How could Indonesia become Majority Buddhist when Islam is present in the region?
Bonus points if Malaysia and Philippines are majority as well.
Bonus points if Malaysia and Philippines are majority as well.
Arab traders were already present in those parts 700/800 ad. But Islam spread around 500 years later in otl. It coincided with the fall of Majapahit when everything fell like dominos after Demak sultanate put the nail in the coffin for hindu/Buddhist states.
Majapahit or another Hindu/Buddhist power controlling those parts can be that hindrance to Islam spreading. Islam in otl spreads politically.
India remained Hindu majority despite strong Muslim pressure so it hardly is impossible for Indonesia remaining Buddhist majority area.
Have Brawijaya win a decisive victory over Raden Patah's Islamic forces, maybe have the Aceh and Turks did not support Demak rebellion as much as they have done IOTL
Couldn't you just have a more successful Pagaruyung Kingdom that dominates Sumatra and ends up conquering the remnants of the Majapahit Thalassocracy?
Sunan Ampel initially works under "diplomatic immunity" because he's a Pasai courtier. And the Ottomans gave Raden Patah cannons as well as military advisors...
Raden Patah start as Aceh puppet, that was written in Chinese Chronicles...