？
This paper is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest nation in Southeast Asia in terms of population. This tropical archipelago nation is located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is culturally and linguistically diverse. This paper looks at the geography, history, culture, politics, economy, and security of Indonesia.
Geography
Indonesia covers an area of 1,904,569 square kilometers, consisting of 17,508 islands, and 3,000 of the islands are inhabited. Indonesia lies between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is the world’s largest archipelagic nation. It is the world’s 16th most populous country with some 273 million people. The Indonesian archipelago is divided into two parts by the Wallace Line, a historic biogeographical line named after Alfred Russel Wallace who noticed the distinct difference in animal life on either side of the line. The countrys capital is Jakarta, located on Java island, the world’s most populous island. Indonesia consists of five main islands: Sumatra, the largest island; then, Java, the most populous; Sulawesi; Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo); and Irian Jaya (the western part of New Guinea) plus around 18,000 smaller islands.
History
A unified Indonesian kingdom can trace its roots to the 4th century CE when Hindu kingdoms ruled over much of the island of Java, but for centuries Indonesian history was mainly shaped by its position at the juncture of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Various European explorers and traders first visited the region during the 16th century. Following the introduction of Islam around this time, Arab and Indian Muslim traders mixed with Javanese culture, further causing Indonesia’s cultural mix.
In 1602 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) was established and it eventually established European control of the Indies. The VOC ran a mercantile mercantilist system that saw the territorial boundaries of the Dutch East Indies expand to include much of modern day Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. By the mid-19th century, the Indonesian archipelago was administered under a single colonial government with the capital in Batavia (Jakarta). In the early 20th century, colonial power shifted from the Dutch East Indies to Japanese forces. After World War II, Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945.
Culture
Indonesian culture is characterized by an incredible mix of the Indian, Arabic, Chinese, European and Malay cultures, that have all been fused into a unique and creative hybrid. Indonesia has the world’s largest population of Muslims and is a secular country that is home to different religions and cultures that co-exist peacefully. Indonesian culture reflects the country’s various ethnic backgrounds; including Javanese, Sumatran, and Balinese. Indonesian music is widely varied including styles from sacred gamelan to distinctive pop to traditional kroncong, the style originally created by immigrants from Portugal.
Politics
Indonesia is a referendal republic made up of 34 provinces, each of which elect their own governors. There is a bicameral legislature, the Peoples Representative Council (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (MPR). The executive branch is headed by the President, who serves as both head of state and head of government. The President is elected directly by the populace and is assisted by a cabinet.
Economy
Indonesia is the world’s 16th most powerful economy. It is a major exporter of crude oil and natural gas and leads the world in production of palm oil and coffe. Indonesia has a predominantly service-based economy, with agriculture, mining, and manufacturing significant contributors to the economy as well. The country’s major exports include oil, gas, textiles, lumber, rubber, and other agricultural products.
Security
Indonesia is a major player in regional security. The country plays a pivotal role in managing transnational and regional issues and is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country is also a key participant in the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA), a regional security agreement among Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Indonesia also participates in regional forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, ARF, and the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADDM), established in 2011, which aims to promote dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues.
To sum up, Indonesia is a large and diverse country with a unique geography, history, culture, politics, economy and a strong commitment to peace and security in the region. Its culture, in particular, makes it a unique destination for travelers. As an emerging economic power and a major player in regional security, Indonesia plays an important role in the global community.
