INTRODUCTION: The Roles of Hinduism
Hinduism played a significant role in the pre-colonial Indonesian history, creating numerous positive influences to its peoples and kingdoms. Hinduism was indeed one of the major religions of the Indonesian Nusantara, expanding through the archipelago throughout the 5th to the 13th century AD. Replacing ancient pagan religions in Indonesia, the fresh & new Hindu religion brought many changes to the society and provided ethics through its religious teachings including several famous folklores such as the “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana”. Hindu scriptures eventually developed the Indonesian culture and created essential reforms in creating organized and spiritual kingdoms. Primarily, the Hindu religion in Indonesia is associated with the island of Bali which is one of the only provinces in Indonesia with the biggest Hindu population.