Week four

After a couple of weeks of experiencing the ‘western’ Jakarta, full of catholic and Islamic influences, I am now in a Hinduism culture. Completely different but definitely not less. The people are constantly realizing their blessings and making daily sacrifices for that. These sacrifices are mainly made by crafting bouquets and placing them at the feet of their temples. Every village is filled to the brim with these so called mandir; most families even got their own.

These temples form part of the Hinduism religion, which is incomparable to the Indian Hinduism. The only similarities are found in the rituals and dramatic art, like the ceremonies. Other aspects, like the mystical and philosophical do not play a major role, resulting in, for example, more flexible marital regulations and the absence of the caste system. The focus of the Balinese Hinduism is more on the earth and the animism. The Balinese people try to live in harmony with the nature as much as possible; they even refuse to hit mosquitos. The contrary to this is that they, like the average Indonesian, throw away all packaging on the spot where they open the product. With all their respect to the nature…

Another striking quality of Bali is its nature. Most villages are surrounded by hilly rice paddles as green and beautiful as seen on television. The sunrise and sunsets are magnificent as well, filled with the complete spectrum of colors. I have even enjoyed one sunrise on top of an active volcano, named Mount Batur. The climbing of this 1,717m high volcano was a long but satisfying one(once the top was reached). On top of the mountain breakfast was served, which contained boiled eggs. These were boiled by just burying them in the hot earth. This earth was so hot that steam was coming out of holes in the ground everywhere. Add this to the fact that landscape was in fully withered state, filled with black volcanic rocks and the assumption of being in a different world was easily made, what a surrounding!

Furthermore I experienced more of the Hinduism culture by attending a cremation ceremony. This ceremony existed out of a parade with floats (filled with the bodies of the deceased), bringing presents to the death and eventually cremating them. This all is accompanied by absolute happiness; smiling faces, joy music and bright colors, and children playing everywhere. The Hindu belief in reincarnation and therefore consider the death not as mournful as we do. Instead they are practically celebrating it, they are happy for their beloved ones to go the next phase in their eternal lives. I do not belief in reincarnation but am definitely impressed by the way these people deal with the death, respect to that.

So far a little dip into Bali and the beauty it has to offer. Next week I will arrive in Semarang where the main data collection of my research will take place: holding the interviews. A huge cornerstone of my research and therefore accompanied by the necessary pressure. I like performing under pressure, so bring it on!

Thanks again for reading my blog and I hope to see you next time,

Wim