Why can the culture of one ethnic group be different from that of another ethnic group?

Kirab budaya majapahit
Illustration: Majapahit Cultural Carnival. Get this image on: Wikimedia Commons | Copyright: Adhi Hendrana Jayawardhana

Why can the culture of one ethnic group be different from that of another ethnic group? The culture of one ethnic group can be different from that of another ethnic group because it is influenced by various factors, including:

Geographical location

The geographic location of an ethnic group can influence its culture. For example, ethnic groups living in mountainous areas will have a different culture from ethnic groups living in coastal areas.

Natural environment

The natural environment of an ethnic group can also influence its culture. For example, an ethnic group that lives in a fertile area will have a different culture from an ethnic group that lives in a barren area.

History

The history of an ethnic group can also influence its culture. For example, ethnic groups that have experienced colonialism will have a different culture from ethnic groups that have never experienced colonialism.

Religion

Religion can also influence the culture of an ethnic group. For example, an ethnic group that is Muslim will have a different culture from an ethnic group that is Christian.

Interaction with other ethnic groups

Interaction with other ethnic groups can also influence the culture of an ethnic group. For example, ethnic groups that often interact with other ethnic groups will have a more diverse culture.

Cultural Parade in Jakarta
Illustration: Jakarta Cultural Parade. Get this image on: Wikimedia Commons | Creator: ARIEF RAHARDJO

The following are some examples of cultural differences between different ethnic groups :

  1. Language : Different ethnic groups usually have different languages. For example, the Javanese ethnic group has Javanese, the Sundanese ethnic group has Sundanese language, and the Batak ethnic group has Batak language.
  2. Traditional clothing : Different ethnic groups usually have different traditional clothing. For example, the Javanese ethnic group has traditional kebaya clothing, the Sundanese ethnic group has traditional pangsi clothing, and the Batak ethnic group has traditional ulos clothing.
  3. Traditional houses : Different ethnic groups usually have different traditional houses. For example, the Javanese ethnic group has a traditional joglo house, the Sundanese ethnic group has a traditional house on stilts, and the Batak ethnic group has a traditional gonting house.
  4. Traditional ceremonies : Different ethnic groups usually have different traditional ceremonies. For example, the Javanese ethnic group has a traditional wedding ceremony, the Sundanese ethnic group has a traditional circumcision ceremony, and the Batak ethnic group has a traditional wedding ceremony.
  5. Beliefs : Different ethnic groups usually have different beliefs. For example, the majority of the Javanese are Muslim, the majority of the Sundanese are Muslim, and the majority of the Batak are Christian.

This cultural diversity is the wealth of the Indonesian nation that must be preserved. By understanding cultural diversity, we can better appreciate differences and live side by side peacefully.

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