Page 11 - THE MELANESIA DIASPORA FILE CETAK ISI 10022017

the oral traditions of the people. Meanwhile, in Chapter 9, Searching for the Essence of Melanesia: History, Culture,
Ecology and Spirituality, he weaves a picture of Indonesia where the focus is on how philosophy, culture, ecology and the
religious or spiritual experience of Melanesians forms an important part of the Melanesian identity.
We hope that the different and independent views provided by the authors will help to broaden our understanding of
Melanesia in Indonesia. We also hope that it serves to show that the complex inter-relationships of Melanesia in Indonesia
cannot easily be separated from the unity of the country and that getting along, as Melanesians have done for millennia
with the Austronesian majority, is surely the best path to prosperity and dignity for all citizens in Indonesia in the future.
We hope that readers will find the book informative and useful.

Wassalamu’alaikum Wr. Wb.

Jakarta, September, 2016
Director General of Culture

Hilmar Farid

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