Indonesia
Overview
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state, spanning Southeast Asia and Oceania, and consists of approximately 17,000 islands. With a population of approximately 270–280 million, it is the world's fourth most populous country after China, India, and the United States, and it has the world's largest Muslim population. Its official name is the Republic of Indonesia (Republik Indonesia), and as a founding member of ASEAN and a G20 member, it occupies a key position in regional and international politics and economics.
Main Content
Geography and Natural Environment
Indonesia comprises five major islands—Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (southern Borneo), Sulawesi, and western Papua—along with thousands of large and small islands. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, it experiences frequent volcanic activity and earthquakes, and has about 130 active volcanoes. With a tropical rainforest climate, it has among the world's highest levels of biodiversity, and is home to endemic species such as the Komodo dragon, orangutan, and Sumatran tiger. The jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, one of the world's three great tropical rainforests, face severe environmental destruction from the expansion of palm oil plantations and logging.
History
In ancient times, powerful maritime kingdoms such as Srivijaya and Majapahit flourished, and Islam spread after the 13th century. From the 16th century, Portugal and the Netherlands advanced into the region, and it was under colonial rule by the Dutch East India Company for about 350 years. On August 17, 1945, Sukarno declared independence, and in 1949 full independence from the Netherlands was recognized. Thereafter, it underwent Sukarno's Guided Democracy, Suharto's New Order regime (1966–1998), and the 1998 reform (reformasi), leading to democratization.
Politics and Administration
It is a presidential republic, and the president and vice president are directly elected for five-year terms. The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), composed of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD), serves as the legislature. Since 1998, decentralization has greatly expanded, granting substantial autonomy to 38 provinces (provinsi). In the 2024 presidential election, Prabowo Subianto was elected and took office in October, with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, son of former President Joko Widodo, as vice president.
Economy
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a G20 member, ranking around 16th in the world by GDP. Major industries include energy resources such as oil, natural gas, and coal; palm oil; mining (nickel, copper, gold); manufacturing; and tourism. Nickel in particular has emerged as a key raw material for electric vehicle batteries, and Indonesia has become the world's largest producer; the government is strongly pushing a 'downstream' policy that bans raw ore exports and promotes domestic smelting and battery industries. However, rupiah volatility, youth unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and overconcentration in Java remain challenges.
Culture and Language
It is a multicultural country where about 1,300 ethnic groups and more than 700 languages coexist. The official language is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), and regional languages such as Javanese and Sundanese are also used. There is no state religion, but about 87% of the population believes in Islam, and Christianity, Hinduism (Bali), Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs also coexist. Balinese Hindu culture, Javanese gamelan music, batik dyeing craft, and the shadow puppet theater wayang are inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Recent Developments
Since the Prabowo Subianto government took office in October 2024, it has been pursuing a free meal program, strengthening defense capabilities, and aiming for 8% economic growth, centered on the eight Asta Cita national priorities. The capital relocation project is moving the administrative capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, but its pace is being adjusted due to budget and scheduling issues. Externally, while maintaining 'balanced diplomacy' between the United States and China, it pursued BRICS membership and was approved as a full member in January 2025. Cooperation and competition with the United States and China over the nickel and EV battery value chain, international pressure over carbon emissions and forest conservation, and strengthening regional leadership through its role as ASEAN chair have emerged as major topics. The digital economy is growing rapidly, and the startup ecosystem is expanding in e-commerce, fintech, and ride-sharing (Gojek, Grab).
Related Topics
- [[ASEAN]]
- [[Jakarta]]
- [[Nusantara]]
- [[Southeast Asia]]
- [[Prabowo Subianto]]
- [[Nickel industry]]
- [[G20]]