The Faded of Local Cultural due to Westernization

  Indonesia has entered an era of unprecedented global connectivity, where advancements and progress have permeated every aspect of the nation. The emergence of diverse civilizations has brought with it a kaleidoscope of cultures, each leaving an indelible mark on our society. This rapid modernization has resulted in significant internal and external transformations, with a profound impact on Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The allure of foreign cultures, often referred to as 'Westernization', has led to the erosion and even loss of our traditional customs, which have been passed down through generations. Consequently, our cultural identity is facing an unprecedented threat. 

   One of the most biggest impacts of westernization is the loss of local wisdom and traditions. This influence can be seen in the way of dressing, where traditional clothing is less and less used in everyday life and now being replaced by Western-style clothing which is considered more modern and practical. Apart from that, local languages are also getting less used because the younger generation more often uses foreign languages, especially English, which is considered more prestigious and supports future careers. 

Young Generation: Many of the younger generation prefer to follow foreign culture rather than indigenous Indonesian culture. They are easily influenced by social media and Western culture that is more popular and modern. 

Influence of Western Culture

 Western culture, such as lifestyle, fashion and technology, spreads widely through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. This makes many teenagers more interested in Western culture than their native Indonesian culture. 

Nowadays

In the era of advanced globalization, the influence of Western culture is very strong. Young people growing up in this era are more easily influenced by outside culture than native Indonesian culture. 

Indonesian society

The influence of westernization does not only occur in big cities, but also in the regions. Social media that is easily accessible throughout Indonesia allows Western culture to spread widely to various levels of society. 

Lack of Education

Lack of education about the importance of preserving Indonesia's indigenous culture makes the younger generation more easily influenced by outside cultures. They do not have enough knowledge to differentiate between positive and negative cultures. 

Social Media

Social media has become one of the main tools to spread Western culture. Teenagers easily see and imitate the lifestyle, fashion and behavior of Westerners through social media. This makes them more interested in Western culture than their native Indonesian culture. 

Changes in Mindset

The mindset of the younger generation has changed to become more individualistic and materialistic. They focus more on instant needs and modern lifestyles, thus ignoring the values of Indonesian culture. Thus, the influence of westernization can lead to the drowning of indigenous Indonesian culture because the younger generation is more easily influenced by more popular and modern foreign cultures, as well as a lack of education about the importance of preserving indigenous culture. 

  The influence of westernization has significantly contributed to the erosion of local wisdom and traditions. As traditional practices in areas such as clothing and language usage continue to decline, it becomes increasingly important to recognize the value of preserving cultural heritage. While modernization offers practical and professional advantages, it is crucial to strike a balance that allows for the coexistence of both modern and traditional elements. By doing so, societies can maintain their unique identities while navigating the globalized world