Approaches to Islam in the Indonesian Cinema 1970s–1990s

Abstract

Approaches to Islam in the IndonesianCinema 1970s-1990sIn Indonesia, everyday religious practices are widely treated with respect in a way that is not the same as in a secular, consumerist society where religion tends to be relegated to the classroom, Sundays, Christmas, and to funerals and weddings. In predominantly Muslim Java and Sumatra it is not uncommon for people to politely absent themselves in order to go and pray, however briefly, carrying out the Muslim ritual prayer at certain key times of the day, including even at midday or in the afternoon, as well as at dawn or sunset or midnight. This can occur in many contexts, for example when one is visiting the home of a friend, but also in contexts of business or academic situations. In Hindu Bali one regularly sees women carrying-to shrines or sacred places near their homes-a small tray of offerings to the gods (canang sari); or one finds people one knows suddenly 'disappearing' from the neighbourhood for some days, as they depart to be part of religious ceremonies back in their home village. The Balinese are noted for their humour and camaraderie, but this goes together with respect for the individual, as though respect carries over from religion and its regular and recurrent ceremonies, both large and small, into a sense of the sacredness of everyday life and of the individual person. In Java a similar respect for the individual is found among many groups of people, especially in the way in which politeness and restraint are highly valued.