Overview of Indonesia

Profile

Located at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Southeast Asia's major power with nearly 300 million people across approximately 1.9 million km². With abundant natural resources and strategic maritime routes, it prospered as a trading hub since ancient times, and was a Dutch colony until the 19th century. Following the 1945 declaration of independence, it maintains a secular presidential republic based on Pancasila, leading regional diplomacy as ASEAN's central nation. While having the world's largest Muslim population, it hosts a coexistence of Hinduism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs, with diverse cultures flourishing. The economy is driven by resources, manufacturing, and digital industries, enhancing international voice as G20 and BRICS member.

Official name: Republic of Indonesia
Common name: Indonesia
Numeric code: 360
Alpha-3 code: IDN
Alpha-2 code: ID
Population: Approximately 278 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 146 per km²
Primary languages: Indonesian
Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism
National anthem: Indonesia Raya
Calling code: +62
Internet TLD: .id

History

Through ancient kingdoms and colonial rule, gained independence in 1945; currently a democratic presidential system nation.

Maritime kingdoms like Srivijaya and Majapahit rose from the 5th century, prospering through spice trade. From the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company gained hegemony, with direct Dutch rule through the early 20th century. Following Japanese military occupation, Sukarno and others declared independence on August 17, 1945, gaining international recognition in 1949 after independence war against the Netherlands. Through Sukarno's "Guided Democracy" and Suharto's "New Order," democratization advanced during the 1998 reform period (Reformasi). Currently equipped with direct presidential elections and multi-party parliament, capital gradually relocating from Jakarta to Nusantara on Kalimantan.

Geography & climate

Over 17,000 islands along the equator are adorned with volcanic mountain ranges and coral reefs, forming diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforests, mangrove wetlands, and peatlands.

Tropical monsoon and tropical rainforest climates

Area: Asia / 1904569 km²
Capital: Jakarta (capital relocation planned: Nusantara)
Largest city: Jakarta
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Toba, Lake Tempe, Lake Sentarum
Bordering countries: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor

Natural resources

Petroleum, Natural gas, Coal, Nickel, Tin, Gold, Copper, Bauxite, Palm oil, Natural rubber, Tropical timber, Seafood, Coffee, Cocoa, Copra

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

GDP (nominal): 1.41 trillion dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 4.25 trillion dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Indonesian

Time zone: WIB (Western Indonesia Time), WITA (Central Indonesia Time), WIT (Eastern Indonesia Time)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Javanese, Sundanese, Batak, Minangkabau, Madurese, Buginese, Balinese, Papuan Melanesian, Chinese Indonesian

Life expectancy

72.5 years

Literacy rate

95.7%

National sports

Football, Badminton, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, Basketball, Esports