Lasting Legacy
There are several impacts of
Dutch and Portuguese colonialism still visible today. Although Christianity is
not the largest religion in Indonesia, it is still a major religion. It was
introduced by the Portuguese in 1511. Many surnames among Indonesian Christians
are Portuguese, such as Fatima or Omar. Other European influences came from the
Dutch. Many of the crops grown in Indonesia were introduced by the Dutch
Cultivation System, which forced farmers to grow crops that would be popular in
European markets. The effects of the Ethical system are also visible. Many
bridges and roads built by the Dutch still stand today. Finally, the culture of
Indonesia is very much influenced by the Dutch.
Much of the architecture is fashioned after the Dutch colonial style.
There are also plays and music influenced by them.