Islam, Indonesia’s main religion
According to surveys, eighty percent of Indonesians adhere to Islam, making Indonesia the world’s largest Muslim population.
In the past, Hinduism and Buddhism reigned in the archipelago until the arrival of Islam in Sumatra. From there it gradually spread to other islands. Hindu kings thought they would benefit from converting to Islam in order to integrate the maritime trade network which was controlled by Muslim merchants travelling through the Malacca straight and the silk road.
In spite of being predominantly Muslim, the country does not implement the sharia, Islamic law except in Aceh. Recently, a number of regional governments have imposed Islamic rules that are incompatible with the very basic principles of the Indonesian constitution, the Pancasila, with its tolerance and freedom of religious beliefs.
Nowadays, numerous Muslims advocate to maintain a pluralist state, open to religious differences amidst pressures from vocal and radical groups. Indonesia is often referred to as an example of political and religious tolerance, especially when compared with the Middle East Islamic nations.
Islam today
Most Muslim Indonesians have a relatively free life style sometimes, still, bearing traces of their Hindu Buddhist past. In general, Islam is moderate but more conservative Muslims are found in certain areas such as Aceh, West Java, a few of the Nusa Tenggara Islands and in the southeast of Kalimantan.
Indonesian man reading the Koran
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Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd is a Western-run and Indonesia-based adventure travel agency, which was set up in 1999. While we specialize in trekking and volcano climbing tours, we have broadened our range of products to allow all nature and culture lovers to get off the beaten tracks and discover an authentic and multicultural Indonesia. Whether you travel solo, on a tailor-made tour or within a small group of travelers, come and explore Indonesia with us!
Azimuth Adventure Travel Ltd is a founding member of Nomadays, an international network of local travel agencies. Enjoy you trip fully together with Indonesia-based travel specialists!
