Globalization in Indonesia

Zahra Kamilla

Sociology 105

Final paper

Globalization in Indonesia

Globalization has grown rapidly in Indonesia for the past two decades. According to Malcolm Waters the definition of Globalization is, “a social process in which the constraints of geography on social arrangements recede and in which people become increasingly aware that they are receding” (Malcolm Waters, 1995). In Indonesia the population is aware that their culture is slowly fading away, with foreign cultures steadily mixing in. Indonesia is starting to open up more and adopt foreign cultures, such as the Western culture and other Asian cultures. Moreover, in recent decades, globalization has specifically affected Indonesia’s culture and economic growth. The globalization in Indonesia has had both negative and positive affects that still impact the population today. However, there is more positive effects of it than the negatives.

Historically, the Dutch and the Japanese have conquered Indonesia. They influenced Indonesia in many ways, such as introducing new systems of agriculture, education, and even art. Moreover, Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, has a more diverse religion, such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism mixed into the country (Witton & Elliott, 52). These religions play a big role in shaping the Indonesian culture. In the New York Times article, Debate on Internet Limits Grows in Indonesia, Onishi mentions on Indonesian culture that, “I think we are between (the more conservative) China and (the freer) United States” (Onishi, 1). For a long time, Indonesia has held on to its culture and tradition, even until now it still preserves most of its culture

Indonesia is known for its agriculture. Globalization has affected agriculture in Indonesia, and because of its effects Indonesia has a better economy. Historically, Indonesia was influenced by the Dongson culture, which was originated in Vietnam and Southern China 3000 years ago (Witton & Elliott, 19). The...