The Relationship Between Indonesia and Malaysia: An Overview of Historical, Artistic and Cultural Heritage

Iswahyudi

Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia

The close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia in historical, artistic, and cultural contexts demonstrates that Indonesia can be considered the mainstream of Malaysian culture. Historically, for example, the territory of present-day Malaysia was once part of the Srivijaya Kingdom in South Sumatra (7th century) and the Majapahit Kingdom in Java (14th century). The impact of these historical events has resulted in numerous social and cultural similarities between Indonesians and Malaysians, especially in regions geographically close to Malaysia, such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Java. In these regions, not only do intense socio-cultural ties exist but also blood ties. Many Malaysian kings, officials, and religious scholars are descended from Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. Historically, the long-standing relationship between the Indonesian and Malaysian peoples has led to several cultural similarities between Indonesia and Malaysia. It would be more accurate to say that some Malaysian culture is Indonesian, or some Indonesian culture is Malaysian. The many similarities between Malaysian and Indonesian culture have given rise to the term "sisterhood" often used by Malaysians to refer to Indonesia as "sisters of the same race."

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/JSParchives/the-relationship-between-indonesia-and-malaysia%3A-an-overview-of-historical%2C-artistic-and-cultural-heritage