Largest Muslim Nation?

Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world with a population of 270 million about 85% of which are Muslim. However, we really didn't know what to expect when we came to Jakarta. We were briefed about all the do's and do not's of the local culture especially for one that is widely Islamic. We read that Indonesians mostly practice a very moderate Islam, but did not know exactly what that looked like.

The level of moderation in the Indonesians' practice of Islam is incredible. Yes, we are woken up most days by the Call to Prayer, but generally you could easily forget that you are in the most Muslim nation in the world. I have yet to see a burqa, and hijabs are more of a fashion item then a religious practice. The women are dressed very fashionable and sometimes not so moderately. They also are comfortable with running up to us, grabbing us, and taking pictures with us. It is uncomfortable not knowing what is the acceptable level of interaction: do we put our arm around them for the picture? They didn't seem to mind.

The Indonesian culture and history greatly affects every aspect of the country including it's politics and religion. These islands have always been trading posts where religions, cultures, and ideas mixed, and  the economies of these islands relied on good relations with all peoples for trade. This and the influences of Hinduism on the culture has created a personality that is focused on harmony and results in a culture of syncretism which does not bode well with any form of hardline or extreme Islamic practices like we see in other countries in the Middle East. Some say that any Muslim from the Middle East would say the people here aren't actually Muslim by their standard.

Hello ladies

working at McDonalds