More of Indonesia - Unity in Diversity

Here are some old pictures that I wish to share with all of you. These pictures were taken last year. Indeed, Indonesia, though predominantly Muslim and in fact the most populous Muslim country in the world is one of the most tolerant when it comes to the practice of religion and in cultural expression of its varied ethnic groups. Perhaps this harmony promoted by the State is a reflection of Pancasila - Unity in Diversity, the national philosophy founded by Sukarno, the founding father of the modern country known as Indonesia. In a country made up of archipelagos and islands with various multi-ethnic groups, the Philosophy of Pancasila really make sense.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Bandung, Capital of West Java Province and one of Indonesias' tourist and Industrial City. It is also a university town , home to many Universities and Colleges.

The Grand Mosque in Surakarta, City of the Sultans, home of the original Batiks and woodcrafts. Truly a Javanese City

Surakarta like Jogjakarta share a glorious history. This is the main reason why in the Jogya area one would find so many temples dating back at the time when Hinduism and Buddhism held their influence in this part of the world. However, today these cities are predominantly Muslim. Almost round the clock the visitor will hear the resounding call to prayer coming from the muezzin. There are many Mosques in this part of Indonesia, some are small some are huge. But when the time for prayer is called, one will hear the beautiful and resounding chants of the muezzin.

Borobudor Temple, Jogjakarta, Indonesia

Candi Borobudor. This is the Borobudor Temple. I used to read about Borobudor in my High School Days and was very much facinated with this structure. I devoured every pages of the National Geographic Magazine that contained stories and pictures about this ancient temple. Now I had my dream fulfilled. I am standing right in the pinnacle of this majestic Buddhist Temple. Buddhist meditation and prayers had long gone cease in this area. But history says that before the spread of Islam, the Island of Java came under various influences of Buddhism and Hinduism. There were Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in this part of the world several hundred years ago.Borobudor is now a world heritage. I was traveling alone so I requested an Indonesian standing by to do me a favor of taking a picture of me standing in these pinnacles.

Prambanan Temple Complex, Jogyakarta, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. I met a tour guide who speaks English, he toured me around this vast temple complex and museums. Explaining to me every detail of history associated with these temples. Mind you if you think of going other places you may consider these places. Yogyakarta is a very charming City. In fact because of its Grand History, it is one of two territories in Indonesia that enjoys a special status, the other one is Ache Province. Yogyakarta was the first Capital of Indnesia during its war of liberation from Dutch control. I admired Indonesia. Its people, especially the Javanese are very much similar to Filipinos. Their laughter and hospitality reminded me of home.