ASEAN’s culture and arts sector, under the leadership of the ASEAN
Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA), is committed to the
advancement of culture as one of the foundations of the ASEAN
Community’s dynamism and of building harmony among the peoples of
ASEAN. It is guided by the ASEAN Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts
2016-2025, which aims to deepen an ASEAN mindset and facilitate
intercultural dialogue among the peoples of ASEAN through the
engagement of various stakeholders in raising awareness on, and
appreciation for, the histories, cultures, arts, traditions and values of the
ASEAN region. In addition, the Strategic Plan aims to engender among its
peoples a sense of ownership of the preservation and conservation of
ASEAN’s cultural heritage and promote the use of culture for creativity,
innovation and livelihood-creation. Through the Strategic Plan, culture will
also be brought to the fore of building an ASEAN community that is a global
partner in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.
Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia
and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a
multitude of religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity, all
strong in the major trading cities.
The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs
and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between
the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly
influenced by a multitude of religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism,
and Christianity, all strong in the major trading cities. The result is a complex cultural mixture very
different from the original indigenous cultures.
Examples of the fusion of Islam with Hinduism include Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of
Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha, and the fusion of Hinduism and animism in Kaharingan;
others could be cited. Balinese dances have stories about ancient Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms,
while Islamic art forms and architecture are present in Sumatra, especially in
the Minangkabau and Aceh regions. Traditional art, music and sport are combined in a martial art
form called Pencak Silat.
The Western world has influenced Indonesia in science, technology and modern entertainment such
as television shows, film and music, as well as political system and issues. India has notably
influenced Indonesian songs and movies. A popular type of song is the Indian-rhythmical dangdut,
which is often mixed with Arab and Malay folk music.
Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve uniquely
indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups Mentawai, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many
others are still practising their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes.
Burma is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country. Buddhism reached Burma around the
beginning of the Christian era, mingling with Hinduism (also imported from India) and
indigenous animism. The Pyu and Mon kingdoms of the first millennium were Buddhist, but the
early Bamar peoples were animists.
The culture of Myanmar (also known as Burma) (Burmese: မြန်ြ ယ
ာ့ ဥ်က
ျေးြ)ှု has been heavily
influenced by Buddhism and the Mon people. Burmese culture has also been influenced by its
neighbours.[1][2][3]
In more recent times, British colonial rule and westernisation have influenced aspects of Burmese
culture, including language and education.
The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic
traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family oriented
and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.
1. Brunei Is An Absolute Monarchy Where The Sultan
Has The Final Say
The Sultan of Brunei is the absolute monarch of the nation. He serves as
the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister of the
country. He has the full executive authority and is also the head of the
state. Although Brunei does have a parliament, no elections were held in
the past several decades. The legal system of the country is based on
both the English common law and the Islamic Sharia law. Often, the
latter supersedes the former in many critical cases.
2. Brunei Means "that's it!"
According to local historiography, when first landing on Brunei, Awang
Alak Betatar, the man who later founded the Sultanate of Brunei,
exclaimed: “Baru nah” which means "that's it!” The name Brunei was
derived from these two words. After establishing his dynasty in Brunei,
Betatar was renamed as Sultan Muhammad Shah. The full name of the
country is, however, Negara Brunei Darussalam. Here negara means
“country" and darussalam means the "abode of peace”.
3. Brunei Has A Monument Celebrating The Billionth
Barrel Of Oil Produced
Oil is vital to the economy of Brunei. The production of crude oil and natural gas account for 90% of the
country’s economy. The onshore oil field at Seria in Brunei is one of the country’s most important oil
fields. In 1991, a monument called the Billionth Barrel Monument was built to celebrate the production
of the Seria oilfield’s billionth barrel of oil.
5. The Sultan Of Brunei Is The World’s Second
Longest Reigning Current Monarch
Hassanal Bolkiah, the current reigning monarch of Brunei, ascended the
throne on October 5, 1967. With over 50 years of rule, he is the world’s
second longest-reigning current monarch after Queen Elizabeth II of
Britain.