Burn it down: Continuing on with the bovine theme, a sarcophagus bursts after just a quick brush with flame. (Photo by David Arthur)
The laws of Indonesia set forth by the Sukarno government in the late 1940s make it mandatory to believe in one god, preferably the Islamic god. That often is not enough because just last week the Sunni Muslims of Madura Island forced all of the Shia Muslims from their homes and villages, and the Sunnis, who are in the majority and hold the power in Indonesia, will not allow the Shias to return to their homes until they agree to become Sunni. So it is unusual to see other cultures perform their ceremonies in Indonesia except those that have become part of the dominant culture from the animist past such as represented in the puppet theaters (Wayang).
Puppet master (dalang) and master carver M. Ahim with his wayang puppets in Ciampa, Indonesia, from Voices of the Puppet Masters: The Wayang Golek Theater of Indonesia by Mimi Herbert (2002). Photograph by Tara Sosrowardoyo
The Buddhists have been forced to move their meditation site from the famous Buddhist treasure at Borobudur on Java to a small Chinese village several miles removed.
So it will be a unique pleasure to witness Hindu cremation ceremonies on the Island of Bali while staying in Ubud.
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