Sabah Mannan
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, the most populous Muslim-majority country with 86.1% Muslims, while Christians stand at 8.7% and Hindus at 3%.
This results many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions. Bali the only island and provinces of Indonesia, where the predominant religion is Hinduism with 91% Hindus, there are seen many sculptures of Hindu gods though sculptures are also seen in other provinces including the capital Jakarta.
Jesus Blessing is a statue of Jesus Christ in Manado City, Indonesia that is the capital city of the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia. There are many churches in the city but one can still can hear Adzan (Prayer Calling for muslims) five times a day. The Jesus Blessing The structure stands 50 metres tall and consists of 20 metres of pedestal and 30 metres of statue. It is made of 25 tonnes of metal fiber and 35 tonnes of steel, and is located at the peak of the Citra Land residential estate. This statue has become a new icon of Manado city and as of 2010, it is Asia’s 2nd tallest and the world’s 4th tallest statue of Christ.
Gandaria City Mall in South Jakarta, Indonesia is one of the major malls of the country. There is a huge sculpture displayed openly at the lobby. It is a tribute to the large yoga movement in Jakarta city.
However, when viewed from the other side, the huge sculpture can be a bit provocative. Positive movement between cultural and religious emancipation grows in this diverse country.
The Arjuna Wijaya Statue was unveiled in August 1987, near the Air Mancur intersection on the southern tip of Jalan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta near the Monas Square. The statue depicts Arjuna going to war in a chariot driven by God Krishna. The chariot is driven by eight strong horses. It brings to mind the famous Sanskrit poem the Bhagawad Gita (Song of the Lord) which is incorporated into the great Mahabharata epic.
Dotu Lolong Lasut Statue
Lolong Lasut is believed to be the founder of Manado, who lived in the early 16th century. He was a religious and respected person. He did the pioneering work to build “Tumani Negeri Wenang”, which is now known as Manado. He also led the locals in fighting against Portuguese invaders.
Pierre Tendean and Wolter Mongonsidi
These are statues of two Indonesian national heroes. Pierre Tendean was an Indonesian army lieutenant when he was kidnapped and shot to death in 1965, as he protected one of the Indonesian high profile army generals. He was killed along with six army generals. Later the government awarded him with a posthumous rank of captain for his bravery. His body is buried in Jakarta’s national heroes cemetery. .
Worang Battalion Troops Landing Point Monument
This monument of seven soldiers was inaugurated on 10 May 1954, located near Pasar 45, where Dotu Lolong Lasut statue stands (see above).
The battalion was named after a high ranking Minahasan officer in the Indonesian military in the early stage after Indonesia declared its independence in 1945. The Worang Battalion landed in south Sulawesi in order to fight against a local Dutch-backed rebellion.
Sam Ratulangi Statue
The statue is of North Sulawesi?s first governor, Dr. Sam Ratulangi (1890-1949), a native of North Sulawesi, who was an intellectual and a national hero for his dedication to his country against the Netherlands occupation through education. His statue is located near Grandpuri Hotel and Manado’s main football stadium (Klabat Stadium).
Indonesia is constitutionally a secular state and the first principle of Indonesia’s philosophical foundation, Pancasila, is “belief in the one and only God”. A number of different religions are practised in the country, and their collective influence on the country’s political, economic and cultural life is significant. The Indonesian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion.
Edited By Rubaiya Tripty