Indonesia
Official Name: Republic of Indonesia (Republik Indonesia)
Location: Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Capital: Nusantara (official, under development; Jakarta remains administrative until full move)
Largest City: Jakarta
Geography:
- World’s largest archipelago: ~17,000 islands (about 6,000 inhabited).
- Major islands: Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan, shared with Malaysia & Brunei), Sulawesi, Papua (western half of New Guinea).
- Equatorial climate; prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
- Borders: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor (land); maritime borders with Singapore, Philippines, Australia, India.
Population:
- About 280 million (2025), 4th most populous country in the world.
- Diverse ethnic groups: Javanese (largest), Sundanese, Batak, Minangkabau, Bugis, Papuan, and many others.
- Majority religion: Islam (world’s largest Muslim population). Also Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, local traditions.
Languages:
- Official: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
- Hundreds of local languages and dialects (e.g., Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese).
Government:
- Unitary presidential republic.
- President: Head of state and government.
- Legislature: People’s Consultative Assembly (bicameral – DPR & DPD).
- Decentralized governance with provinces and regional autonomy.
Economy:
- Largest economy in Southeast Asia; member of G20.
- Major sectors: natural resources (oil, gas, coal, palm oil, rubber, nickel), agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, digital economy.
- Key industries: textiles, electronics, automotive, mining.
- Strategic role in global trade due to sea routes.
History:
- Ancient kingdoms: Srivijaya, Majapahit.
- Influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, later Islam.
- Colonized by the Dutch (17th–20th century).
- Declared independence on 17 August 1945 (from the Netherlands).
- Sukarno became first president; Suharto’s “New Order” followed; democratization began in late 1990s.
Culture:
- Rich traditions in dance, music (gamelan, dangdut), batik, shadow puppetry (wayang).
- Famous for Bali’s Hindu culture and tourism.
- Cuisine: rice-based, with spices, satay, rendang, nasi goreng, sambal.
- Sports: badminton (national strength), soccer, pencak silat (martial art).
- Major festivals: Idul Fitri, Nyepi (Balinese New Year), Christmas, Vesak.
Symbols:
National Symbol: Garuda Pancasila (emblem of Pancasila philosophy).
National Motto: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity).
National Flag: Red and white.
National Anthem: “Indonesia Raya.”
National Bird: Garuda (mythical bird).
