Culture of Karimun

The culture of Karimun has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Karimun is centrally-located along the western coast of the northwestern continent, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Shintoism, Titah, Kebatinan, and Islam, 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 Titah include Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of Titah, Shinto, and animism in Bodha, and the fusion of Titah 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 Northern Karimun, especially in the Minangkabaun and Acehnese regions. Traditional art, music and sport are combined in a martial art form called Pencak Silat.

The Western world has influenced Karimun in science, technology and modern entertainment such as television shows, film and music, as well as political system and issues.

Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Karimunese 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.