Geography                                                                                                                                                                 [  Top ]

    The Indonesian archipelago lays between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and dividing the pacific and Indian Oceans at the equator. Because of its position on the equator, Indonesia is also known as Emeralds of the Equator. There are approximately 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 islands are inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km. The main islands of Indonesia from the west to the east are: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya.
    Indonesia's climate is tropical. There are only two seasons throughout the year. Between the months of June and September is the dry season. And between the months of December and March is the rainy season. The temperature ranges from 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) to 33 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit).

People                                                                                                                                                                       [  Top ]

    The population of Indonesia had hit its 200 million point and it is still growing with Java as the most populated island in the country. The reason being is because the capital city of the country, Jakarta is located at the island. Although there are more than 300 different ethnic groups with 538 different languages and dialects, Indonesians are united by one national language. It is called Bahasa Indonesia or simply Indonesians. Hence the national motto is "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" which means "Unity in Diversity." Most of the people follow Islam as their religion. Other religions are: Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.

History                                                                                                                                                                       [  Top ]

    The Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese have all occupied Indonesia (named East Indies back then) between the 15th century and the early 20th century with different reasons. The Portuguese came because of the spices East Indies farmlands offered and the major trade routes that passed by the islands. The Dutch was also interested in the trades. They had the oldest colonization in Indonesia for 350 years. The British got a hold of Indonesia because during the Napoleonic War of 1811-1816, the Dutch power overseas was limited. And the Japanese occupied Indonesia in 1942 in order to fulfil their dream.

Government                                                                                                                                                             [  Top ]

    Indonesia declared her independence on August 17, 1945 with Soekarno and Hatta as the first President and Vice President. The structure of the government is unitary republic based on Pancasila (the Five Principles) which is consist of the state philosophy. They are: a belief in one and only God, just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy guided by the inner wisdom of deliberations amongst representatives and social justice for the whole of the people of Indonesia.
    The national flag of Indonesia is Bendera Merah Putih which is made by two colours, red and white. The red colour symbolizes bravery and the white symbolizes serenity and purity. The national anthem is Indonesia Raya. The coat of arms is the Garuda, an eagle of ancient Indonesian mythology, along with a shield of symbols representing the Pancasila and its feet carry the national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika."
    Unfortunately, despite the state philosophy which is democracy, since the New Order in 1966, Indonesia had been under the dictatorship of Soeharto for 32 years. On May 21, 1998, Soeharto resigned as requested by the students and the people of Indonesia. The presidency then was handed over to B.J. Habibie who had to regain the trust and respect from the people as soon as possible to stabilize Indonesia. Ever since then, many riots and turmoil have emerged regarding the politic and economy conditions in Indonesia. Because many secrets and tragedies during Soeharto's dictatorship which are revealed upset the people.