The Impact of Hinduism and Buddhism on the Music of Indonesia

Abstract

The incorporation of Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia has given a unique characteristic to the Indonesian cultural reality. Since the Kalinga–Bali Yatra (from 320 BC to the establishment of Kalinga kingdom in Central Java around 500 AD), that is, the yearly ancient naval expedition of sailors from Orissa (Kalinga in India) to the Swarnadwipa Islands (Malacca, Sumatera, Java, Borneo, and Bali), the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism has been slowly introduced and acknowledged by the people of Indonesia. The earliest interaction between Hinduism/Buddhism and the locals could be tracked since the period of Kalinga kingdom in the central part of Java island. The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesian traditional culture has penetrated to the people’s musical tradition in Java and Bali. On top of that, the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata has been adopted into Wayang Kulit tradition in Java. Among other Hindu–Buddhist influences in Indonesia comprise Indian drama– dance, Rasa esthetic theory, Mahayana Buddhist influence in Bedoyo, Slendro pathet (Javanese gamelan musical organization system), and Hinayana Buddhist concept of removal of nine consciousness of human beings.