ABSTRACT

The fifteenth century, which is said to mark the decline of the so-called Indo-Javanese civilization, is more correctly described as a period of transition in which old values of Hindu and Buddhist ideologies undergo profound changes. On the one hand, their influence weakens as an everincreasing part of the population is converted to Islam; on the other hand, they absorb elements of original Austronesian beliefs and practices. Both factors played an important part in the changes which can be noticed during this period. Yet, there is another factor that is often neglected or ignored: the striking increase in international relations between Java and other parts of southern and eastern Asia. It is true that such relations are often connected with the expansion of Islam, which stimulated trade between Muslim centres. Although this is undoubtedly an important factor, there are other aspects that may be considered.