On Friday, May 5, 2026, students of the Indonesian Literature Class of 2024 participated in an online Folklore course featuring an international guest lecturer, Dr. Van Kim Hoang Ha from Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The lecture, entitled “Differences Between Indonesian and Vietnamese Folklore,” offered valuable insights into the rich oral traditions and cultural heritage of these two Southeast Asian countries.
The session provided students with a unique opportunity to understand that folklore is more than merely a collection of folk tales. Rather, it serves as a reflection of a community’s values, history, beliefs, and cultural identity. Through Dr. Ha’s presentation, participants were invited to explore how folklore develops within different social and cultural contexts in Indonesia and Vietnam.
The Diversity of Indonesian Folklore
During her presentation, Dr. Ha explained that both Indonesia and Vietnam possess rich folklore traditions that have been passed down orally from generation to generation. In both countries, folklore functions as a medium for transmitting moral values, character education, and cultural identity. Folk narratives not only entertain audiences but also serve as tools for introducing social norms and cultural values to younger generations.
One of the defining characteristics of Indonesian folklore is its remarkable diversity. As an archipelagic nation consisting of hundreds of ethnic groups, Indonesia is home to thousands of folk tales rooted in distinct cultural traditions. Stories such as Sangkuriang, Timun Mas, and the Legend of Lake Toba demonstrate how each region possesses unique narratives that reflect local geography, customs, and worldviews.
Furthermore, Indonesian folklore has been shaped by the various cultural influences that have flourished throughout the archipelago, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and indigenous traditions. These influences can be observed in numerous forms of oral literature, wayang performances, hikayat, and legends that continue to thrive within Indonesian society.
Characteristics of Vietnamese Folklore
In contrast to Indonesia’s vast ethnic and geographical diversity, Vietnamese folklore has largely developed from an agrarian society centered on rice cultivation. Vietnamese folk tales frequently depict the relationship between humans and nature, the lives of farmers, reverence for ancestors, and the importance of communal solidarity.
Dr. Ha also highlighted the influence of Confucianism and Buddhism on Vietnamese folklore. The values derived from these traditions have shaped narratives that emphasize morality, filial piety, family loyalty, and social harmony. As a result, many Vietnamese folk stories convey strong ethical lessons and reinforce the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within society.
Beyond folk tales, Vietnam is also known for its epic traditions and ritual narratives preserved by various ethnic communities. One notable example is the epic literature of the Muong people, which recounts stories about the origins of the world and humanity. These traditions constitute an important part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.
Similarities and Differences
Despite emerging from different cultural backgrounds, Indonesian and Vietnamese folklore share several important similarities. Both traditions contain moral teachings, promote virtuous behavior, and are transmitted orally across generations. Folk narratives in both countries often revolve around themes of justice, wisdom, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil.
Nevertheless, significant differences remain. Indonesian folklore reflects extensive cultural diversity due to its origins in numerous ethnic groups and islands. Vietnamese folklore, on the other hand, more prominently portrays agrarian life, ancestor worship, and the philosophical influences that have shaped Vietnamese society throughout history.
The Importance of Understanding Cross-Cultural Folklore
The online lecture demonstrated that folklore is not merely a cultural relic of the past but also a valuable means of understanding how societies perceive and interpret life. By comparing Indonesian and Vietnamese folklore, students gained insights into how cultural traditions are shaped by historical experiences, environmental conditions, and systems of belief.
The activity also broadened participants’ intercultural perspectives and strengthened their awareness of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in an era of globalization. Understanding the folklore of other nations enables students not only to appreciate foreign cultures but also to develop a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s own rich cultural heritage.
The lecture with Dr. Van Kim Hoang Ha served as a testament to the important role of folklore studies in fostering intercultural dialogue. Through folklore, people from different backgrounds can learn from one another, appreciate cultural differences, and discover universal values that connect societies across the world.