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{{Infobox_Country|
{{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.png |
symbol_type = Coat of arms |
image_map = LocationIndonesia.png |
national_motto = [[Bhinneka Tunggal Ika]]<br>([[Javanese language#Old Javanese|Old Javanese]]/[[Kawi language|Kawi]]: Unity in Diversity)<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 = $977.4 billion |
GDP_PPP_rank = 15th |
GDP_PPP_per_capita = $4,458<ref name="IMF">International Monetary Fund [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]</ref> |
GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 110th |
HDI_year = 2003 |
HDI = 0.697 |
HDI_rank = 110th |
HDI_category = <font color="#FFCC00">medium</font> |
sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
sovereignty_note = From the [[Netherlands]] |
established_event1 = Declared |
established_event2 = Recognised |
established_date1 = [[17 August]] [[1945]] |
established_date2 = [[27 December]] [[1949]] |
currency = [[Rupiah]] |
currency_code = IDR |
time_zone= various |
utc_offset= +7 to +9 |
time_zone_DST= not observed |
utc_offset_DST= +7 to +9|
cctld= [[.id]] |
calling_code = 62 |
footnotes =
}}


'''Indonesia''', officially the '''Republic of Indonesia''' ([[Bahasa Indonesia|Indonesian]]: ''Republik Indonesia''), is a [[island nation|nation of islands]] consisting of 18,110 islands in the [[South East Asia|South East Asian Archipelago]]. The capital is [[Jakarta]], formerly known as Batavia. Indonesia (from [[Greek language|Greek]]: ''indus'' = India ''nesos'' = islands) is the world's largest archipelagic nation, and it is bordered by the nations of [[Papua New Guinea]], [[East Timor]], and [[Malaysia]]. With a population of over 200 million, it is the world's fourth [[List of countries by population|most populous]] country and most populous [[Muslim]]-majority nation.  
== Heads of state ==
The Head of State of Indonesia is the president.
# Soekarno
# Soeharto
# Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie
# Abdurrahman Wahid
# Megawati Soekarnoputri
# Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono


The Indonesian archipelago, specifically [[Java]], was inhabited by ''[[Homo erectus]]'' -- the [[Java Man]] -- about 500,000 years ago, while the island of [[Flores]] was home to what, [[as of 2006]], may be a newly discovered species of [[Hominidae|hominid]], ''[[Homo floresiensis]]''.
== Administrative divisions ==
 
# Aceh
The region was an important trade route to [[China]], thriving in trade of spices. Regional [[Hinduism in Southeast Asia|Hindu kingdoms]] expanded religious and cultural influences of [[Hinduism]] as well as [[Buddhism]], and in the Middle Ages, the islands came under the influence of [[Islam]]. The region was colonized by [[the Netherlands]] as the [[Dutch East Indies]]. The people across many islands rebelled in the early 20th century against Dutch control. After a brief occupation by [[Imperial Japan]] during [[World War II]], nationalists declared independence in 1945, and a united and independent Indonesia was recognized in 1949. It was also recognized by the United Nations in 1950.
# North Sumatra
 
# West Sumatra
Indonesia is a [[unitary state]], and for most of its post-independence history, was first governed by [[Sukarno]], leader of the national independence struggle, and then under controversial and authoritarian [[Suharto]]. Democracy was restored following the [[Indonesian Revolution of 1998|revolution of 1998]]. Although the national language is [[Bahasa Indonesia|Indonesian]] (called ''Bahasa Indonesia'' in Indonesian) and the population is overwhelmingly [[Muslim]], there are several hundred diverse linguistic and ethnic groups across the country, as well as other religious communities. Although Indonesia's economy is progressive and regionally important, the problems of widespread corruption, poverty, illiteracy, political instability and regional separatism remain major issues hindering national development.
# Riau
 
# Riau Islands
==History==
# Jambi
{{Main|History of Indonesia}}
# South Sumatra
{{Verylong-section}}
# Bangka-Belitung
 
# Bengkulu
===Early History and the Spice Trade===
# Lampung
[[Image:Cubeb.jpg|left|thumb|150px|right|Dried berries of Cubeb or Java Pepper]]
# [[Jakarta]]
The area now comprising the archipelago of Indonesia, specifically Java, was inhabited by ''[[Homo erectus]]'' approximately 500,000 years ago, while the island of Flores was home to a newly discovered species of [[Hominidae|hominid]], ''[[Homo floresiensis]]'' until approximately 10,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|title=Homo erectus|last=Heslip|first=Steven|url=http://www.msu.edu/~heslipst/contents/ANP440/erectus.htm|work=ANP 440 course material|publisher=Michigan State University|date=2001}}</ref> The date of the earliest arrival of ''[[Homo Sapiens]]'' into the area was between 40,000 and 100,000 years ago.<ref name='uslib'>{{cite web|title=Indonesia - History|url=http://countrystudies.us/indonesia/3.htm|publisher=U.S. Library of Congress}}</ref> The earliest historical mention of the area was of the Jawa Dwipa [[Hindu]] kingdom in Java and Sumatra around 200 BC by [[Indian subcontinent|Indian]] scholars, and various archeological sites show the influence of the Hindu religion in the area from the first century AD to the fifth century AD.
# Banten
 
# West Java
Under the influences of [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]], several kingdoms formed on the islands of [[Sumatra]] and [[Java (island)|Java]] from the 7th to 14th century. The arrival of [[Arab]]s trading in [[spice]]s later brought [[Islam]], which became the dominant religion in many parts of the archipelago after the collapse of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms.<ref name='uslib'/> When the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] came in early 16th century, they found a multitude of small states vulnerable to the Portuguese, and later other [[Europe|Europeans]], wanting to dominate the [[spice trade]].
# Central Java
 
# Yogyakarta
In the 17th century, the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] became the most powerful of the European powers in the archipielago, preventing the [[Spain|Spanish]] from any attempt to settle down from the neighbouring [[Philippines]] and ousting the Portuguese from their settlements other that their colony of [[Portuguese Timor]] on the island of [[Timor]] which remained Portuguese until the 20th century. The British occupied [[Bencoolen]] (south of [[Sumatra]]) from 1685 to 1824 and built "Fort Marlborough".
# East Java
 
# Bali
===The Dutch===
# West Nusa Tenggara
[[Image:VOC-Amsterdam.svg|thumb|125px|left|The logo of the Amsterdam Chamber of the VOC.]]
# East Nusa Tenggara
Dutch influence started with trading by the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC), a chartered private enterprise constituting a state in all but name, complete with its own fleet and army, which gradually expanded its influence and grip on political matters.<ref>''Sejarah Indonesia: An Online Timeline of Indonesian History'', Gimonca.com, web site  [http://www.gimonca.com/sejarah/sejarah02.shtml "1500 to 1670: Great Kings and Trade Empires"] VOC Colonialisation</ref> Like the British, the Dutch mainly relied on indirect rule, using traditional native elites as [[vassal|vassals]], while imposing their will and extracting major income under supervision by their colonial officials. After VOC was dissolved in 1799 by the [[Batavian Republic]] ([[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon's]] Dutch satellite state) and the political instability from the [[Napoleonic Wars]] including partial British occupation (1811-1816).
# West Kalimantan
 
# Central Kalimantan
Under British occupation, [[Thomas Stamford Raffles]] was appointed as the lieutenant governor of [[Java]] (1811-1816).<ref>{{cite web
# South Kalimantan
  | last = Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research| first = | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title =    Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles| work = History of Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research| publisher = Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, Department of Biological Sciences, The National University of Singapore, Singapore | date = | url = http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/history/raffles.htm  | format =  | doi =  | accessdate = }}</ref> [[Bogor]] Botanical Garden was conceived based on his inspiration. He also wrote "History of Java" book.<ref>{{cite web
# East Kalimantan
  | last = Who2| first = | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title =    Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles| work = | publisher = Who2, LLC| date = 2006| url = http://www.who2.com/thomasstamfordraffles.html  | format =  | doi =  | accessdate = }}</ref> Based on [[Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824]] [[Bencoolen]] (South of [[Sumatra]]) was exchanged for [[Malacca]].
# North Sulawesi
 
# Gorontalo
Based on [[Treaty of Paris (1815)|Treaty of Paris]] (1815), The East Indies were awarded to the [[United Kingdom of the Netherlands]]. Since then, the East Indies were officially ruled as the colonies of the Dutch crown.
# Central Sulawesi
 
# West Sulawesi
There were 3 major rebellions against Dutch occupation:<ref>Regit [http://www.regit.com/regitour/indonesi/about/history.htm "History of Indonesia"]</ref>
# South Sulawesi
# [[Java War]] ([[1825]]-[[1830]]). The rebels were led by Prince [[Diponegoro]] from the kingdom of [[Mataram]], central Java.
# South East Sulawesi
# [[Padri War]] ([[1821]]-[[1837]]) in West [[Sumatra]]. The rebels were led by Tuanku Imam Bonjol.
# Maluku
# [[Aceh]] War ([[1873]]-[[1903]]) in Aceh.
# North Maluku
 
# West Papua
Under the 19th-century [[Cultivation System]] (''Cultuurstelsel''), large plantations and forced cultivation were established on Java, finally creating the profit for the Netherlands that the VOC had been unable to produce.<ref>[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-6189.html "Indonesia - The Java War and Cultivation System"] Data as November 1992.</ref> In a more liberal period of colonial rule after 1870, the Cultivation System was abolished, and after 1901 the Dutch introduced the Ethical Policy, which included limited political reform and increased investment in the colony.
# Papua
 
===Japanese Occupation, Independence & Sukarno===
[[Image:Soekarno Indonesia.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Sukarno]], the leader of Indonesia's struggle for independence and its first president.]]
During [[World War II]], with the Netherlands under [[Germany|German]] [[Military occupation|occupation]], [[Japan]] began a five-prong campaign in December 1941 towards Java and the vital fuel supplies of the [[Dutch East Indies]].<ref>Moser, John (2005). [http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=654 "Turning the Tide in the Pacific, 1941-1943"].</ref> Though Japan captured Java by March 1942, it initially could not find any national leader willing to [[Collaborationism|collaborate]] with the Japanese government against the Dutch. Eventually the Japanese commander ordered [[Sukarno|Sukarno's]] release from his prison island, and in July 1942, Sukarno arrived in Jakarta. Sukarno and his colleagues weren't collaborating with the Japanese occupiers.<ref>Toer, Pramoedya Ananta (1999). [http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/magazine/1999/990823/sukarno1.html "Sukarno"].</ref> In 1945, with the war drawing to a close, Sukarno was made aware of an opportunity to declare [[independence]]. In response to lobbying, Japan agreed to allow Sukarno to establish a committee to plan for independence.<ref>Smitha, Frank E. [http://www.fsmitha.com/h2/ch23t.htm "Independence for Indonesia"].</ref> However, Sukarno and [[Mohammad Hatta]] declared independence unilaterally on [[August 17]] soon after the Japanese lost the war. Following the defeat of Japan in the World War, the [[Royal Netherlands Army|Netherlands' Army]], at first backed by the [[United Kingdom|British]], attempted to reoccupy their former East Indies colonies.<ref> [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/indo-inde.htm "Indonesian War of Independence"] Dutch wanted to reoccupy Indonesia</ref> Indonesia's war for independence lasted from 1945 until [[December 27]], [[1949]] when, under heavy international pressure, especially from the [[United States]], which threatened to cut off [[Marshall Plan]] funds, the Netherlands acknowledged the independence of Indonesia as a [[Federation]] of [[Autonomous entity|autonomous]] states.<ref>[http://www.gipsymoth.org/IVC_Indonesia.asp "Indonesia"] Brief explanation about Indonesia</ref> This federation soon became a [[republic]] with Sukarno as president and Hatta as vice president. ''See [[Indonesian National Revolution]]''. It was not until [[August 17]] [[2005]] that the Dutch [[government]] recognized 1945 as the country's year of independence and expressed regrets over the Indonesian deaths caused by the Netherlands' Army.<ref>The Associated Press (2005).[http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/16/news/Indo.php "Dutch withhold apology in Indonesia"]. Press release.</ref>
 
===The New Order===
[[Image:Soeharto.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[Haji Mohammad Suharto|Suharto]] was the military president of Indonesia from 1967 to 1998.]]
The 1950s and 1960s saw Sukarno's government aligned first with the emerging [[non-aligned movement]] and later with the [[socialist]] bloc. The 1960s saw Indonesia in a military [[Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation|confrontation]] against neighbouring [[Malaysia]], and increasing frustration over domestic economic difficulties.<ref>Jones, Matthew.[http://www.cambridge.org/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=0511056990 "Conflict and Confrontation in South East Asia, 1961–1965"]. Press release.</ref> Army general [[Suharto]] became president in 1967 on the pretext of securing the country against an alleged [[Communism|communist]] coup attempt against a weakening Sukarno, whose tilt leftward had alarmed both the military and Western powers. In the aftermath of Suharto's rise, hundreds of thousands of people were killed or imprisoned by the military and religious groups in a backlash against alleged communist supporters.<ref>Roosa, John and Nevins, Joseph (2005) [http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=ROO20051105&articleId=1187 "40 Years Later: The Mass Killings in Indonesia"]</ref> Suharto's administration is commonly called the ''[[New Order (Indonesia)|New Order]]'' era.<ref>The Library Congress. [http://www.indonesiaphoto.com/content/view/102/46/ "History of Indonesia #10"].</ref> Suharto invited major foreign [[investment]], which produced substantial, if uneven, economic growth. However, Suharto enriched himself and his family through widespread [[political corruption|corruption]] and was forced to step down amid massive popular demonstrations and a faltering economy by the [[Indonesian Revolution of 1998]].<ref>Parker, Randall (2004). [http://www.parapundit.com/archives/002017.html "Suharto Of Indonesia Embezzled Most Of Any Modern Leader"].</ref> From 1998 to 2005, the country had four [[President of Indonesia|presidents]]: [[Jusuf Habibie|Bacharuddin Jusuf (BJ) Habibie]] (1998 to 1999), [[Abdurrahman Wahid]] (1999 to 2001), [[Megawati Sukarnoputri]] (2001 to 2004) and [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] (2004 to Current).<ref>Clara, Renee. [http://www.kidsnewsroom.org/newsissues/100804/index.asp?page=AroundWorld "AROUND THE WORLD 1: Indonesia Elects President"].</ref> On May 21, 1998, President Suharto announced his resignation and ask Indonesian Vice President DR BJ Habibie to become the new Indonesian President. <!--DR BJ Habibie was a famous aircraft designer and former Indonesian minister of research and technology. He was the chief of Indonesian Nurtanio Aircraft Industry (IPTN) (now become PT Dirgantara Indonesia). President Habibie was born in [[Makassar]], [[Sulawesi]] and become the first Indonesian President from outside Java.<ref>[http://www.travelactiv.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=116&lang=en "Indonesia"]. Brief history about Indonesia.</ref>-->
 
===''Reformasi''===
President BJ Habibie promised a multiparty, free, democratic election in 1999.<ref>Farnsworth, Elizabeth (1999). [http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/july-dec99/indonesia_7-8a.html "The Count Continues"].</ref> He encouraged freedom of the press.<ref>[http://www.freemedia.at/cms/ipi/freedom_detail.html?country=/KW0001/KW0005/KW0117/&year=1999 "World Press Freedom Review"]. Written by International Press Institute about press freedom.</ref> His presidency was plagued by various bloody conflicts, both long-running ones in [[Aceh]] and [[West Papua]] and new ones in [[Maluku (Indonesian province)|Maluku]], [[Poso]] (Sulawesi), and [[Kalimantan]]. There was a major financial scandal (Bank Bali case) related to his friends and the staff of his political party.<ref>New York Times 1999[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/i/international_monetary_fund/index.html?query=BANK%20BALI&field=org&match=exact "WORLD BUSINESS BRIEFING: ASIA; MOVEMENT IN BANK BALI SCANDAL"]</ref> On 1999, President BJ Habibie agreed to hold a [[referendum]] in [[East Timor]].<ref>Evenson, Paul (2006). [http://www.infoplease.com/spot/easttimor1.html "East Timor Factsheet"].</ref> The result of the referendum was an overwhelming vote for independence from Indonesia. After the announcement of the result, there was a bloody riot in East Timor by the angry pro-Indonesia militia. The militia burned down houses, shops, schools, churches, government buildings and hundreds of people were killed.<ref>Hefner, Robert W (2000). [http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/csrpl/RINVol3No1/east_timor.htm "Religious Ironies in East Timor"].</ref> The UN sent a peace keeping force to East Timor (UNTAET). The [[UN Human Rights Commission]] alleged that several Indonesian government staff and military officers were responsible for the riot. The Indonesian Human Rights Court freed all but one suspect. The only suspect punished for the human rights violation during the riot was Enrico Gutierrez, a former leader of the pro-Indonesia militia.<ref>[http://www.my-world-guide.com/country/118 Indonesia]. Brief explanation about Indonesia.</ref>
 
There was a general election for members of Indonesian parliament MPR (''Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat'' or People's Consultative Assembly) and ''Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat'' (DPR) or People Representative Council in 1999 and 2004. In the same 2004 election, people also voted for members of a new parliament body called ''Dewan Perwakilan Daerah'' (DPD) or Provinces Representative Council. In 1999, the parliament (MPR) rejected President Habibie's accountability speech because of the result of the East Timor referendum.<ref>World Socialist Website. [http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/oct1999/ind-o16.shtml President Habibie's speech to Parliament]</ref> President Habibie decided to resign and refused to run for a second term.
 
The parliament chose [[Abdurrahman Wahid|KH Abdulrahman Wahid]] (aka Gus Dur) as the new Indonesian President from 1999 to 2004. KH Abdulrahman Wahid was the leader of the most powerful Indonesian Islamic organization, Nadathul Ulama (NU). Unfortunately, he was plagued by serious health problems after a stroke (before he became the Indonesian President).<ref>Barber, Greg (2001). [http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/asia/indonesia/wahid_6-01.html "Abdurrahman Wahid"]. Press release.</ref> The parliament also chose [[Megawati Sukarnoputri]] as the new Indonesian Vice President. In 2001 the same parliament voted "No confidence" after a corruption scandal ([[BULOG]] fund) and a political crisis, forcing President Wahid to resign.<ref>[http://www.indonesianembassy-china.com/indoI.htm Indonesia I]. Brief explanation about Indonesia.</ref>
 
Megawati Sukarnoputri succeeded the former President Wahid as the new Indonesian president from 2001 to 2004. She is the daughter of the first Indonesian President, Ir. Sukarno, and the leader of PDI-P, which was the winner of 1999 election.<ref name='indoelect'>[http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Indonesian/Indonesian_Elections/Election_text.htm Indonesian Elections]. Elections in Indonesia since 1955 until 2004</ref> Indonesia's first direct presidential election was held in 2004, in which [[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]] defeated Megawati.<ref name='indoelect'>http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Indonesian/Indonesian Elections/Election text.htm Indonesian Elections]. Elections in Indonesia since 1955 until 2004</ref>
 
==Government and politics==
[[Image:20041120-6 bushindonesiamtg1-515h cropped.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono]], the President of Indonesia.]]
<!--Please add new information into relevant articles of the series-->
{{morepolitics|country=Indonesia}}
Indonesia is a [[republic]] with a [[presidential system]], and a [[unitary state]] with power concentrated with the national government. The [[President of Indonesia]] is directly-elected for five-year terms, and is the [[head of state]], [[commander-in-chief]] of Indonesian armed forces and responsible for domestic governance and policy-making and foreign affairs. The president appoints a council of ministers, who do not have to be elected members of the legislature.
 
The highest legislative body is the ''Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat'' or 'People's Consultative Assembly', consisting of the ''Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat'' (DPR, Deputy Speaker: [[Agung Laksono]]) or [[People's Representative Council]], elected for a five-year term, and the ''Dewan Perwakilan Daerah'' or [[Regional Representatives Council]]. Following elections in 2004, the MPR became a [[bicameral]] [[parliament]], with the creation of the DPD as its second chamber in an effort to increase regional representation.<ref>Indonesian Embassy, China, [http://www.indonesianembassy-china.com/indoR.htm ''Regional Representatives Council'']</ref>
 
During the regime of president Suharto, Indonesia built strong relations with the [[United States]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Online Transcript|last=Wiryono|first=S|url=http://www.kbri-canberra.org.au/archives/1996/101096.html|work=Address by Indonesian Ambassador to Australia to Course 35/96 of the RAN Staff College Sydney|publisher=Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Canberra|date=1996}}</ref> and had difficult relations with the [[People's Republic of China]] owing to Indonesia's anti-communist policies and domestic tensions with the Chinese community<ref>{{cite web|title=Discrimination against Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia|last=Indonesian Legal Studies Foundation|first=|url=http://www.hurights.or.jp/asia-pacific/043/focus43.pdf|work=FOCUS Asia=Pacific, Vol.43, pp2-3|publisher=Asia-Pacific Human Rights Information Center (HURIGHTS OSAKA)|date=March 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Discrimination against Ethnic Chinese in Indonesia|last=Human Rights Watch|first=|url=http://hrw.org/english/docs/1998/02/11/indone8880.htm|work=|publisher=HRW.org, New York|date=2 Nov 1997}}</ref>.
 
It received international condemnation for its annexation of [[East Timor]] in 1978.<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> Indonesia is a founding member of the [[Association of South East Asian Nations]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Country Profile Indonesia: Great Archipelago of Diversity|last=BERNAMA|url=http://webevents.bernama.com/events/aseansummit/prof_indonesia.php|work=BERNAMA.com: 11th Annual ASEAN Summit 2005|publisher=BERNAMA|date=6 Dec 2001}}</ref> and thereby a member of both [[ASEAN+3]] and the [[East Asia Summit]]. Since the 1980s, Indonesia has worked to develop close political and economic ties between South East Asian nations, and is also influential in the [[Organization of Islamic Conference]]. Indonesia was heavily criticized between 1998 and 1999 for allegedly suppressing human rights in East Timor, and for supporting violence against the East Timorese following the latter's secession and independence in 1999.<ref>International Religious Freedom Report in 2002 http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/13873.htm</ref>
 
Following the loss of [[East Timor]] in 1999, the Indonesian Government has found considerable, but not complete success in managing separatist issues in Aceh and Papua.  Under the administration of President Yudhoyono, a cease fire agreement was reached with the [[Free Aceh Movement]] (''Gerakan Aceh Merdeka'' or GAM) in 2006, and in Papua there has been a significant, albeit imperfect, implementation of regional autonomy laws, and a reported lessening 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> In 2006, sensitivities over the Papua issue resulted in the Indonesian Government recalling its ambassador to [[Australia]] following that country's government granting protection visas to 42 Papuan asylum seekers.<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|250px|thumb|National flags at the explosion site in Kuta, Bali]]
After the [[2002 Bali bombing]], terrorist activities have become increasing significant in Indonesia. The bombing, in which 202 people, including 164 international tourists died, destroyed two nightclubs in [[Kuta]], [[Bali]].<ref>{{cite news
  | last =
  | first =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Commemoration of 3rd anniversy 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> By looking at the number of international tourist deaths, the terrorist activity has been taken very seriously not only by the Indonesian government, but also international world, including [[Australia]], [[The United States]] and [[The United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Cambrensis
  | first = Giraldius
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Australia: Islamist Bomb Threats Taken Seriously
  | work =
  | publisher = Western Resistance
  | date = 2006-03-08
  | url = http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/002708.html
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate =  }}</ref> Since 2001, the government of Indonesia has co-operated with the U.S. in cracking down on [[Islamic fundamentalism]] and terrorist groups.<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> Over the next four years there were several other terrorist attacks including the [[2003 Marriott Hotel bombing]], [[2004 Jakarta embassy bombing]] and [[2005 Bali bombing]]. As a result, a number of countries have issued travel warnings for international tourists and workers.<ref>{{cite web
  | last =| first =| authorlink =| coauthors =| title = Travel Warning: Indonesia| work =| publisher = US Embassy, Jakarta| date = 2005-5-10| url =http://www.usembassyjakarta.org/news/trv_warning02.html| format =| doi =| accessdate =  }} </ref>
 
==Administrative divisions==
{{Main|Provinces of Indonesia|Subdivisions of Indonesia}}
[[Image:Indonesia_provinces_english.png|right|thumb|300px|Map of the provinces of Indonesia<br><small>click image for greater detail</small>]]
Indonesia currently has 33 [[provinces]], of which three have special status and one is a special capital region. The provinces are subdivided into [[Regencies of Indonesia|regencies]] and [[Cities of Indonesia|cities]], which are further subdivided into [[Sub-districts of Indonesia|sub-districts]].
 
The provinces are:
[[Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam]]*,
[[Bali]],
[[Bangka-Belitung]],
[[Banten]],
[[Bengkulu]],
[[Gorontalo]],
[[West Irian Jaya]] (''Irian Jaya Barat''),
[[Jakarta]]*,
[[Jambi]],
[[West Java]] (''Jawa Barat''),
[[Central Java]] (''Jawa Tengah''),
[[East Java]] (''Jawa Timur''),
[[West Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Barat''),
[[South Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Selatan''),
[[East Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Timur''),
[[Central Kalimantan]] (''Kalimantan Tengah''),
[[Riau Islands]] (''Kepulauan Riau''),
[[Lampung]],
[[Maluku (Indonesian province)|Maluku]],
[[North Maluku]] (''Maluku Utara''),
[[West Nusa Tenggara]] (''Nusa Tenggara Barat''),
[[East Nusa Tenggara]] (''Nusa Tenggara Timur''),
[[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]]*,
[[Riau]],
[[West Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Barat''),
[[South Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Selatan''),
[[Central Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Tengah''),
[[South East Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Tenggara''),
[[North Sulawesi]] (''Sulawesi Utara''),
[[West Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Barat''),
[[South Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Selatan''),
[[North Sumatra]] (''Sumatera Utara''),
[[Yogyakarta]]*.
 
(*) The provinces which have special status.
 
The special territories have more autonomy from the central government than other provinces, and so have unique legislative privileges: the Acehnese government has the right to create an independent legal system, and instituted a form of ''[[sharia]]'' (Islamic Law) in 2003; Yogyakarta remains a sultanate whose sultan (currently the widely popular Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X) is the territory's de facto governor for life. [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]] (formerly called ''Irian Jaya'') has had special status since 2001. The special capital region is [[Jakarta]]. Though Jakarta is a single city, it is administered much as any other Indonesian province. For example, Jakarta has a governor (instead of a mayor), and is divided into several sub-regions with their own administrative systems.
 
[[East Timor]] was occupied by Indonesia from 1975 following a military invasion, until Indonesia relinquished its claims in 1999 after years of bitter fighting against East Timor [[guerrilla warfare|guerrillas]] and abuses by Indonesian military forces against the East Timorese civilians. Following a period of [[United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor|transitional administration by the UN]], it became an [[independent state]] in 2002.
 
==Geography==
[[Image:Indonesia - Sangeang Api.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Indonesia is a country with many volcanic islands. Sangeang Api Island is an example.]]
{{Main|Geography of Indonesia}}
 
At 1,919,440 [[square kilometre|km²]] (''741,050 [[square miles|mi²]]''), <ref name="ciarank">{{cite web
  | last = Central Intelligence Agency
  | first =
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Rank Order Area
  | work = The World Factbook
  | publisher = US [[CIA]], Washington, DC
  | date = 2006-09-07
  | url = https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/rankorder/2147rank.html
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate =  2006-09-17}}</ref> Indonesia is the world's 16th-largest country in area and its population density of 120.5 people per square kilometer ranks 98th in the world.
 
[[Image:Mahameru-volcano.jpeg|thumb|200px|left|Indonesia's seismic and volcanic activity is among the Earth's highest]]
Indonesia's [[Islands of Indonesia|18,108 islands]], of which about 6,000 are inhabited,<ref>{{cite web
  | last =
  | first =
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Indonesian Geography
  | work = U.S. Library of Congress
  | publisher = Country Studies - Indonesia
  | date =
  | url = http://countrystudies.us/indonesia/28.htm
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate =  }} </ref> are scattered around the [[equator]], giving the country a [[tropical climate]]. The most populated islands are [[Java (island)|Java]] (one of the most densely populated regions on Earth, where about half of the population lives), [[Sumatra]], [[Borneo]] (shared with [[Malaysia]] and [[Brunei]]), [[New Guinea]] (shared with [[Papua New Guinea]]) and [[Sulawesi]], also known as Celebes. Indonesia borders Malaysia on the island of Borneo ([[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]: [[Kalimantan]]), Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea and [[East Timor]] on the island of [[Timor]]. In addition to the capital city of Jakarta, principal cities of high population include [[Surabaya]], [[Bandung]], [[Medan]], [[Palembang]], and [[Semarang]].
 
Its location on the edges of [[tectonic plate]]s, specifically the Pacific, Eurasian, and Australian, means Indonesia is frequently hit by [[earthquake]]s and the resulting [[tsunami]]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> the most famous being the now-vanished [[Krakatoa|Krakatau]] (''Krakatoa'') which was located between Sumatra and Java. Flora and fauna differ markedly between [[Kalimantan]], [[Bali]], and western islands on the one hand and [[Sulawesi]] (Celebes), [[Lombok]], and islands further east on the other. This ecological boundary has been called the [[Wallace line]] after its discoverer. The line is often given as the boundary between Asia and Australasia, as such making Indonesia a [[bicontinental country]]. 45% of Indonesia is covered by [[forest]]s.<ref>{{cite web
  | last =
  | first =
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Indonesia
  | work = Global Virtual University
  | publisher = Globalis
  | date =
  | url = http://globalis.gvu.unu.edu/country.cfm?Country=ID
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate =  }}</ref>
 
===Recent Natural Disasters===
A massive [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|earthquake and tsunami]] on [[26 December]] [[2004]] devastated parts of northern [[Sumatra]], particularly [[Aceh]]. On March 2005, a powerful earthquake destroyed most buildings on Nias Island, west of Sumatra. Hundreds of people were killed. Partly as a result of the need for cooperation and peace during the recovery from the tsunami in Aceh, peace talks between the Indonesian government and Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM, the [[Free Aceh Movement]]) were restarted and have borne fruit in a peace agreement. Under the agreement, GAM is in the process of being disarmed by international observers and Indonesian troops are being completely withdrawn from the region. GAM members are being permitted to run for office in the region, in a break with the Constitutional requirement that all parties that run for elections must have nationwide support. On the morning of Saturday, May 27, 2006, the city of [[Yogyakarta]] was struck by a [[2006 Java earthquake|severe earthquake]]. The worst devastation was in Bantul district of Yogyakarta. More than 6,000 people are currently estimated to have died.<ref>Sydney Morning Herald (May 28, 2006) [http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/more-than-3500-killed-in-java-quake/2006/05/28/1148754855669.html ''More than 3500 killed in Java quake''].</ref>
 
''See also:'' [[Asia#Map|Map of Asia]]
 
==Economy==
[[Image:Indonesian Rupiah.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Indonesian rupiah]].]]
{{Main|Economy of Indonesia}}
Major agricultural products include [[palm oil]], [[rice]], [[tea]], [[coffee]], [[spice]]s and [[rubber]]. Some big industries in Indonesia are [[petroleum]] and [[natural gas]], [[textiles]], [[apparel]] and [[mining]]. [[Bank Indonesia]], the country's [[central bank]] was established in 1974 and received its independent central bank status in 1999<ref>Banking With The Poor Network [http://www.bwtp.org/arcm/indonesia/II_Organisations/Supporting_Organisations/Bank_Indonesia.htm Bank Indonesia overview]</ref>. In 2005, the industrial production growth rate was 4.8%, made Indonesia on the 73th place on the world rank. Indonesia's major trading partners are [[Japan]], the [[United States]], [[Singapore]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Australia]].
 
The country has extensive natural resources outside Java, including [[crude oil]], [[natural gas]], [[tin]], [[copper]] and [[gold]]. Indonesia is the world’s largest LNG producer, exporting about 20% of the world’s total volume in 2002.<ref>Energy Information Administration 2004, [http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/analysispaper/global/exporters.html ''The Global LNG Market, LNG Exporters''] Washington DC, <small> viewed 17 Sept 2006</small></ref> Apparently, in 2005, the income from exports was larger than the import's expenditure with $83.64 billion and $62.02 billion  respectively. Indonesia's imports commodities include [[machinery]] and [[equipment]], [[chemicals]], [[fuels]], [[foodstuffs]].<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref>
 
Despite being the only East Asian member of [[OPEC]], Indonesia's fuel production has declined significantly over the years, owing to aging oil fields and lack of investment in new equipment. As a result, despite being an exporter of crude oil, Indonesia is now a net importer of oil and had previously subsidized fuel prices to keep prices low, costing [[US$]] 7 billion in 2004.<ref>{{cite news
  | last = Guerin| first = B.| coauthors = | title = Tigers count the cost of easing fuel subsidies| work = Asia Times Online| pages = | language = English| publisher = Asia Times Online Ltd, Bangkok| date = Mar 10, 2005| url = http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GC10Ae04.html| accessdate =  }}</ref> The current president has mandated a significant reduction of government subsidy of fuel prices in several stages.<ref>{{cite news
  | last = BBC News| first = | coauthors = | title = Indonesia plans to slash fuel aid| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[BBC]], [[London]]| date = 31 August 2005| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4200100.stm| accessdate =  }}</ref> In order to alleviate economic hardships, the government has offered one-time subsidies to qualified citizens. The government has stated to reduce subsidies, aiming to reduce the budget deficit to 1% of [[gross domestic product]] (GDP) this year, down from around 1.7% last year. The real [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP) of Indonesia is projected to reach 5.2% in the second half year of 2006.<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 = August 7, 2006| url = http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2006/pn0691.htm| format = | doi = | accessdate =  }}</ref>
 
Since the late 1990s, Indonesia's economy suffered a drastic downturn followed by an at times patchy and slow recovery.  This was due not only to the [[Asian financial crisis|financial crisis]] that struck much of east Asia at the time, but also, due to corruption at all levels 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>
 
Indonesia has received many aids in economic sector, which are varies in bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental organization ([[NGO]]). In addition to this, although Indonesia finished its [[IMF]] program in December [[2003]], the country still receives bilateral aid through the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) which reached $2.8 billion for [[2004]] and [[2005]]. Another aid was intended for the post-Tsunami reconstruction in [[Aceh]] through the NGO and reached $5 billion. The total of aid for Indonesia is $43 billion.<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref>
 
{{see also|Education in Indonesia}}
 
==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Indonesia}}
 
Indonesia's population statistics are difficult to estimate. In the 2000 national census, an initial population estimate of 203 million was recorded, where most of the population of [[Aceh]] was estimated from previous counts as the conflict meant that a survey was not possible, as were hard-to-reach regions of [[Papua (Indonesian province)|Papua]], although later the Indonesian government later revised the estimate up to 206 million.<ref name='bps2000'>{{cite web  | last = BPS-Statistics Indonesia| first = | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title = ''BRIEF ANALYSIS''| work = 2000 Population Statistics| publisher = BPS-Statistics Indonesia  | date = 30 June 2000| url = http://www.bps.go.id/sector/population/pop2000.htm | format =  | doi =  | accessdate = }}</ref> The country's Central Statistics Bureau and ''Statistics Indonesia'' quote 222 million as the population for 2006,<ref>{{cite conference
  | first =
  | last =
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors = Indonesian Central Statistics Bureau
  | title = Tingkat Kemiskinan di Indonesia Tahun 2005-2006
  | booktitle =
  | pages =
  | publisher = Indonesian Central Statistics Bureau
  | date = 2006-09-01
  | location = Indonesia
  | url = http://www.bps.go.id/releases/files/kemiskinan-01sep06.pdf#search=%22bps%20indonesia%202006%20penduduk%22
  | doi =
  | id =
  | accessdate = 2006-09-26}}</ref> while the [[CIA Factbook]] estimates are over 245 million<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref>.
<!--Non-governmental and international sources report that Indonesia's current population is estimated to be over 280 million{{citation needed}}.-->It should be noted that CIA Factbook quotes a growth rate far higher at 1.45% versus less than 1% for BPS-Statistics Indonesia. Some parts of Indonesia are some of the most densely populated areas in the world: for example, [[Java (island)|Java]] is the most populous island in the world.<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Calder
  | first = Joshua
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = Most Populous Islands
  | work =
  | publisher =
  | date = 2006-05-03
  | url = http://www.worldislandinfo.com/POPULATV2.htm
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate = 2006-09-26 }}</ref>
 
===Ethnic groups===
Indonesia's population can be roughly divided into two groups. The west of the country is mostly occupied by [[Malay people|Malay]] people, while the east is more Pacific and people on the island of New Guinea are Papuan, with roots in the islands of [[Melanesia]]. There are many more subdivisions, since Indonesia spans an area the size of Europe or the USA and consists of many islands that to a large degree had separate developments. Many Indonesians identify with a more specific ethnic group that is often linked to language and regional origins; examples of these are [[Javanese]], [[Sundanese]], or [[Batak (Indonesia)|Batak]]. There are also quite different groups within many islands, such as [[Borneo]], with its [[Dayak]] and [[Punan]], who have different lifestyles and skintones. The total number of ethnic in Indonesia is 300 and the total number of different dialects is 742.<ref name='expat'>{{cite web|last = Expat Web Site Association|first =|authorlink =|coauthors =|title = An Overview of Indonesia|work = Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates| publisher = Expat Web Site Association, Jakarta  |date =|url = http://www.expat.or.id/info/overview.html|format =  |doi =|accessdate =}}</ref><ref>{{cite web  | last = Merdekawaty  | first = E.  | authorlink =  | coauthors =  | title = "Bahasa Indonesia" and anguages 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 ethnic Chinese, Indians and Arabs are concentrated mostly in urban areas.
 
Indonesia is a diverse country not without its ethnic tensions, particularly between Indonesians of [[Indonesian Chinese|Chinese ethnicity]] and the Pribumi peoples, who are considered natives of Indonesia,<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Ocorandi
  | first = M.
  | authorlink =
  | coauthors =
  | title = An Analysis of the Implication of Suharto's resignation for Chinese Indonesians
  | work =
  | publisher = Worldwide HuaRen Peace Mission
  | date = 1998-05-28
  | url = http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54b/083.html
  | format =
  | doi =
  | accessdate = 2006-09-26 }}</ref> "Non-Pribumi" people are not always considered entirely Indonesian.<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> The [[Jakarta Riots of May 1998|riots in Jakarta in 1997 and 1998]] highlight this recurring tension. Ethnic relations are strained mostly due to a perception that the Chinese community is too rich relative to the Pribumis.<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> The Chinese community, representing 0.9% of the population, is on average wealthier than the Pribumis,{{fact}} and positions of power and influence in the business sphere are indeed held by relatively few very wealthy ethnic Chinese Indonesians.{{fact}} However, some of the resentment may be against the shopkeepers and more or less small-time creditors who constitute much of the Chinese Indonesian community.{{fact}} Chinese people occupied these roles under Dutch rule, and were used as middlemen and treated as second-class citizens, while Pribumi peasants and laborers were treated as third-class citizens.{{fact}} Chinese-owned shops and the families living and working in storefront dwellings were targets of much of the wrath of the rioters. The Indonesian government is attempting to remedy problems which helped trigger the riots,<ref name='migcon'>{{cite paper
  | author = Pudjiastuti, T. N.
  | title = Migration & Conflict in Indonesia
  | version =
  | publisher = International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), Paris
  | date = 2002
  | url = http://www.iussp.org/Bangkok2002/S15Pudjiastuti.pdf
  | format =
  | accessdate = 2006-09-17 }}</ref> but due to widespread corruption and discontent experienced by poorer Indonesians, ethnic harmony is slow in coming. The [[Political corruption|corruption]], [[collusion]], and [[nepotism]] ('KKN' is the Indonesian abbreviation) which characterized Suharto presidency, built up a public resentment that led to the eventual downfall of the Orde Baru (New Order) regime but also clearly exacerbated ethnic tensions in Indonesia.<ref>{{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 =}}{{id icon}}</ref>
 
The Government sponsored [[Transmigration program|transmigration]] since independence through to the late 1990s, has in part contributed to spread of Muslim peoples from highly populated Java in the west towards eastern Indonesia. Another type of ethnic conflict that occurs with some frequency and lethality in certain areas of Indonesia<!--this part of sentence is not a statement, thus don't need citation--> is between people with deep roots in those areas and Javanese and [[Madurese]] people whose internal migration ([[Transmigration program|transmigrasi]]) to those areas was facilitated by the central government.<ref name='migcon'>Migration and Conflict in Indonesia http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:86yBc4KkQCkJ:www.iussp.org/Bangkok2002/S15Pudjiastuti.pdf+indonesia+migration+conflict&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=1</ref> This type of conflict often takes on religious overtones, too, as Muslim Javanese and Madurese find themselves in areas which were predominantly Christian or animist. A particularly horrific example of this type of ethnic violence occurred in West Kalimantan, where some members of the local [[Dayak]] community massacred hundreds of Madurese, and the survivors ran for their lives.<ref>
Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research  [http://www.preventconflict.org/portal/main/maps_kalimantan_conflict.php Conflicy in Kalimantan]</ref> Other fatal conflicts, which were at least partly sparked by differences between internal migrants and members of the pre-existing local population, include [[Ambon City|Ambon]],<ref>Proposal Pemecahan Masalah Kerusuhan di Ambon http://www.fica.org/hr/ambon/idRusuh1.html</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]] (formerly known as Irian Jaya).
 
<!--The formerly large, influential [[Eurasian (mixed ancestry)|Eurasian]] community (locally known as [[Indo]]) has largely left the country for the Netherlands, the United States, and Australia,{{fact}} but some Eurasians remain in Indonesia and many are highly esteemed models and soap opera stars.{{fact}}-->
 
===Languages===
The official national language, [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] (called ''Bahasa Indonesia'' in Indonesian), is universally taught in schools and is spoken by nearly every Indonesian. It is arguably the greatest national unifying tool for a country made up of hundreds of different ethnic and linguistic groups. It is the language of business, politics, national media, education and academia. Yet, in isolated areas even on the major islands it is not uncommon to find villagers who are not familiar with Indonesian. It was originally a [[lingua franca]] for most of the region, including present-day [[Malaysia]] (and is thus closely related to [[Malay language|Malay]]), accepted by the Dutch as the [[de facto]] language for the colony, and declared the official language after independence.
 
Most Indonesians speak at least one of the several hundreds of local languages (''bahasa daerah'') as their first tongue, with [[Javanese language|Javanese]] the most widely-spoken being the language of the country's largest ethnic group.<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref>
 
Although [[Islam]] is the dominant religion, [[Arabic]] is not spoken in Indonesia, except for some religious functions, although even then, Indonesian is mostly used.
 
===Religion===
[[Image:Istiqlal.jpg|200px|left|thumb|Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta]]
[[Image:Map Indonesian religions.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Indonesia religions map]]
{{Main|Religion in Indonesia}}
Islam is [[Islam in Indonesia|Indonesia's main religion]], with almost 86% of Indonesians declared Muslim according to the 2000 [[census]],<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia - The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/id.html</ref> making Indonesia the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. The remaining population is 11% [[Christianity|Christian]] (of which roughly two-thirds are [[Protestant]] with the remainder mainly [[Catholic]], and a large minority [[Charismatic movement|Charismatic]]), 2% [[Hindu]] and 1% [[Buddhism|Buddhist]]. Before the arrival of the [[Abrahamic]] faiths of Christianity and Islam in the [[Malay Archipelago]], the popular beliefs in region had been thoroughly influenced by [[Indic]] religious philosophy through [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]. Although Islam was once mainly practised in Java and parts of Sumatra, the [[transmigration program]] has increased the number of Muslims living in [[Bali]], [[Borneo]], the Celebes, the Moluccas, and [[Papua]]. After independence, [[syncretism]] and [[intermarriage]] has decreased somewhat and religious divides sharpened, leading to communal violence in many eastern islands and in Java. Although only about 3% of Indonesians are officially Hindu, Indonesian beliefs are too complex to classify as belonging to a single world [[religion]]. In [[Hinduism in Java|Java]] in particular, a substantial number of Muslims follow a non-orthodox, Hindu-influenced form of Islam known as [[Abangan]],<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, <small>viewed 17 Sept 2006</small> ISBN979-605-406-x</ref>while across the archipelago the Hindu legacy, along with the older mystic traditions, influences popular beliefs. In areas of [[North Sumatra]] and Borneo, mystic traditions sometimes blend with Christianity to form mixed belief systems. In recent decades, Hinduism has [[Hindu Revival in Indonesia|shown a resurgence]] in Muslim strongholds including the center, Java. The phenomenon of "reconversion" is thought to be especially accelerated, and has roots in not just religious sentiment, but Indonesian nationalism.
 
==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Indonesia}}
[[Image:WayangKulit Scene Zoom.JPG|thumb|[[Wayang|Wayang kulit]] as seen by the audience]]
 
Indonesia has around 300 ethnic groups each with cultural differences which have shifted over the centuries. One example is the [[Borobudur|Borobudur temple]], which is a mix of [[Hinduism]] and [[Javanese]] culture, as it was built by a Javanese dynasty, the [[Sailendra]]. Indonesia has also imported cultural aspects from [[Arab|Arabic]], Chinese, Malay and even [[European]] sources.
 
Art forms in Indonesia have been influenced by several cultures. The famous [[Javanese]] and [[Balinese people|Balinese]] dances, for example, contain aspects of [[Hindu]] culture and mythology. Also well-known are the Javanese and Balinese [[Wayang|wayang kulit]] shadow theatre shows, displaying several mythological events. Several islands are famous for their [[batik]], [[ikat]] and [[songket]] cloth.
 
''[[Pencak Silat]]'' is a unique martial art originating from the archipelago.
 
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 was introduced in Indonesia by Indonesian [[rock band]], God Bless (see [[Ian Antono]]),<ref>{{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}}{{id icon}}</ref> native Indonesian music is still preserved. Examples of Indonesian traditional music are [[Gamelan]] and Keroncong. A more modern form of Indonesian native music is [[Dangdut]].
 
[[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 = Melbourse, Australia
  | pages =
  | url =
  | doi =
  | id = ISBN 0-7425-1761-6 }}</ref> The [[Television|TV]] market includes 10 national commercial networks, which compete with public [[TVRI]]. Some provinces also operate their own stations. Private [[radio station]]s carry their own news bulletins and foreign broadcasters can supply programmes. The radio dial is crowded, with scores of stations on the air in [[Jakarta]] alone. [[Internet]] use is increasing ''[[Bisnis Indonesia]]'' reported in 2004 that there were 10 million users.<!--more recent data, or data showing the increase would be good-->
 
==See also==
{{Indonesian_Topics}}
 
==Further reading==
* Llyod G and Smith S, ''Indonesia Today'', Lanham, Maryland : Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2001, 343 pages, ISBN 0-7425-1761-6
* Theodore Friend, ''Indonesian Destinies'', [http://www.hup.harvard.edu/ Harvard University Press], 2003, hardcover, 544 pages, ISBN 0-674-01137-6
* Steven Drakeley: ''The history of Indonesia'', Westport, Connecticut : Greenwood, 2005, 201 pages, ISBN 0-313-33114-6
* Extensive list of Indonesian conflict related resources on [http://studikonflik.blogspot.com/2006/03/conflict-and-violence-working.html Blogger.com by ''studi konflik indonesia'']
 
==Notes==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references />
</div>
 
==External links==
{{portal}}
{{sisterlinks|Indonesia}}
===Government===
* [http://www.indonesia.go.id/ National Portal of Republic of Indonesia] {{id icon}}
* [http://www.presidensby.info/index.php/eng/index.html Presidential official website]
* [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]
 
===Other===
* [[Indonesia (journal)]]
* {{wikitravel}}
* [http://www.indonesia-house.org/ Indonesia House]
* [http://www.thejakartapost.com/ The Jakarta Post]
* [http://www.esamskriti.com/html/new_inside.asp?cat_name=history&cid=976&sid=161 Historic Ties India & Indonesia]
* [http://www.discover-indo.tierranet.com Discover Indonesia]
* [http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/indonesia-pol.html Indonesia: Politial & Social Issues. An Annontated Directory of Internet Resources] (Anonymous Provider)
* [http://www.gimonca.com/sejarah/sejarah.shtml History of Indonesia] {{id icon}}
* [http://www.indonesiaheadlines.com/ Indonesia Headlines] {{id icon}}
 
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[[Category:Geography Workgroup (Top)]]

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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