

4. Ethnic Diversity

Racial Diversity (credit: flickr)

One of the diversities found in Indonesia is the diversity of races. Yes, Indonesia is indeed a multi-racial country. Some of the races found in Indonesia include the Malayan-Mongoloid race spread across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Java, and Bali. The Malanesoid race is found in Papua, NTT, and Maluku regions.

In addition, there are also immigrant races such as Caucasoid, including people from India, the Middle East, Australia, Europe, and America. And the Asiatic Mongoloid race, such as the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese people.

Each race living in Indonesia gives birth to its own cultures. In fact, cultural acculturation often occurs, making the culture in Indonesia more diverse. That is why race is one of the factors causing the diversity of Indonesian society.

5. Religion

Factors causing social diversity (credit: flickr)

The diversity of society in Indonesia can also be seen from the various religions practiced and believed by the people. In fact, thanks to this diversity, Indonesia is known as one of the countries with a high level of religious adherents.

Of course, we all understand that each religion has its own values, which often appear in the behavior of its followers in everyday life. In addition, the harmonious and tolerant lives of religious communities also give a unique color to the diversity in Indonesia.

6. History

History turns out to be one of the factors causing the diversity of Indonesian society. Each region in Indonesia may have its own historical journey. For example, the history of the establishment of certain kingdoms in a region, which will influence the local culture. Even after many years, even centuries later.

7. Difference between Communication Media and Transportation

Factors causing societal diversity (credit: flickr)

It cannot be denied that the vast territory and diverse natural landscapes are factors that cause the diversity of Indonesian society, which is very influential. Including, influential in terms of transportation and communication activities in daily life. Unconsciously, transportation and communication habits will also affect the attitudes of society in social interactions, thus contributing to a diverse society.  

8. Society's Attitude Towards Change

The attitude of society in facing change also affects the condition of diversity in Indonesia. This is because Indonesian society is considered open to new cultures and habits. This kind of attitude supports society to continue to develop and follow the development of the times. On the other hand, it will also affect the diversity of Indonesia. 

9. The Influence of Foreign Culture

The factors causing the diversity of Indonesian society not only come from within, but can also be influenced from outside. Moreover, the influence of foreign culture is believed to accelerate the process of change and add value to diversity. It is proven that Indonesian society has been engaging in various acculturations of local and foreign cultures. For example, Javanese-Islamic culture influenced by Arab culture.

Those are some of the explanations regarding the factors causing the diversity of Indonesian society. Hopefully, they are beneficial and can increase knowledge.

(kpl/psp)