Indonesia, and especially Java, has a strong culture and history of tolerance which was reinforced through their statehood motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”, which loosely translated means “Unity in Diversity”. But the real meaning is a little more interesting.
It comes from an old Javanese poem Sutasoma, written in the 14th century by Mpu Tantular. The poem tells the epic story of the journey of Prince Sutasoma, who is described as the reincarnation of Jinapati(Buddha), in search of true enlightenment. Towards the end of the story, Prince Sutasoma states that in order to develop a Heart of Compassion, in order to win perfect enlightenment, a spiritual seeker must first comprehend the true, undivided and singular nature of Truth.
“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Tan Hana Dharma Mangrwa”
“(Although it exists in different forms and interpretations) The Truth is One, There are no multiple truths.”
The poem is important since it preaches tolerance, especially between the then prevalent religions in Java, Hindusim and Buddhism.
The full stanza is as follows:
Rwaneka dhatu winuwus Buddha Wiswa,
Bhinneki rakwa ring apan kena parwanosen,
Mangka ng Jinatwa kalawan Siwatatwa tunggal,
Bhinneka tunggal ika tan hana dharma mangrwa.
Translation:
It is said that Buddha and Shiva are two different substances.
They are indeed different, yet how is it possible to recognise their difference in a glance,
Since the truth of Jina(Buddha) and the truth of Shiva is one.
They are indeed different, but they are of the same kind, as there is no duality in Truth.
Thus, the religion of Java today, though primarily Islam, has different layers to it. First there were the native animist religions, which according to British anthropologist
Sir Edward Burnett Tylor in his book ‘Primitive Culture’, was the most primitive and essential form of religion. Then came Hinduism and Buddhism from India. And finally Islam, also probably from India. But
as the Wikipedia states, the Javanese are known for “syncretism of beliefs”. “All the outside cultures were absorbed and interpreted according to the Javanese traditional values, creating a new set of religious beliefs unique to local culture.” So the end result was tolerance, since it also implies a healthy respect for their heritage, their culture and who they are and where they come from.
[I talk about Indonesian culture of tolerance largely through Javanese ideas, since at 90 million they do form the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. The ancient kingdoms of Java were powerful and held sway over a large part of the archipelago, although not without exceptions. And most of their founding fathers and presidents have been Javanese by ethnicity.]
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