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EMELIA
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..................................................................................................................................................
[x] leadeR
EMELIA
[x] group members
[x] SHERMAINE
[x] VICTORIA
[x] DORA
[x] tkgs
[x] 1e4'07
< My Say >
Sunday, August 26, 2007
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Information About The People
There is some indication that the Palembangese are the descendants of Javanese and Chinese kingdom administrators, although the Chinese identity is not readily admitted. One acknowledged expert on the Palembangese, himself a descendant of kings, states that his people are the result of a "melting pot" effect that occurred along the banks of the Musi River years ago. Over the centuries Arabs, Asian Indians, Chinese, Javanese, and other Indonesian ethnic groups blended into one group called the Palembangese.
Religion
The majority [about 85%] of the population follow Islam, which in most cases is strongly influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and older pagan and animistic beliefs. The Hindu population lives mainly on Bali, and there are Christians scattered throughout the country, more than two-thirds of whom are Protestant and the remainder mainly Roman Catholic. Most Chinese practice Buddhism and Confucianism. In remote areas some tribal religions are practiced. Thought the Indonesian Constitution provides freedom of religion to all its citizens and states "every person shall be free to choose and to practice the religion of his/her choice" and "guarantees all persons the freedom of worship, each according to his/her own religion or belief". However, the First Principle of the State Philosophy' "Pancasila", upholds a "Belief in One Supreme God". In Indonesia, religion plays a major role in everyday life of people. There are a number of different religions that are practiced in Indonesia, which exude a significant influence on the country's political, economical and cultural life. As of 1998, approximately 88% of Indonesia's 222 million people are Muslims, 5% are Protestant, 3% are Catholic, 2% are Hindu, 1% is Buddhist, and 1% believes in other religions. Officially, there are only six religions that are recognized by the Indonesian Government, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The government is however tolerant of other religions as well.
Traditions
Nearly all Palembangese are Muslim. Despite their Islamic religion, they ultimately respect tradition more highly. In their daily lives, they hold to the belief that "tradition is to be held in one's lap, and Islamic law is to be held in high esteem." They remain proud of their traditions, as well as of the fact that even those with high educational achievements strongly maintain Palembangese customs.
Goods Exchanged
Zheng He liberally dispensed Chinese gifts of silk, porcelain, and other goods. In return, he received rich and unusual presents from his hosts, including African zebras and giraffes that ended their days in the Ming imperial zoo.
My keyboard rests at 3:14 AM
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