Indonesia: Difference between revisions

From Citizendium
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>Michael J. Lowe
(updating with much better version from wikipedia)
mNo edit summary
 
(29 intermediate revisions by 15 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox Country or territory
{{subpages}}  
|native_name              = ''Republik Indonesia''
'''Indonesia''', officially the '''Republic of Indonesia''' ([[Bahasa Indonesia|Indonesian]]: ''Republik Indonesia''), is a country in [[Southeast Asia]]. It is an [[archipelago]] of more than 17,000 islands, currently the fourth most populous country in the world. As of 2006, Indonesia has a population of 222 million people.[http://citypopulation.de/Indonesia-CU.html] The capital and largest city is [[Jakarta]], and the currency is [[Rupiah]]. The [[official language]] is ''[[Bahasa Indonesia]]''.
|conventional_long_name  = Republic of Indonesia
|common_name              = Indonesia
|image_flag              = Flag_of_Indonesia.svg
|image_coat              = Coat_of_Indonesia_transparent.png
|symbol_type              = Coat of arms
|image_map                = LocationIndonesia.svg
|national_motto          = "[[Bhinneka Tunggal Ika]]"{{nbsp|2}}<small>([[Old Javanese language|Old Javanese]])<br/>"Unity in Diversity"</small><br/>[[Ideology|National ideology]]: [[Pancasila Indonesia|Pancasila]]
|national_anthem          = ''[[Indonesia Raya]]''
|official_languages      = [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]
|capital                  = [[Jakarta]]
|latd=6 |latm=08 |latNS=S |longd=106 |longm=45 |longEW=E
|largest_city            = Jakarta
|government_type          = [[Republic]]
|leader_title1            = [[List of Presidents of Indonesia|President]]
|leader_title2            = [[List of Vice Presidents of Indonesia|Vice President]]
|leader_name1            = [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]]
|leader_name2            = [[Jusuf Kalla]]
|area_rank                = 16th
|area_magnitude          = 1_E10
|area                    = 1,904,569
|areami²                  = 735,355 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water            = 4.85
|population_estimate      = 222,781,000
|population_estimate_year = 2005
|population_estimate_rank = 4th
|population_census        = 206,264,595
|population_census_year  = 2000
|population_density      = 117
|population_densitymi²    = 303 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank  = 84th
|GDP_PPP_year            = 2005
|GDP_PPP                  = US$977.4 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank            = 15th
|GDP_PPP_per_capita      = US$4,458<ref name="IMF">{{cite press release |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]] |url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2006/01/data/dbcoutm.cfm?SD=2005&ED=2005&R1=1&R2=1&CS=3&SS=2&OS=C&DD=0&OUT=1&C=536&S=PPPWGT-PPPPC&RequestTimeout=120&CMP=0&x=45&y=5 Estimate |accessdate=2006-10-05 |title=World Economic Outlook Database |date=April 2006}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank  = 110th
|HDI_year                = 2004
|HDI                      = {{increase}} 0.711
|HDI_rank                = 108th
|HDI_category            = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|sovereignty_type        = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note        = from the [[Netherlands]]
|established_event1      = Declared
|established_event2      = Recognized
|established_date1        = [[17 August]] [[1945]]
|established_date2        = [[27 December]] [[1949]]
|currency                = [[Indonesian rupiah|Rupiah]]
|currency_code            = IDR
|time_zone                = various
|utc_offset              = +7 to +9
|time_zone_DST            = ''not observed''
|utc_offset_DST          =
|cctld                    = [[.id]]
|calling_code            = 62
|footnotes                =
}}
'''Indonesia''', officially the '''Republic of Indonesia''' ([[Bahasa Indonesia|Indonesian]]: ''Republik Indonesia''), is a [[island nation|nation of 17,508 islands]]<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=[[Library of Congress|U.S Library of Congress]] |title=Country Profile: Indonesia |date=December 2004 |accessdate=2006-12-09 |url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Indonesia.pdf}}</ref> in the [[South East Asia|South East Asian]] [[archipelago]], making it the world's largest archipelagic state. With a population of over 200 million, it is the world's fourth [[List of countries by population|most populous]] country and the most populous [[Muslim]]-majority nation. Indonesia is the world's third largest democracy after [[India]] and the [[United States|USA]]. Its capital is [[Jakarta]] and it shares land borders with [[Papua New Guinea]], [[East Timor]], and [[Malaysia]].


The Indonesian Archipelago, home of the [[Spice Islands]], has been an important trade destination since [[China|Chinese]] sailors first profited from the [[spice trade]] in ancient times. Indonesia's history has been influenced by numerous foreign powers that were drawn to the archipelago by its wealth of natural resources; these have included [[India|Indians]], under whose influence [[Hinduism in Southeast Asia|Hindu]] and [[Buddhist]] kingdoms flourished beginning in the early centuries AD, [[Muslim]] traders who spread [[Islam]] in [[medieval]] times, and [[Europe|Europeans]] who fought for monopolization of the spice trade during the [[Age of Exploration]]. Indonesia was [[Dutch East Indies|colonized]] by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] for over three centuries; however, the nation declared its [[Indonesian independence|independence]] in 1945, which was internationally recognized four years later. Indonesia's post-independence history has been turbulent, with political instability and corruption, periods of rapid economic growth and decline, environmental catastrophe, and a recent [[Reformation (Indonesia)|democratization]] process.
== Heads of state ==
The Head of State of Indonesia is the president.
# Soekarno
# Soeharto
# Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie
# Abdurrahman Wahid
# Megawati Soekarnoputri
# Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono


Indonesia is a [[unitary state]] consisting of numerous distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups spread across its numerous islands. A shared history of [[colonialism]], [[Indonesian War of Independence|rebellion against it]], a [[Indonesian language|national language]], and a [[Islam in Indonesia|Muslim majority population]] help to define Indonesia as a state. Indonesia's national motto, "''Bhinneka tunggal ika''" ("Unity in diversity", derived from [[Old Javanese language|Old Javanese]]), reflects the amalgamation of a myriad cultures, languages, and [[ethnic group]]s that shape every aspect of the country. Sectarian tensions, however, have threatened political stability in some regions, leading to violent confrontations.
== Administrative divisions ==
 
# Aceh
==Etymology==
# North Sumatra
The name ''Indonesia'' was derived from [[Greek language|Greek]] ''indus'', meaning "India", and ''nesos'', meaning "islands".<ref name="EcoSeas1">{{cite book |last=Tomascik |first=T |coauthors=Mah, J.A., Nontji, A., Moosa, M.K. |title=The Ecology of the Indonesian Seas - Part One |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd. |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |id=ISBN 962-593-078-7}}</ref> Dating back to the [[18th century|eighteenth century]], the name far predates the formation of the Indonesian nation.<ref name="indoety">{{id icon}} {{cite news |last=Anshory |first=Irfan |coauthors= |title=Asal Usul Nama Indonesia |publisher=Pikiran Rakyat |date=2004-08-16 |url=http://www.pikiran-rakyat.com/cetak/0804/16/0802.htm |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref> In 1850, an [[England|English]] [[ethnologist]] George Earl proposed to call the inhabitants of "Indian Archipelago or Malayan Archipelago" as either "Indunesians" or "Malayunesians"; preferring the latter term.<ref name="JIAEA_1">{{cite journal |last=Earl |first=George S. W. |title=On The Leading Characteristics of the Papuan, Australian and Malay-Polynesian Nations |journal=Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (JIAEA) |date=1850 |pages=119}}</ref> J.C. Logan, Earl's student, used "Indonesia" in the same publication as a synonym for "Indian Archipelago".<ref name="JIAEA_2">''Ibid'', pp. 254, 277&ndash;278.</ref> The [[Dutch people|Dutch]] academics who had an important position for the [[Dutch East Indies|East Indies]] publications, however, were reluctant to use "Indonesia".<ref name="kroef1951">{{cite journal |title=The Term Indonesia: Its Origin and Usage |journal=Journal of the American Oriental Society |author=Jusuf M. van der Kroef |volume=71 |issue=3 |pages=166&ndash;171 |date=1951 |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-0279%28195107%2F09%2971%3A3%3C166%3ATTIIOA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5}}</ref> They used either the term of "Malay Archipelago" (''Maleische Archipel''), the "Netherlands East Indies" (''Nederlandsch Oost Indïes''), popularly ''Indïe'', "the East" (''de Oost'') or even ''Insulinde,'' a term introduced in a novel by [[Max Havelaar]] in 1860. After 1900, the term Indonesia began to spread in academic circles outside the Netherlands, and Indonesian nationalist groups began to use the term for their political expression.<ref name="kroef1951"/> The first Indonesian scholar to use the name was [[Ki Hajar Dewantara|Suwardi Suryaningrat]] (Ki Hajar Dewantara) when he established a [[press]] bureau with the name of ''Indonesisch Pers-bureau'' in the [[Netherlands]] in 1913.<ref name="indoety"/>
# West Sumatra
 
# Riau
==History==
# Riau Islands
{{main|History of Indonesia}}
# Jambi
[[Image:Koeh-097.jpg|thumb|170px|right|The [[nutmeg]] plant; native to Indonesia's [[Banda Islands]] and once one of the world's most valuable commodies, which drew European colonial powers to Indonesia]]
# South Sumatra
 
# Bangka-Belitung
Fossil evidence suggests the Indonesian archipelago was inhabited by ''[[Homo erectus]]'',<ref name="homerectus1">{{cite journal |last=Pope |title=Recent advances in far eastern paleoanthropology |journal=Annual Review of Anthropology |volume=17 |pages=43-77 |publisher=Annual Review |date=1988 |accessdate= }} cited in {{cite book |last=Whitten |first=T |coauthors=Soeriaatmadja, R. E., Suraya A. A. |title=The Ecology of Java and Bali |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |pages=309-312 |id= }}</ref> popularly termed the "[[Java Man]]". Estimates of its existence range from 500,000<ref name="homerectus2">{{cite journal |last=Pope |first=G |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Evidence on the Age of the Asian Hominidae |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |volume=80 |issue=16 |pages=4,988-4992 |publisher=National Academy of Sciences |date=August 15, 1983 |url=http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/16/4988 |accessdate= }}
# Bengkulu
cited in {{cite book |last=Whitten |first=T |coauthors=Soeriaatmadja, R. E., Suraya A. A. |title=The Ecology of Java and Bali |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |pages=309 |id= }}</ref> to 2 million years ago.<ref name="homerectus3">{{cite journal |last=de Vos |first=J.P. |coauthors=P.Y. Sondaar, |title=Dating hominid sites in Indonesia |journal=Science Magazine |volume=266 |issue=16 |pages=4,988-4992 |publisher=The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) |date=9 December 1994 |url=http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/266/5191/1726.pdf |doi=10.1126/science.7992059 |accessdate= }}
# Lampung
cited in {{cite book |last=Whitten |first=T |coauthors=Soeriaatmadja, R. E., Suraya A. A. |title=The Ecology of Java and Bali |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |pages=309 |id= }}</ref> The [[Austronesian people]] who form the majority of todays population, migrated to [[South East Asia]] from [[Taiwan]] and first arrived in Indonesia around 2,000 BC, relegating an existing population of [[Melanesians|Melanesian people]] to the far eastern regions as they expanded. Ideal agricultural conditions and the mastering of [[Paddy field|wet-field]] [[rice]] cultivation as early as the [[7th century|seventh century]] BC<!--BC is correct, not AD!--> allowed villages, towns, and eventually small kingdoms to flourish by the [[1st century|first century AD]]. Around the same time, the region established trade between both [[India]] and [[China]]. Fostered by Indonesia’s strategic sea-lane position, trade continued to be one of the most important influences on the country’s history.
# [[Jakarta]]
 
# Banten
It was upon this trade, and the [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]] that was brought with it, that the [[Sriwijaya]] kingdom flourished from the seventh century AD. It became a powerful naval state, growing wealthy on the international trade it controlled through the region until its decline in the twelfth century. During the eighth and tenth centuries AD, the agriculturally-based Buddhist [[Sailendra]] and Hindu [[Mataram Kingdom|Mataram]] dynasties thrived and declined in inland Java with grand monuments built, including [[Borobudur]] and [[Prambanan]] respectively. The Hindu [[Majapahit]] kingdom was founded in eastern Java in 1294, and under its military commander [[Gajah Mada]] stretched over much of modern day Indonesia in 1350. This period is referred to as a "Golden Age" in the country’s history.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The next great empire |author=Peter Lewis |journal=Futures |volume=14 |issue=1 |date=1982 |pages=47-61 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0016-3287(82)90071-4}}</ref>
# West Java
 
# Central Java
[[Image:VOC-Amsterdam.svg|thumb|120px|left|The logo of the Amsterdam Chamber of the [[Dutch East India Company|VOC]].]]
# Yogyakarta
[[Arab]] traders first [[The Coming and Spread of Islam in Southeast Asia|brought Islam to Indonesia]] in the late [[12th century|twelfth century]], establishing settlements in the [[Aceh]] region. It spread across the Indonesian archipelago, following [[trade route]]s. Rather than a violent conquest, it was, for the most part, peacefully laid over and mixed with existing cultural and religious influences shaping what is still the predominant form of [[Islam in Indonesia]], particularly in Java. European traders first arrived in the early [[16th century|sixteenth century]] seeking to monopolize the sources of [[nutmeg]], [[cloves]], and [[cubeb|cubeb pepper]] in [[Maluku Islands|The Moluccas]]. In 1512, the [[Portugal|Portuguese]], led by [[Francisco Serrão]], were the first Europeans to arrive in Indonesia;<ref name="RICKLEFSp24">{{cite book
# East Java
  | last =Ricklefs  | first =M.C.  | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title =A History of Modern Indonesia Since c.1300, 2nd Edition  | publisher =MacMillan  | date =1993  | location =London  | pages =p.24  | url =  | doi =  | id = ISBN 0-333-57689-6 }} </ref> the Dutch and [[Great Britain|British]] followed. The Dutch became the dominant traders in Indonesia, establishing the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) in 1602. Following bankruptcy, however, the VOC was formally dissolved in 1800 and the government of the Netherlands established the [[Dutch East Indies]] as a fully-fledged colony.<ref name="RICKLEFSp24">{{cite book
# Bali
  | last =Ricklefs  | first =M.C.  | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title =A History of Modern Indonesia Since c.1300, 2nd Edition  | publisher =MacMillan  | date =1993  | location =London  | pages =p.24  | url =  | doi =  | id = ISBN 0-333-57689-6 }} </ref>
# West Nusa Tenggara
 
# East Nusa Tenggara
The [[History of Indonesia#Colonial era|Dutch colonial presence]] in Indonesia existed in various forms for over three hundred years until the [[Japan|Japanese]] [[Japanese Occupation of Indonesia|occupation]] during [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Dutch Attitudes towards Colonial Empires, Indigenous Cultures, and Slaves |journal=Eighteenth-Century Studies |volume=31 |issue=3 |author=Gert Oostindie and Bert Paasman |pages=349-355 |date=1998 |url=http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/eighteenth-century_studies/v031/31.3oostindie.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Dutch Income in and from Indonesia 1700-1938 |journal=Modern Asian Studies |author=Angus Maddison |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-749X%281989%2923%3A4%3C645%3ADIIAFI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-B |volume=23 |issue=4 |date=1989 |pages=645-670}}</ref> During the war, [[Sukarno]], a popular leader of the [[Indonesian National Party|Indonesian Nationalist Party]], cooperated with the occupying Japanese with the intention of strengthening the independence movement.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pramoedya Ananta Toer |authorlink=Pramoedya Ananta Toer |date=23-30 August 1999 |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990823/sukarno1.html |title=Sukarno |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|TIME]] |accessdate=2006-12-11}}</ref> On 17 August 1945, two days after the [[Victory over Japan Day|Japanese surrender]], Sukarno unilaterally declared [[Indonesian independence]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Indonesia |author=H. J. Van Mook |authorlink=Hubertus Johannes van Mook |journal=Royal Institute of International Affairs |date=1949 |volume=25 |issue=3 |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0020-5850%28194907%2925%3A3%3C274%3AI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-P |pages=274-285}}</ref><ref name="Bidien1945">{{cite journal |title=Independence the Issue |journal=Far Eastern Survey |author=Charles Bidien |volume=14 |issue=24 |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0362-8949%2819451205%2914%3A24%3C345%3AITI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-S|pages=345-348 |date=5 December 1945}}</ref> Sukarno was declared the first [[List of Presidents of Indonesia|president]] and [[Muhammad Hatta]] the [[List of Vice Presidents of Indonesia|vice-president]]. Over the next four years, a [[Indonesian War of Independence|bitter armed conflict]] was fought as the Netherlands tried to win back its colony; in the face of international pressure, the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence in 1949.<ref name="Bidien1945"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-inde.htm |title=Indonesian War of Independence" |accessdate=2006-12-11 |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |work=Military}}</ref>
# West Kalimantan
[[Image:Soekarno.jpg‎|thumb|right|170px|[[Sukarno]], Indonesia's founding president]]
# Central Kalimantan
 
# South Kalimantan
Sukarno's presidency relied on balancing the often opposing forces of the [[Military of Indonesia|Military]], Islam and [[Communism]]. Increasing tensions, however, between the powerful [[Communist Party of Indonesia]] (PKI) and the Military culminated in an abortive coup on 30 September 1965, during which six top-ranking generals were murdered in [[Indonesian Civil War#Revelations and mysteries|contentious circumstances]]. A quick counter-coup led by [[Suharto|Major General Suharto]] resulted in a violent [[Anti-communism|anti-communist]] purge centered mainly in Java and Bali. Hundreds of thousands were killed<ref>{{cite journal |author=John Roosa and Joseph Nevins |date=5 November 2005 |url=http://www.counterpunch.org/roosa11052005.html|title=40 Years Later: The Mass Killings in Indonesia |accessdate=2006-11-12 |journal=[[CounterPunch (newsletter)|Counterpunch]]}}</ref> &ndash; the exact figure is uncertain with estimates ranging from 100,000 to as many as two million<ref>{{cite journal |title=Unresolved Problems in the Indonesian Killings of 1965-1966 |author=Robert Cribb |journal=Asian Survey |volume=42 |issue=4 |date=2002 |pages=550-563 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1525/as.2002.42.4.550}}</ref> &ndash; and the dominant PKI was in effect destroyed. Politically, Suharto capitalized on Sukarno's gravely weakened position; by March 1967, he had [[Overthrow of Sukarno|maneuvered himself into the presidency]] in a drawn out power play between the two. Commonly referred to as the [[New Order (Indonesia)|"New Order"]],<ref>{{cite journal |title=General Suharto's New Order |author=John D. Legge |journal=Royal Institute of International Affairs |volume=44 |issue=1 |date=1968 |pages=40-47 |url=http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0020-5850%28196801%2944%3A1%3C40%3AGSNO%3E2.0.CO%3B2-I}}</ref> Suharto's administration encouraged foreign [[investment]] in Indonesia, which become a major factor in the subsequent three decades of substantial economic growth.
# East Kalimantan
 
# North Sulawesi
In 1997-98, however, Indonesia was the country hardest hit by the [[East Asian Financial Crisis]]. This aggravated popular discontent with Suharto, who was already facing accusations of [[Political corruption|corruption]]. [[Indonesian Revolution of 1998|Popular protests]] against his now weakened presidency broke out in early 1998<ref>{{cite journal |title=Indonesia: from showcase to basket case |author=Jonathan Pincus and Rizal Ramli |journal=Cambridge Journal of Economics |volume=22 |issue=6 |pages=723-734 |url=http://cje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/6/723|date=1998|doi=10.1093/cje/22.6.723}}</ref> and on 21 May 1998, Suharto announced his resignation, ushering in the [[Reformation (Indonesia)|''Reformasi'']] era in Indonesia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/events/indonesia/latest_news/97848.stm |title=President Suharto resigns |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=21 May 1998 |accessdate=2006-11-12}}</ref> East Timor voted to secede from Indonesia in 1999, following the 1975 [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|invasion]] and subsequent [[East Timor#The Indonesians|twenty-five-year occupation]] marked by repression and human rights abuses, for which Indonesia was internationally condemned.<ref>{{cite web |last=Burr |first=W. |authorlink= |coauthors=Evans, M.L. |title=Ford and Kissinger Gave Green Light to Indonesia's Invasion of East Timor, 1975: New Documents Detail Conversations with Suharto |work=National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 62 |publisher=[[National Security Archive]], [[The George Washington University]], Washington, DC |date=6 Dec 2001 |url=http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB62 |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=International Religious Freedom Report |work=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=2002-10-17 |url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/13873.htm |accessdate=2006-09-29}}</ref>
# Gorontalo
 
# Central Sulawesi
A wide range of reforms have been introduced since Suharto's resignation, including Indonesia's first [[Indonesian presidential election, 2004|direct presidential election]] in 2004, although progress has been slowed by political and economic instability, social unrest, terrorism and recent natural disasters. Although relations among different religious and ethnic groups are largely harmonious, acute sectarian discontent, even violence, remains a problem in some areas.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Robert W. Hefner |date=2000 |url=http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/csrpl/RINVol3No1/east_timor.htm |title=Religious Ironies in East Timor |volume=3 |issue=1 |accessdate=2006-12-12 |journal=Religion in the News}}</ref> A political settlement to an armed separatist conflict in [[Aceh]] was achieved in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aceh rebels sign peace agreement |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=15 August 2005 |accessdate=2006-12-12 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4151980.stm}}</ref>
# West Sulawesi
 
# South Sulawesi
==Government and politics==
# South East Sulawesi
{{morepolitics|country=Indonesia}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series-->
# Maluku
 
# North Maluku
===Structure and affiliations===
# West Papua
<!-- the image was deleted [[Image:DPR-RI_from_above.png|right|250px|thumb|People's Representative Council building in Jakarta]]-->
# Papua[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]]
 
Indonesia is a [[republic]] with [[presidential system]]. Being a [[unitary state]], power is concentrated in the national government. Following the [[Indonesian Revolution of 1998|downfall of the Suharto administration]] in 1998, Indonesian political and governmental structures have undergone major reforms. The [[Constitution of Indonesia|1945 Constitution of Indonesia]] has been amended four times in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. [[Executive (government)|Executive]], [[judicial]] and [[legislative]] branches were revamped, creating a newly liberal democratic [[political system]].<ref name="Harijanti2006">{{cite journal |title=Indonesia: General elections test the amended Constitution and the new Constitutional Court |journal=International Journal of Constitutional Law |author=Susi Dwi Harijanti and Tim Lindsey |volume=4 |issue=1 |date=2006 |pages=138-150 |doi=10.1093/icon/moi055}}</ref>
 
The [[President of Indonesia]] is the [[head of state]], [[commander-in-chief]] of the [[Military of Indonesia|Indonesian armed forces]], and responsible for domestic governance, policy-making and foreign affairs. The president appoints a council of ministers, who are not required to be elected members of the legislature. [[Indonesian presidential election, 2004|The 2004 presidential election]] was the first time the people directly voted for President and Vice President.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=[[Carter Center|The Carter Center]] |date=2004 |title=The Carter Center 2004 Indonesia Election Report |url=http://www.cartercenter.org/documents/2161.pdf |accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[US Indonesia Society|USINDO]] |title=Countdown to 2004 Indonesia’s New General Election Law |author=Andrew Ellis |date=16 July 2003 |accessdate=2006-12-13 |url=http://www.usindo.org/Briefs/2003/Andrew%20Ellis%2007-16-03.htm |work=USINDO Brief}}</ref> Presidential terms are five years and limited to a maximum of two consecutive terms.<ref>_ (2002), ''The 4th Amendment of 1945 Indonesia Constitution'', Chapter III – The Executive Power, Art. 7.</ref>
 
The highest representative body at national level is the [[People's Consultative Assembly]] (MPR). Its main functions include supporting and amending the [[Constitution of Indonesia|Constitution]], inauguration of the President and the fomalization of broad outlines of state policy; MPR has the power to impeach the President.<ref>{{id icon}} {{cite book |title=Ketetapan MPR-RI Nomor II/MPR/2000 tentang Perubahan Kedua Peraturan Tata Tertib Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat Republik Indonesia |author=People's Consultative Assembly (MPR-RI) |authorlink=People's Consultative Assembly |url=http://www.mpr.go.id/pdf/ketetapan/putusan%20MPRRI%202000.pdf |accessdate=2006-11-07}}</ref> MPR contains two [[lower house]] of representatives: the [[People's Representative Council]] (DPR) with 550 members and the [[Regional Representatives Council]] (DPD) with 168 members.
 
The DPR is the legislative body which passes legislations and monitors the executive branch. Members of the DPR are elected for five-year terms on a [[proportional representation]] basis from more than two thousand [[Constituency|electoral districts]].<ref name="Harijanti2006"/> Since 1998, the DPR's role has increased markedly, including a total control of [[statute]]s production without executive branch interventions, all members are now elected (no [[Reserved political positions|reserved seats]] for military personnel) and some fundamental rights exclusive for DPR.<ref name="Harijanti2006"/><ref name="ECONOMIST_FACTSHEET">{{cite web |title=Indonesia:Factsheet |last= |url=http://www.economist.com/countries/Indonesia/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-FactSheet |work=Country Briefings|publisher=[[The Economist]] |date=3 Oct 2006 |accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> The DPD is a new chamber, based on the 2001 constitution amendment. Its members are representatives from the thirty-three provinces; each has four [[non-partisan]] representatives. DPD represents regional areas within national politics and its role is restricted to bills concerning matters of regional management.<ref>{{cite book |title=Third Amendment to the 1945 Constitution of The Republic of Indonesia |url=http://www.gtzsfdm.or.id/documents/laws_n_regs/con_decree/3_AmdUUD45_eng.pdf |author=People's Consultative Assembly (MPR-RI) |authorlink=People's Consultative Assembly |accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> During the legislative [[general election]], each citizen votes for members of DPR through political parties, DPD members through individual names, and members of the provincial and local Regional People's Representative Councils (DPRD).<ref name="Harijanti2006"/>
 
The Indonesia [[judicial system]] comprises several [[court]]s; the highest is the [[Supreme Court]]. Most civil disputes appear first before a State Court; from which [[appeal]]s can be heard before the High Court. The Supreme Court can hear a final [[cassation]] appeal or conduct a case review if there is new evidence. Apart from civil courts, Indonesia has a Commercial Court to handle [[bankruptcy]] and [[insolvency]]; a State Administrative Court to hear [[administrative law]] cases against the government; a Constitutional Court to hear disputes concerning legality of law products, general elections, dissolution of political parties, and the scope of authority of a state institution; and a Religious Court to deal with specific religious cases.
 
[[Military of Indonesia|Indonesia's armed forces]] (TNI) total about 300,000 members, including the Army (TNI-AD), Navy (including marines), and Air Force. The army has about 233,000 active-duty personnel. Defence spending in the national budget is 3% of GDP supplemented by revenue from military-run businesses and foundations. In the post-Suharto period since 1998, formal TNI representation in parliament has been removed, but its political influence remains extensive.
 
===Contemporary issues===
As of 2006, an estimated 17.8% of the population live below the [[Poverty threshold|poverty line]] and 49.0% of the population live on less than US$2 per day.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Making the New Indonesia Work for the Poor - Overview |publisher=[[World Bank]] |date=2006 |accessdate=2006-12-26 |url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTINDONESIA/Resources/Publication/280016-1152870963030/2753486-1165385030085/Overview_standalone_en.pdf
}}</ref> The [[East Asian financial crisis]] of 1998 severely increased levels of poverty. The average annual growth rate of 5% in recent years is not enough, however, to make a significant impact on unemployment.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Poverty in Indonesia: Always with them |journal=[[The Economist]] |date=Sep 14th 2006 |accessdate=2006-12-26 |url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=7925064}}</ref> In 2005, the Government was forced to reduce its large subsidies on fuel prices drastically as international [[Oil price increases of 2004-2006|oil prices]] climbed, which, combined with stagnant wages growth and increasing rice prices, have worsened poverty levels. Another stated Government priority is to stamp out corruption, which significantly raises producers' costs and deters investment.<ref name='ECONOMIST_FACTSHEET'/>
 
Significant separatist movements in the provinces of [[Aceh]] and [[Papua]] have led to armed conflict and allegations of [[Human rights in West Papua|human rights abuses]]. Following a long standing [[guerrilla war]] between the [[Free Aceh Movement|Free Aceh Movement (GAM)]] and the [[Indonesian military]], a [[Ceasefire|ceasefire agreement]] was reached in 2005. In Papua, there has been a significant, albeit imperfect, implementation of [[regional autonomy]] laws, and a reported decline in the levels of violence and human rights abuses.<ref>{{cite news |last=''Lateline'' TV Current Affairs |first= |coauthors= |title=Sidney Jones on South East Asian conflicts |work=TV PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT, Interview with South East Asia director of the International Crisis Group |pages= |language= |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) |date=2006-04-20 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2006/s1620483.htm |accessdate= }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=International Crisis Group |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Papua: Answer to Frequently Asked Questions |journal=Update Briefing |volume= |issue=No. 53 |pages=1 |publisher=International Crisis Group |date=2006-09-05 |url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/library/documents/asia/indonesia/b53_papua_answers_to_frequently_asked_questions.pdf |doi= |id= |accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref>
[[Image:021018 bali bombing.jpg|left|220px|thumb|National flags at the site of the 2002 terrorist bombing in Kuta, Bali]]
 
[[Terrorism|Terrorist]] bombings linked to extreme [[Islamism]] and [[Al-Qaeda]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Chris |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indonesia and Transnational Terrorism |work= Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Group |publisher=Parliament of Australia |date=2001-10-11 |url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/CIB/2001-02/02cib06.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-10-15}}</ref> have occurred in Bali and Jakarta; [[2002 Bali bombing|the most deadly attack]] came in 2002, killing 202 people (including 164 international tourists) in the resort town of [[Kuta]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |coauthors= |title=Commemoration of 3rd anniversary of bombings |work=AAP |pages= |language=English |publisher=The Age Newspaper |date=2006-12-10 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/war-on-terror/services-to-honour-victims-of-2002-bali-bombing/2005/10/12/1128796537208.html |accessdate= }}</ref> The attacks and travel warnings issued by other countries have severely damaged the country’s important [[Tourism in Indonesia|tourist industry]] and the economy's foreign investment prospects.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Travel Warning: Indonesia |work= |publisher=US Embassy, Jakarta |date=10 May 2005 |url=http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/news/trv_warning02.html |accessdate=2006-12-26 }}</ref> In cooperation with other countries, the Government has achieved substantial, but so far incomplete, success in apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators and fracturing their organizations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Huang|first=Reyko |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Priority Dilemmas: U.S. - Indonesia Military Relations in the Anti Terror War |work=Terrorism Project |publisher=Center for Defense Information |date=2002-23-05 |url=http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/priority.cfm |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref>
In the freer political environment of the post-Suharto years, the role of religion, particularly Islam, in society and politics is hotly debated. The current "anti-pornography" bill before Parliament, for example, is aimed not only at publications and movies, but also at outlawing immodest dress and displays of affection such as kissing in public and dancing. Its supporters argue that it is a necessity to maintain moral standards; its detractors maintain it would be an unwelcome control of individual freedoms and would be discriminatory towards women in particular.<ref>{{cite video |people=Peter Cave, Mark Colvin |title=Indonesian women rally against anti-pornography bill |medium=TV Current Affairs |publisher=Lateline, [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |location=Sydney |date=8 March 2006}}</ref>
 
==Administrative divisions==
{{main|Provinces of Indonesia|Subdivisions of Indonesia}}
[[Image:Indonesia_provinces_english.png|right|thumb|320px|Map of the provinces of Indonesia]]
 
Indonesia has thirty-three [[province]]s, three of which have special status, and a special capital region. Each province has its own political legislature and is headed by a governor. The provinces are subdivided into [[Regencies of Indonesia|regencies]] (''kabupaten'') and [[Cities of Indonesia|cities]] (''kotamadya''), which are further subdivided into [[Subdistricts of Indonesia|subdistricts]] (''kecamatan''), and again into [[Kelurahan|village groupings]]. Following the implementation of regional autonomy measures in 2001, the 440 districts or regencies have become the key administrative units responsible for providing most government services. The village administration level is influential handling matters of a village or neighbourhood by an elected ''lurah'' or ''kepala desa'' (village chief).
 
===Indonesian provinces and their capitals===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
'''Sumatra'''
*[[Aceh]]* (''Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam'') - [[Banda Aceh]]
*[[North Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Utara'') - [[Medan]]
*[[West Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Barat'') - [[Padang, Indonesia|Padang]]
*[[Riau]] - [[Pekanbaru]]
*[[Riau Islands]] (''Kepulauan Riau'') - [[Tanjung Pinang]]
*[[Jambi]] - [[Jambi (city)]]
*[[South Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Selatan'') - [[Palembang]]
*[[Bangka-Belitung]] - [[Pangkal Pinang]]
*[[Bengkulu]] - [[Bengkulu (city)]]
*[[Lampung]] - [[Bandar Lampung]]
'''Java'''
*[[Jakarta]]* - [[Jakarta]]
*[[Banten]] - [[Serang]]
*[[West Java]] (''Jawa Barat'') - [[Bandung]]
*[[Central Java]] (''Jawa Tengah'') - [[Semarang]]
*[[Yogyakarta (special region)|Yogyakarta]]* - [[Yogyakarta (city)]]
*[[East Java]] (''Jawa Timur'') - [[Surabaya]]
'''Kalimantan'''
*[[West Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Barat'') - [[Pontianak]]
*[[Central Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Tengah'') - [[Palangkaraya]]
*[[South Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Selatan'') - [[Banjarmasin]]
*[[East Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Timur'') - [[Samarinda]]
{{col-break}}
'''Lesser Sunda Islands'''
*[[Bali]] - [[Denpasar]]
*[[West Nusa Tenggara]] (''Nusa Tenggara Barat'') - [[Mataram]]
*[[East Nusa Tenggara]] (''Nusa Tenggara Timur'') - [[Kupang]]
'''Sulawesi'''
*[[North Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Utara'') - [[Manado]]
*[[Gorontalo (province)|Gorontalo]] - [[Gorontalo (city)]]
*[[Central Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Tengah'') - [[Palu]]
*[[West Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Barat'') - [[Mamuju]]
*[[South Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Selatan'') - [[Makassar]]
*[[South East Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Tenggara'') - [[Kendari]]
'''Maluku islands'''
*[[Maluku (Indonesian province)|Maluku]] - [[Ambon City]]
*[[North Maluku]] (''Maluku Utara'') - [[Ternate]]
'''Papua'''
*[[West Irian Jaya]] (''Irian Jaya Barat'') - [[Manokwari]]
*[[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]]* - [[Jayapura]]
{{col-end}}
<small>(''Indonesian name in brackets where different to English'')</small>
<small><br/><nowiki>*</nowiki> indicates province with Special Status</small>
 
Four provinces have special status; [[Aceh]], [[Jakarta]], [[Yogyakarta (special region)|Yogyakarta]] and [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]]. Special status provides legislative privileges and more autonomy from the [[central government]] in comparison to other provinces. The Acehnese government, for example, has the right to create an independent legal system; in 2003, it instituted a form of ''[[sharia]]'' (Islamic law).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Michelle Ann Miller |title=The Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam law: a serious response to Acehnese separatism? |journal=Asian Ethnicity |volume=5 |issue=3 |url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/routledg/caet/2004/00000005/00000003/art00005 |date=2004 |pages=333&ndash;351 |doi=10.1080/1463136042000259789}}</ref> Yogyakarta was granted as a special territory as an award for its role during the [[Indonesian War of Independence]];<ref>[http://www.gtzsfdm.or.id/documents/archive/Law5_1974.pdf Indonesia Law No. 5/1974 Concerning Basic Principles on Administration in the Region] (''translated version''). [[President of Indonesia|The President of Republic of Indonesia]] (1974). Chapter VII Transitional Provisions, Art. 91.</ref> the positions of governor and its vice governor are prioritized for descendants of the [[Sultan of Yogyakarta]] and [[Pakualaman|Paku Alam]], respectively,<ref>Elucidation on the Indonesia Law No. 22/1999 Regarding Regional Governance. [[People's Representative Council]] (1999). Chapter XIV Other Provisions, Art. 122.</ref> much like a [[sultanate]]. [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]], formerly known as [[Western New Guinea|Irian Jaya]], has had special status since 2001.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dursin |first=Richel |coauthors=Kafil Yamin |title=Another Fine Mess in Papua |work=Editorial |pages= |language= |publisher=The Jakarta Post |date=2004-11-18 |url=http://www.infid.be/papua_mess.htm |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref> [[Jakarta]] is the country's special capital region.
 
==Geography==
{{main|Geography of Indonesia}}
[[Image:Indonesia_2002_CIA_map.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Map of Indonesia (click for high resolution version)]]
 
Indonesia's [[Islands of Indonesia|17,508 islands]], about 6,000 of which are inhabited, are scattered around the [[equator]]. The five main islands are [[Java (island)|Java]], [[Sumatra]], [[Kalimantan]] (the Indonesian part of [[Borneo]]), [[New Guinea]] (shared with [[Papua New Guinea]]) and [[Sulawesi]]. Indonesia borders Malaysia on the island of Borneo ([[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea and East Timor on the island of [[Timor]]. The capital Jakarta is on Java and is the nation's largest city, followed by [[Surabaya]], [[Bandung]], [[Medan]], and [[Semarang]].
 
At 1,919,440&nbsp;[[square kilometre|km²]] (741,050&nbsp;[[square miles|mi²]]), Indonesia is the world's sixteenth-largest country in terms of land area.<ref name="ciarank">{{cite web |last=Central Intelligence Agency |title=Rank Order Area |work=The World Factbook |publisher=US [[CIA]], Washington, DC |date=2006-10-17 |url=https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html |accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> Its population density is 134.39 people per square kilometer, 79th in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Population density - Persons per km² 2006 |work=CIA world factbook |publisher=Photius Coutsoukis |date=2006 |url=http://www.photius.com/rankings/geography/population_density_2006_1.html |accessdate=2006-10-04}}</ref> At 4,884 meters (12,405 feet), [[Puncak Jaya]] in [[Papua]] is Indonesia's highest peak and [[Lake Toba]] in Sumatra its largest lake with an area of 1,145&nbsp;km² (442&nbsp;mi²). The country's largest rivers are in Kalimantan and include the [[Mahakam]], and [[Barito]]. With their sources in the island’s central [[massif]], they meander through [[swamps]] to the sea allowing communication and transport between settlements built along their edges.<ref>{{cite web |last=|first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Republic of Indonesia |work=Encarta |publisher=Microsoft |date=2006 |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761573214/Republic_of_Indonesia.html#s4 |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref>
[[Image:Mahameru-volcano.jpeg|thumb|220px|left|[[Mount Semeru]] and [[Mount Bromo]] in [[East Java]]. Indonesia's seismic and volcanic activity is among the world's highest]]
 
Its location on the edges of three [[tectonic plate]]s, specifically the Pacific, Eurasian, and Australian plates, makes Indonesia a site of numerous [[List of volcanoes in Indonesia|volcanoes]] and frequent [[earthquake]]s. Indonesia has at least 66 [[volcano|volcanoes]],<ref>Topinka, USGS/CVO, 2001; base map modified from CIA map, 1997; volcanoes from: Simkin & Siebert, 1994</ref> including [[Krakatoa]] and [[Mount Tambora|Tambora]] both famous for their devastating eruptions in the nineteenth century. The eruption of the [[Lake Toba|Toba]] [[supervolcano]] 71,500 ± 4000 years ago was one of the largest eruptions known and a [[Toba catastrophe theory|global catastrophe]]. Recent disasters due to seismic activity include the [[2004 tsunami|tsunami in Aceh]] in 2004 and the [[May 2006 Java earthquake|Yogyakarta earthquake]] in 2006. [[Volcanic ash]], however, is a major contributor to the high agricultural fertility that has historically sustained significantly high population density on the islands of Java and Bali.<ref>{{cite book |last=Whitten |first=T |coauthors=Soeriaatmadja, R. E., Suraya A. A. |title=The Ecology of Java and Bali |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |pages=95-97 |id= }}</ref>
 
[[Equator]]ial Indonesia has a [[tropical climate]] with two distinct [[monsoon]]al [[Wet season|wet]] and [[Dry season|dry]] seasons. Average annual rainfall in the lowlands varies from 1,780 to 3,175 millimetres (70 to 125 inches), and up to 6,100 millimetres (240 inches) in mountainous regions. The mountainous west coast of Sumatra western Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua receive the highest rainfall. Humidity is generally high, averaging about 80%.  Temperatures vary little over the year; the average daily [[temperature range]] of Jakarta is 21° to 33° Celsius (69° to 92° Fahrenheit).
 
==Ecology==
[[Image:Indonesia veg 2006.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indonesian vegetation]]
 
Indonesia’s vast size, tropical climate and [[archipelago|archipelagic]] geography, supports the world's second highest level of [[biodiversity]] (after [[Brazil]]); 45% of the country is covered by [[forest]]s<ref>{{cite web |title=Indonesia |work=Global Virtual University |publisher=Globalis |url=http://globalis.gvu.unu.edu/country.cfm?Country=ID |accessdate= }}</ref> and its [[:Category:Flora of Indonesia|flora]] and [[:Category:Fauna of Indonesia|fauna]] is a mixture of [[Asia|Asian]] and [[Australasia|Australasian]] species<!-- which are contained in some of the world’s most distinctive and varied ecosystems{{citation required}}-->.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indonesia’s Natural Wealth: The Right of a Nation and Her People |publisher=Islam Online |date=2003-05-22 |url=http://www.islamonline.net/English/Science/2003/05/article13.shtml |accessdate=2006-10-06}}</ref> Once linked to the Asian mainland, the [[Greater Sunda Islands]] (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java and Bali) have a wealth of Asian fauna. Large species such as the [[Sumatran tiger|tiger]], [[Javan rhinoceros|rhinoceros]], [[orangutan]], [[elephant]], and [[leopard]], although once abundant and distributed east as far as Bali, have dwindled drastically in number and distribution. Sumatra and Kalimantan still contain vast forests, predominantly of Asian species, but they are being logged at rapid rates. In contrast, the forests of smaller but densely populated Java have largely been removed for human habitation and agriculture. Sulawesi,<ref name="EcoSula">{{cite book |last=Whitten, |first=T. |coauthors=Henderson, G., Mustafa, M. |title=The Ecology of Sulawesi |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd. |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |id=ISBN 962-593-075-2}}</ref> Nusa Tenggara and Maluku,<ref name="EcoNTM">{{cite book |last=Monk, |first=K.A. |coauthors=Fretes, Y., Reksodiharjo-Lilley, G. |title=The Ecology of Nusa Tenggara and Maluku |publisher=Periplus Editions Ltd. |date=1996 |location=Hong Kong |id=ISBN 962-593-076-0}}</ref> having been long separated from the continental landmasses, have developed their own unique flora and fauna. Originally part of the Australian landmass, the highlands of Papua have a number of unique environments, including over six hundred bird species, with fauna closely related to that of Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indonesia |publisher=InterKnowledge Corp. |url=http://www.geographia.com/indonesia/indono02.htm |accessdate=2006-10-06 }}</ref>
 
Surrounding thousands of islands with over 80,000 kilometers of coastline, the warm, tropical seas of Indonesia also boast a high level of biodiversity,<ref name="EcoSeas1"/> with a corresponding diverse range of [[ecosystem]]s that include [[beaches]], [[sand dune]]s, [[Estuary|estuaries]], [[mangroves]], [[coral reef]]s, [[sea grass]] beds, [[Mudflat|coastal mudflats]], tidal flats, algal beds, and small island ecosystems.
[[Image:Man_of_the_woods.JPG|thumb|220px|left|The [[Endangered species|critically endangered]] [[Sumatran Orangutan]], a great ape [[endemic]] to Indonesia.]]
The British naturalist [[Alfred Wallace]] described a dividing line between the distribution of Indonesia's Asian and [[Australasian]] species.<ref name="Severin">{{cite book |last=Severin |first=Tim |title=The Spice Island Voyage: In Search of Wallace |publisher=Abacus Travel |date=1997 |location=Great Britain |id=ISBN 0-349-11040-9}}</ref> Known as the "[[Wallace Line]]", it runs roughly north-south along the edge of the [[Sunda shelf]], between Kalimantan and Sulawesi, and then down along the deep [[Lombok Strait]], between [[Lombok]] and [[Bali]]. West of the line the flora and fauna are more Asian; moving east from Lombok, they are increasingly Australian. Wallace described not only this transition between Asian and Australasian species, but also numerous species unique to the surrounding area,<ref>{{cite book |last=Wallace |first=A.R. |title=The Malay Archipelago |publisher=Periplus Editions |date=2000 (originally 1869) |id=ISBN 962-593-645-9}},</ref> now termed "[[Wallacea]]".<ref name="Severin"/>
 
As a highly populous country part-way through a rapid [[industrialization]] process, Indonesia faces grave ecological issues, which are often given a lower priority due to high poverty levels and weak, under-resourced governance.<ref name="forestprob">{{cite paper |author=Jason R. Miller |title=Deforestation in Indonesia and the Orangutan Population |publisher=TED Case Studies |date=1997-01-30 |url=http://www.american.edu/TED/orang.htm |accessdate= }}</ref> Issues include: large-scale [[deforestation]] (much of it [[Illegal logging|illegal]]) and related wildfires causing [[Haze#Haze in Southeast Asia|heavy smog]] over parts of western Indonesia, [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]]; over-exploitation of marine resources; and environmental problems associated with rapid [[urbanization]] and [[economic development]], such as [[air pollution]], [[traffic congestion]], garbage management, and reliable water and [[Wastewater|waste water]] services.<ref name="forestprob"/> [[Habitat destruction]] threatens the survival of indigenous and [[endemic]] species, including 140 species of [[mammals]] identified by the [[World Conservation Union]] (IUCN) as [[Threatened species|threatened]] and fifteen identified as critically [[Endangered species|endangered]], including the [[Sumatran Orangutan]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Massicot |first=Paul |title=Animal Info - Indonesia |publisher=Animal Info - Information on Endangered Mammals |url=http://www.animalinfo.org/country/indones.htm |accessdate= }}</ref>
 
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Indonesia}}
[[Image:Indonesian Rupiah.jpg|thumb|220px|right|[[Indonesian rupiah]]]]
 
Indonesian [[Gross Domestic Product|Gross Domestic Product (GDP)]] for 2005 was US$287 billion,<ref>{{cite web |title=Indonesia Data Profile |work=[http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20523710~hlPK:1365919~menuPK:64133159~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html] |publisher=[http://www.worldbank.org/ The World Bank] |url=http://devdata.worldbank.org/external/CPProfile.asp?PTYPE=CP&CCODE=IDN |accessdate= }}</ref> with [[per capita GDP]] ([[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]) being US$4,458, ranking Indonesia 110th in the world.<ref name="IMF"/> The [[Service|services sector]] is the economy's largest accounting for 45.3% of GDP (2005), followed by [[Industrial sector|industry]] (40.7%) and [[agriculture]] (14.0%).<ref>{{cite web |title=Indonesia at a Glance |work=Indonsia Development Indicators and Data |publisher=[[World Bank]] |date=13 August 2006 |url=http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/idn_aag.pdf}}</ref> Agriculture, however, is the country's largest employer, employing 46.5% of the 95 million-strong workforce (NEEDS EDIT: When investigating the source cited for this statistic, it provides no evidence of the 46.5% number at all), followed by the services sector (41.7%) and industry (11.8%).<ref name='ECONOMIST_FACTSHEET'/> Major industries include [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]], [[textiles]], [[apparel]], and [[mining]]. Major agricultural products include [[palm oil]], [[rice]], [[tea]], [[coffee]], [[spice]]s and [[rubber]].
 
Indonesia's main export markets are [[Japan]] (22.3% of Indonesian exports in 2005), the [[United States]] (13.9%), [[China]] (9.1%), and [[Singapore]] (8.9%). The major suppliers of imports to Indonesia are Japan (18.0%), China (16.1%), and Singapore (12.8%). In 2005, Indonesia ran a [[trade surplus]] with [[export]] revenues of US$83.64 billion and [[import]] expenditure of US$62.02 billion. The country has extensive natural resources, including [[crude oil]], [[natural gas]], [[tin]], [[copper]], and [[gold]]. Indonesia's major imports include [[machinery]] and [[equipment]], [[chemicals]], [[fuels]], and [[foodstuffs]].<ref name='indoCIA'/>
 
Despite its immense [[natural resources]] and [[agricultural]] productivity, prosperity has often failed to be equitable. Following independence, the economy deteriorated drastically as a result of political instability, a young inexperienced government, and ill-disciplined [[economic nationalism]]. By the time of [[Overthrow of Sukarno|Sukarno's downfall]] in the mid-1960s, the economy was in chaos with 1,000% annual [[inflation]], shrinking export revenues, crumbling [[infrastructure]], factories operating at minimal capacity, and negligible [[Investment#Economics|investment]], resulting in severe poverty and hunger.<ref name='SCHWARZ'>{{cite book |last=Schwarz |first=Adam |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=A Nation in Waiting: Indonesia in the 1990s |publisher=Allen & Unwin |date=1994 |location=[[Sydney]] |pages=52-57 |url= |doi= |id=ISBN 978-1-86373-665-0}}</ref> The [[Orde Baru|New Order]] administration brought [[Berkeley Mafia|a degree of discipline]] to [[economic policy]] that quickly brought inflation down, stabilized the currency, managed [[foreign debt]], and attracted [[foreign aid]] and [[Foreign investment|investment]].<ref name='SCHWARZ'/>
 
Indonesia is [[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asia's]] only member of [[OPEC]] and the 1970s oil price rises provided an export revenue windfall and growth from 1968 to 1981 that averaged over 7%.<ref name='SCHWARZ'/> Growth slowed, however, to an average of 4.3% per annum between 1981 and 1988 due to declining oil prices, on which the Indonesian economy had become heavily dependant, and inefficiencies due to over-regulation. The late 1980s saw a range of economic reform measures including a managed devaluation of the [[Rupiah]] to improve export competitiveness, and de-regulation of the financial sector. Foreign investment flowed into Indonesia, particularly into a rapidly developing export-orientated [[Secondary sector of industry|manufacturing sector]], and from 1989 to 1997, the Indonesian economy [[Economic growth|grew]] by an average of over 7%.<ref name='SCHWARZ'/> <ref name="CountryBrief">{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indonesia: Country Brief |work=Indonesia:Key Development Data & Statistics |publisher=[[The World Bank]] |date=September 2006 |url=http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/EASTASIAPACIFICEXT/INDONESIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20095968~pagePK:141137~piPK:141127~theSitePK:226309,00.html |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref>
 
The [[Asian financial crisis|East Asian financial crisis]] of 1997-98, however, hit Indonesia hard. Against the USD, the currency dropped from about Rp. 2,000 to Rp. 18,000 and the economy shrunk by a devastating 13.7%, causing much hardship.<ref name="CountryBrief"/> The [[Rupiah]] has since stabilized at around Rp. 10,000 and there has been a slow but significant recovery. GDP growth exceeded 5% in both 2004 and 2005 and is forecasted to increase.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=IMF Executive Board Concludes 2006 Article IV Consultation and Fifth Post-Program Monitoring Discussions with Indonesia |work=Public Information Notice (PIN) No. 06/91 |publisher=[[International Monetary Fund]], [[Washington, DC]] |date=7 August 2006 |url=http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2006/pn0691.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indonesia: Forecast |work=Country Briefings |publisher=[[The Economist]] |date=3 October 2006 |url=http://www.economist.com/countries/Indonesia/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-Forecast |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref> The patchy nature of the recovery has been exacerbated by political instability since 1998, perceptions of corruption at all levels of government and business, and a perceived slow pace of economic reform.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Guerin |first=G. |authorlink= |coauthors=| title=Don't count on a Suharto accounting |journal=Asia Tims Online |volume= |issue= |pages= |publisher=Asia Times Online Ltd, Hong Kong |date=23 May 2006 |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HE23Ae01.html |doi= |id= |accessdate= }}</ref> Real per capita income has reached pre-1997 crisis levels but annual inflation in 2006 is estimated at 17%.
 
==Demographics==
{{main|Demographics of Indonesia}}
The national population from the 2000 national census is 206 million.<ref name='bps2000'>{{cite press release |title=2000 Population Statistics |publisher=Indonesian Central Statistics Bureau |date=30 June 2000 |url=http://www.bps.go.id/sector/population/pop2000.htm |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref> The country's Central Statistics Bureau and ''Statistics Indonesia'' quoted 222 million as the population for 2006.<ref>{{cite press release |publisher=Indonesian Central Statistics Bureau |title=Tingkat Kemiskinan di Indonesia Tahun 2005-2006 |date=1 September 2006 |url=http://www.bps.go.id/releases/files/kemiskinan-01sep06.pdf |language=[[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] |accessdate=2006-09-26}}</ref> 130 million people live on the island of [[Java]], the world's most populous island.<ref>{{cite web |last=Calder |first=Joshua |title=Most Populous Islands |publisher=World Island Information |date=3 May 2006 |url=http://www.worldislandinfo.com/POPULATV2.htm |accessdate=2006-09-26}}</ref> Despite a considerably successful [[family planning]] program over the last four decades, the population is expected to grow to around 315 million in 2035 based on the current estimated annual growth rate of 1.25%.
 
===Ethnic groups===
[[Image:Ubud-Kids.jpg|220px|left|thumb|[[Balinese people|Balinese]] boys in [[Ubud]]]]
 
Most Indonesians are ethnically [[Austronesian people|Austronesian]], particularly in central and western Indonesia, although much of eastern Indonesia is [[Melanesia]]n. There are, however, around 300 distinct native ethnicities in Indonesia and 742 different languages and dialects.<ref name='expat'>{{cite web |publisher=Expat Web Site Association |title=An Overview of Indonesia |work=Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates |url=http://www.expat.or.id/info/overview.html |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Merdekawaty |first=E. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title="Bahasa Indonesia" and languages of Indonesia |work=UNIBZ - Introduction to Linguistics |publisher=Free University of Bozen |date=2006-07-06 |url=http://www.languagestudies.unibz.it/Bahasa%20Indonesia_Merdekawaty.pdf |format= |doi= |accessdate= 2006-07-17}}</ref> Small but significant populations of [[Overseas Chinese|ethnic Chinese]], Indians and Arabs are concentrated mostly in [[urban area]]s. An almost universally shared sense of Indonesian nationhood overlays this vast diversity and steadfastly maintained regional identities, providing a largely harmonious society.
 
[[Image:Joyce.png|200px|right|thumb|A [[Minangkabau]] woman in traditional dress]]
 
Indonesia, however, is not without social tensions with religious and ethnic differences triggering sometimes horrendous violence. The [[transmigration program]] contributed to the spread of people from highly populated Java and [[Madura]] to eastern Indonesia. Ethnic and religious differences between these immigrants and the local peoples have been blamed for numerous difficulties, sometimes culminating in bloody conflicts such as the massacre of hundreds of Madurese by a local [[Dayak]] community in [[West Kalimantan]],<ref name="migcon">{{cite paper |author=Pudjiastuti, T. N. |title=Migration & Conflict in Indonesia |publisher=International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), Paris |date=2002 |url=http://www.iussp.org/Bangkok2002/S15Pudjiastuti.pdf |accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kalimantan The Conflict|work=Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research||url=http://www.preventconflict.org/portal/main/maps_kalimantan_conflict.php|accessdate=2007-01-07|publisher=Conflict Prevention Initiative, Harvard University}}</ref> and conflicts in [[Maluku]],<ref>{{cite conference |first=J.W. |last=Ajawaila |authorlink= |coauthors=M.J. Papilaya, Tonny D. Pariela, F. Nahusona, G. Leasa, T. Soumokil, James Lalaun, W. R. Sihasale |title=Proposal Pemecahan Masalah Kerusuhan di Ambon |publisher=Fica-Net |date=1999 |location=Ambon, Indonesia |url=http://www.fica.org/hr/ambon/idRusuh1.html |doi= |id= |accessdate=2006-09-29}}</ref> [[Sulawesi Tengah|Central Sulawesi]],<ref>Kyoto University: Sulawesi Kaken Team & Center for Southeast Asian Studies [http://sulawesi.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/lib/pdf/MRidwanAlimuddin.pdf Bugis Sailors]</ref> and parts of [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]] and [[West Irian Jaya]].
 
[[Chinese Indonesian]]s are arguably the most influential [[Minority group|ethnic minority]] in Indonesia. Although the Chinese make up only 2% of the population, the majority of the locally-owned businesses and wealth in the country is Chinese-controlled. This has caused considerable resentment<ref>{{cite web |last=Swasono |first=M. F. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indigenous Cultures in the Development of Indonesia |work=INTEGRATION OF ENDOGENOUS CULTURAL DIMENSION INTO DEVELOPMENT |publisher=Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi |date=1997 |url=http://ignca.nic.in/cd_05008.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Long |first=S. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Overseas Chinese |work= |publisher=Prospect Magazine |date=1998-04-09 |url=http://www.prospect-magazine.co.uk/article_details.php?id=4212 |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-09-17}}</ref> despite the fact that it is only a small proportion of Chinese that hold great wealth, and that a large [[middle class]] of prosperous, non-Chinese has developed. The [[Jakarta Riots of May 1998|riots in Jakarta in 1998]], much of which was aimed at the Chinese, were expressions of these sentiments.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ocorandi |first=M. |title=An Analysis of the Implication of Suharto's resignation for Chinese Indonesians |publisher=Worldwide HuaRen Peace Mission |date=28 May 1998 |url=http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54b/083.html |accessdate=2006-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{id icon}} {{cite web |last=Winarta |first=F. H. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=''Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Belum Menjadi Kenyataan Menjelang HUT Kemerdekaan RI Ke-59'' |work= |publisher=''Komisi Hukum Nasional Republik Indonesia'' (National Law Commission, Republic of Indonesia), Jakarata |date=August 2004 |url=http://ignca.nic.in/cd_05008.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate= }}</ref>
 
===Languages===
{{main|Languages of Indonesia}}
[[Image:Indonesia ethno 2006.jpg|220px|right|thumb|Indonesian ethnolinguistic groups]]
 
The official national language, [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] (Indonesian: ''Bahasa Indonesia''), is universally taught in schools and is spoken by nearly every Indonesian. It is the language of business, politics, national media, education and academia. Yet, in isolated areas &ndash; even on the major islands &ndash; it is not uncommon to find villagers who are not familiar with Indonesian.<ref>{{cite conference |first=Brian |last=Crawford |title=South of the Philippines, East of Kalimantan, West of the Malukus |publisher=Conservation Strategies |url=http://www.reefnet.org/issue6/constrat6.htm |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite conference |first=Noel B. |last=Salazar |title=An Anthropologist's Report from Yogyakarta, Indonesia |publisher=Penn Museum Research |date=2006-04-06 |url=http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/research/blogs/earthquake_blog.shtml |accessdate= }}</ref> It was originally a [[lingua franca]] for most of the region, including present-day [[Malaysia]] and is thus closely related to [[Malay language|Malay]]. It was first promoted as a national language in 1928 by the [[Indonesian National Party]] (PNI), accepted by the Dutch as the ''[[de facto]]'' language for the colony, and then declared the [[official language]] after independence. Most Indonesians speak at least one of the [[Languages of Indonesia|several hundred local languages]] (''bahasa daerah''), often as their [[first language]]. Of these, [[Javanese language|Javanese]] is the most widely-spoken language, as it is the language of the largest ethnic group.<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - [[The World Factbook]] https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref> [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]] on the other hand, has as many as five hundred or more indigenous [[Papuan languages|Papuan]] or [[Austronesian languages]] in a region of just 2.7 million people.
 
===Religion===
{{main|Religion in Indonesia}}
[[Image:Map Indonesian religions.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Majority religions in areas of Indonesia]]
 
Although the [[Constitution of Indonesia|Indonesian constitution]] guarantees [[Freedom of religion|religious freedom]] for all citizens,<ref>{{cite web |title=The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia |work=US-ASEAN |url=http://www.us-asean.org/Indonesia/constitution.htm |accessdate=2006-10-02}}</ref> the Government officially only recognizes six religions, namely [[Islam]], [[Protestantism]], [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]], [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Confucianism]].<ref name="Yang">{{cite journal |last=Yang |first=Heriyanto  |title=The History and Legal Position of Confucianism in Post Independence Indonesia |journal=Religion |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=8 |date=August 2005 |url=http://web.uni-marburg.de/religionswissenschaft/journal/mjr/pdf/2005/yang2005.pdf |accessdate= 2006-10-02}}</ref> Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation with almost 86% of Indonesians declared [[Islam in Indonesia|Muslim]] according to the 2000 [[census]].<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref> 11% of the population is [[Christianity|Christian]] (of which roughly two-thirds are [[Protestant]]), 2% are [[Hindu]], and 1% [[Buddhism|Buddhist]].
 
Before the arrival of the [[Abrahamic]] faiths of Christianity and Islam, the popular [[Religion|belief systems]] in the region were thoroughly influenced by [[Indic]] [[Philosophy of religion|religious philosophy]] through Hinduism and Buddhism. The influence of Hinduism and classical [[India]] remain defining traits of [[Culture of Indonesia|Indonesian culture]]; the Indian concept of the [[god-king]] still shapes Indonesian concepts of leadership and the use of [[Sanskrit]] in courtly literature and adaptations of Indian mythology such as the ''[[Ramayana]]'' and ''[[Mahabharata]]''. The vast majority of [[Hinduism in Indonesia|Hindus]] are [[Balinese]] who, similar to ''[[abangan]]'' Muslims, follow a version of Hinduism [[Syncretism|fused]] with existing cultural and religious beliefs and markedly distinct from orthodox Hinduism.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} The Sumatra-based [[Sriwijaya]] kingdom of the seventh century AD was an early center of [[Buddhism in Indonesia]]. Most Buddhists in modern-day Indonesia, however, are ethnic [[Chinese Indonesian|Chinese]].<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indonesia - Buddhism |work=U.S. Library of Congress |publisher=U.S. Library of Congress |date= |url=http://countrystudies.us/indonesia/40.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-10-15}}</ref>
[[Image:Istiqlal.jpg|220px|left|thumb|[[Istiqlal Mosque]] in Jakarta, reportedly the largest mosque in [[South East Asia]]]]
 
[[Islam]] was first brought to northern Sumatra by [[Arab]] traders in the [[13th century|thirteenth century]] and had become [[Islam in Indonesia|Indonesia's dominant religion]] by the [[15th century|fifteenth century]].<ref name="csi">{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Indonesia - Islam |work=U.S. Library of Congress |publisher= |date= |url=http://countrystudies.us/indonesia/37.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-10-15}}</ref> Although Islam was once mainly practiced in Java and Sumatra, Indonesia-wide emigration has increased the number of Muslims living in [[Bali]], [[Borneo]], [[Sulawesi]], [[Maluku]], and [[Papua]]. Like other religions in Indonesia, Islam has blended with local traditional beliefs such as those practiced by the ''[[Abangan]]'' Muslims on Java<ref>Magnis-Suseno, F. 1981, ''Javanese Ethics and World-View: The Javanese Idea of the Good Life'', PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta, 1997, pp.15-18, ISBN 979-605-406-X.</ref> and with other belief systems in northern Sumatra and Kalimantan. Such [[Syncretism#Religious syncretism|syncretic]] practises draw on distinctly Indonesian customs and typically differ from more [[Orthodox]] Islam by favoring local customs over [[Sharia|Islamic law]]. One notable difference includes a generally greater level of freedom and higher social status for women.<ref name="islamstudieswom">{{cite web |last=Fajrul Falaakh |first=Mohammad |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Islam in Pluralist Indonesia: Challenges Ahead |work= |publisher=The Centre for Independent Studies |date=2002-12-11 |url=http://www.cis.org.au/Events/acton/acton02.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-10-15}}</ref> The majority of Indonesian Muslims are generally accepting of differing religious practices and interpretations within their own faith.<ref name="islamstudieswom"/> Although the form of worship may differ, Muslims in Indonesia are typically devout; many have made the [[Hajj|pilgrimage]] to [[Mecca]], for example. More Orthodox Muslims believing in a stricter adherence to [[Sharia]] make up a smaller but growing percentage of the population;{{Fact|date=February 2007}} the wearing of a ''[[jilbab]]'', for example, is becoming more common.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} There is a small but outspoken [[Hardline|hard-line]] [[Islamist]] presence in Indonesia, some of which seek to establish Indonesia as an Islamic state. Most Indonesian Muslims, however, are wary of these movements.
 
[[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] was first brought to Indonesia by early Portuguese colonialists and missionaries, and the [[Protestant]] denominations are largely a result of Dutch [[Calvinist]] and [[Lutheran]] missionary efforts during its colonial time. Missionary efforts did not extend to Java or other predominantly Muslim areas. As with Islam and Hinduism, Christian beliefs in Indonesia are sometimes [[syncretism|combined]] with [[animism]] and other traditional beliefs and cultural practices.
 
==Culture and art forms==
{{main|Culture of Indonesia}}
[[Image:WayangKulit Scene Zoom.JPG|thumb|220px|A [[Wayang|Wayang kulit]] shadow puppet performance as seen by the audience]]
 
Indonesia has around three hundred ethnic groups, each with [[Cultural identity|cultural differences]] that have shifted over the centuries. Modern-day Indonesian culture is a fusion of this diversity. Indonesia has also imported cultural aspects from [[Arab|Arabic]], Chinese, Malay and [[European]] sources.
 
Traditional [[Javanese]] and [[Balinese people|Balinese]] dances, for example, contain aspects of [[Hindu]] culture and mythology as does the Javanese and Balinese ''[[Wayang|wayang kulit]]'' ("shadow puppet") shows, depicting mythological events. Cloth such as [[batik]], [[ikat]] and [[songket]] are created across Indonesia with different areas having different styles and specializations. The most dominant influences on [[Indonesian architecture]] have traditionally been [[Indian architecture|Indian]], however, Chinese, Arab, and, particularly from the 19th century, European architecture has had a significant influence. ''[[Pencak Silat]]'' is a unique martial art originating from the archipelago.
[[Image:SOTO FOOD.jpg|thumb|220px|left|A selection of [[Cuisine of Indonesia|Indonesian food]] including ''Soto Ayam'' (chicken noodle soup), ''sate kerang'' ([[satay|shellfish sate]]), ''telor pindang'' (preserved eggs), ''perkedel'' (fritter), and ''es teh manis'' (ice tea)]]
 
Derived from centuries of exchange with Chinese, European, [[Middle East]]ern and Indian influences, Indonesia has developed its [[Cuisine of Indonesia|own distinctive cuisine]], which varies across its regions.<ref>{{cite book |last=Witton |first=Patrick |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=World Food: Indonesia |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] |date=2002 |location=Melbourne |pages= |url= |doi= |id=ISBN 1-74059-009-0}}</ref> Rice is the [[staple food]] of most Indonesian dishes and is served with several [[side dish]]es of meat and/or vegetables. In comparison to the infused flavors of [[Vietnamese food|Vietnamese]] and [[Thai food]], flavors in Indonesia are kept relatively separate, simple and substantial.<ref>{{cite book |last=Brissendon |first=Rosemary |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=South East Asian Food |publisher=Hardie Grant Books |date=2003 |location=Melbourne |pages= |url= |doi= |id=ISBN 1-74066-013-7}}</ref> Spices, notably chilli, and [[coconut milk]] are fundamental ingredients as is fish and chicken, although [[red meat]] tends to be expensive.
 
[[Music of Indonesia|Indonesian music]] varies within cities and groups as people who live in the countryside would listen to a different kind of music than people in the city. Although [[Rock music|rock]] was introduced to Indonesia by the Indonesian [[rock band]] God Bless (see [[Ian Antono]]),<ref>{{id icon}} {{cite web |title=''Ian Antono: Pelopor Gitar Hero Indonesia'' |last=Diaz (editor) |first= |url=http://www.gitaris.com/IanAntono.p |work=Biography of Ian Antono |publisher=Gitaris.com |date=2005}}</ref> native Indonesian music is still preserved. Examples of Indonesian [[Folk music|traditional music]] are ''[[Gamelan]]'' and ''Keroncong''. ''[[Dangdut]]'' is a hugely popular contemporary genre of [[pop music]] partly derived from Arabic, Indian, and Malay folk music. The Indonesian movie industry's popularity peaked in the 1980s and dominated cinemas in Indonesia,<ref name="kompasmovies">{{cite news |last=Kristianto |first=JB |title=Sepuluh Tahun Terakhir Perfilman Indonesia |language=Indonesian |publisher=Kompas |date=2005-07-02 |url=http://www.kompas.com/kompas-cetak/0507/02/Bentara/1857854.htm |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref> although it fell significantly in the [[1990s|early 1990s]].<ref>{{id icon}} {{cite web |title=Kondisi Perfilman di Indonesia (The State of The Film Industry in Indonesia) |work=Panton |url=http://www.geocities.com/Paris/7229/film.htm |format= |doi= |accessdate=2006-10-05}}</ref> As of 2000, however, the industry has improved gradually with a number of successful movies released.<ref name="kompasmovies"/>
 
[[Media of Indonesia|Media]] freedom in Indonesia increased considerably after the end of President [[Suharto]]'s rule, during which the now-defunct Ministry of Information monitored and controlled domestic media and restricted foreign media.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shannon L. |first=Smith |authorlink= |coauthors=Llyod Grayson J. |title=Indonesia Today: Challenges of History |publisher=Singapore : Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |date=2001 |location=Melbourne, Australia |pages= |url= |doi= |id=ISBN 0-7425-1761-6}}</ref> The [[Television|TV]] market includes ten national commercial networks and provincial networks that compete with public [[TVRI]]. Private [[radio station]]s carry their own news bulletins and foreign broadcasters can supply programs. [[Internet]] use is increasing; ''[[Bisnis Indonesia]]'' reported in 2004 that there were 10 million users.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}<!--more recent data, or data showing the increase would be good-->
 
==See also==
{{Indonesian_Topics}}
 
==References==
<div class="references-small">
 
===Bibliography and further reading===
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:1; column-count:1;">
; History
* {{cite book |author=Anderson, Ben |title=''Java in a Time of Revolution: Occupation and Resistance, 1944-1946'' |year=1972 |publisher=Cornell University Press |location=Ithaca, N.Y. |id=ISBN 0-8014-0687-0}}
* Beekman, E.M. (editor), ''Fugitive Dreams: An anthology of Dutch colonial literature'', 2000 Periplus Editions Ltd, Hong Kong, ISBN 0870235753
* Drakeley, S: ''The History of Indonesia'', Westport, Connecticut : Greenwood, 2005, 201 pages, ISBN 0-313-33114-6
* Friend, T ''Indonesian Destinies'', Harvard University Press, 2003, hardcover, 544 pages, ISBN 0-674-01137-6
* [[Giles Milton|Milton, G.]], ''Nathaniel’s Nutmeg: How one man's courage changed the course of history'', 2000 Sceptre; 400 pages, ISBN 0-340-69676-1
* Raffles, T.S. ''The History of Java'', Oxford Univ Pr (T) 1979 (originally published 1817), ISBN 0-19-580347-7
* Ricklefs, M.C, ''A History of Modern Indonesia'' 2002 Stanford University Press; 3rd ed, 512 pages, ISBN 0-8047-4479-3
 
; Politics and economics
* Luwarso, L.(editor), ''Jakarta Crackdown'', 1997, Alliance of Independent Journalists, FORUM-ASIA, & ISAI, 318 pages.
* Schwarz, A. 1999, ''A Nation in Waiting: Indonesia's Search for Stability'', Westview Press; 2nd edition (October 1999), ISBN 0-8133-3650-3
* Llyod G, Smith S, ''Indonesia Today'', Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2001, 343 pages, ISBN 0-7425-1761-6
 
; Travel
* Wallace, A.R., ''The Malay Archipelago'', 1869, 515 pages. (re-released paperback edition by Periplus Editions Ltd, 2000, ISBN 962-593-645-9)
 
; Society
* Magnis-Suseno, F., ''Javanese Ethics and World View: The Javanese idea of the good life'', 1981 (translated from the German 1997), PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, ISBN 979-605-406-X
* Pramoedya, A., ''Tales from Djakarta: caricatures of circumstances and their human beings'', Equinox Publishing (Asia) PTE LTD, 2000 (first published 1963), Jakarta, ISBN 979-95898-1-9
* Koch, C., ''The Year of Living Dangerously'' (fiction), 1978 Michael Joseph Ltd, London
 
; Arts and culture
* Dawson, B., Gillow, J., ''The Traditional Architecture of Indonesia'', 1994 Thames and Hudson Ltd, London, ISBN 0-500-34132-X
* Holt, Claire. '' Art in Indonesia: Continuities and Change ''. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1967
* Richter, A., ''Arts & Crafts of Indonesia'', 1993 Thames and Hudson Ltd, London, 160 pages, ISBN 0-8118-0454-2
* Wijaya, M., ''Architecture of Bali: A source book of traditional and modern forms'', 2002 Archipelago Press, Singapore, 224 pages, ISBN 981-4068-25-X
 
; Natural history
* Whitten, T., Whitten, T, ''Wild Indonesia: The wildlife & scenery of the Indonesian archipelago'', 1992 New Holland Ltd, London, ISBN 1-85368-128-8
* ''The Ecology of Indonesia Series'' (7 volumes), 1996. Periplus Editions
</div>
</div>
 
===Notes===
{{reflist|2}}
 
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Indonesia}}
{{portal}}
; Government
* [http://www.indonesia.go.id/en/ Official site]
* [http://www.antara.co.id/en/ Antara - National News Agency]
* [http://www.bi.go.id/web/en Bank Indonesia - Indonesian Central Bank]
* [http://www.deplu.go.id Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia]
* [http://www.bps.go.id Statistics Center]
 
; Other
* {{wikitravel}}
* [http://www.indonesia-house.org/ Indonesia House]
* [http://www.thejakartapost.com/ The Jakarta Post]
* [http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/indonesia-pol.html Indonesia: Political & Social Issues. An Annotated Directory of Internet Resources] (Anonymous Provider)
 
{{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia}}
<!-- IMPORTANT NOTICE BEFORE YOU ADD ANOTHER INFOBOX:
------------------------------------------------------
We like infoboxes, really, but they serve as additional information, that categorization is not enough. For example, to state who precede whom (timeline), to put compact facts, etc. We have already too many country-related infoboxes, that we think it is too many. If you want to add your infobox, then please consider whether putting this article as a category would suffice your grouping. Otherwise we have to decline your request.
 
Thank you.
------------------------------------------------------ -->
 
<!--Other languages-->
 
<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Indonesia| ]]
[[Category:Island countries]]
[[Category:Bicontinental countries]]
[[Category:Southeast Asian countries]]
[[Category:Republics]]
[[Category:ASEAN members]]
[[Category:D8 nations]]
[[Category:G15 nations]]
[[Category:Constitutional republics]]
 
{{Link FA|hu}}
 
[[Category:Geography Workgroup (Top)]]

Latest revision as of 06:00, 1 September 2024

This article is a stub and thus not approved.
 Main Article
 Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
https://en.citizendium.org/wiki/index.php?title=Indonesia&printable=yes
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Republik Indonesia), is a country in Southeast Asia. It is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, currently the fourth most populous country in the world. As of 2006, Indonesia has a population of 222 million people.[1] The capital and largest city is Jakarta, and the currency is Rupiah. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia.

Heads of state

The Head of State of Indonesia is the president.

  1. Soekarno
  2. Soeharto
  3. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie
  4. Abdurrahman Wahid
  5. Megawati Soekarnoputri
  6. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

Administrative divisions

  1. Aceh
  2. North Sumatra
  3. West Sumatra
  4. Riau
  5. Riau Islands
  6. Jambi
  7. South Sumatra
  8. Bangka-Belitung
  9. Bengkulu
  10. Lampung
  11. Jakarta
  12. Banten
  13. West Java
  14. Central Java
  15. Yogyakarta
  16. East Java
  17. Bali
  18. West Nusa Tenggara
  19. East Nusa Tenggara
  20. West Kalimantan
  21. Central Kalimantan
  22. South Kalimantan
  23. East Kalimantan
  24. North Sulawesi
  25. Gorontalo
  26. Central Sulawesi
  27. West Sulawesi
  28. South Sulawesi
  29. South East Sulawesi
  30. Maluku
  31. North Maluku
  32. West Papua
  33. Papua
Retrieved from "https://citizendium.org/wiki/index.php?title=Indonesia&oldid=975874"