Indonesia

The World’s Largest Archipelagic Nation and ASEAN Giant

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic country, consisting of over 17,000 islands, and the fourth most populous nation globally. Strategically located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it is known for its diverse cultures, rich biodiversity, and rapidly growing economy. As a founding member of ASEAN and the G20, Indonesia plays a key role in regional and global affairs.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Ancient kingdoms such as Srivijaya and Majapahit established Indonesia’s early maritime power.

• Colonized by the Dutch for over 300 years, becoming the Dutch East Indies.

• Declared independence on August 17, 1945, by Sukarno, after Japanese occupation during WWII.

• Became a republic in 1949, and later transitioned to a democratic system in the Reformasi era post-1998.

• Today, Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country and the third-largest democracy in the world.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Indonesia is divided into 38 provinces, each led by a Governor, and further subdivided into regencies (kabupaten) and cities (kota).

List of Provinces:

1. Aceh

2. North Sumatra

3. West Sumatra

4. Riau

5. Riau Islands

6. Jambi

7. South Sumatra

8. Bangka Belitung Islands

9. Bengkulu

10. Lampung

11. Banten

12. Jakarta Special Capital Region

13. West Java

14. Central Java

15. Yogyakarta Special Region

16. East Java

17. Bali

18. West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)

19. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)

20. West Kalimantan

21. Central Kalimantan

22. South Kalimantan

23. East Kalimantan

24. North Kalimantan

25. South Sulawesi

26. West Sulawesi

27. Central Sulawesi

28. Southeast Sulawesi

29. Gorontalo

30. North Sulawesi

31. Maluku

32. North Maluku

33. West Papua

34. Southwest Papua (New)

35. Central Papua (New)

36. South Papua (New)

37. Highland Papua (New)

38. Papua (original province, adjusted post-division)

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Local Government Structure

• Each province is led by a Governor, with local legislatures (DPRD).

• Below provinces, regencies (kabupaten) and cities (kota) are administered by regents (bupati) and mayors (walikota).

• Villages (desa/kelurahan) form the lowest administrative level, often semi-autonomous with customary law in some areas.

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Leadership & Governance

• Indonesia practices decentralized governance, especially post-1998 reforms.

• Governors and mayors are directly elected.

• Strong local autonomy in areas such as Aceh (Sharia law) and Papua (special autonomy status).

• Key national focus: anti-corruption, digital transformation, public service improvement.

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• National Police (POLRI) and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) maintain security.

• Challenges include:

  • Terrorism (historically in Bali and Java)

  • Cybercrime and online misinformation

  • Natural disaster management (earthquakes, tsunamis)

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 110 – Police

  • 118 / 119 – Medical Emergency

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Economy & Industry

• Sectors:

  • Mining & Energy: coal, oil, nickel, palm oil

  • Manufacturing: textiles, electronics, automotive

  • Agriculture: rice, coffee, spices, rubber

  • Tourism: Bali, Borobudur, Raja Ampat

• Part of G20, ASEAN, and Belt and Road Initiative

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 1.5 trillion

• Digital economy and green transition are growing priorities

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Education & Institutions

• Leading Universities:

  • University of Indonesia (UI)

  • Gadjah Mada University (UGM)

  • Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)

• Education policy supports:

  • 12-year compulsory education

  • Vocational education and digital literacy

  • Islamic boarding schools (Pesantren) widely present

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Healthcare

• BPJS Kesehatan: national health insurance program

• Leading Hospitals:

  • Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta)

  • Dr. Sardjito Hospital (Yogyakarta)

• Major health issues: maternal health, tropical diseases, universal access

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Transport & Connectivity

• Airports:

  • Soekarno–Hatta International (Jakarta)

  • Ngurah Rai (Bali), Kualanamu (Medan), Juanda (Surabaya)

• Rail: extensive in Java; new high-speed Jakarta–Bandung line

• Seaports: Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Bitung, Belawan

• Toll road networks and “Trans-Sumatra” & “Trans-Papua” highways expanding

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Tourism & Attractions

• Natural Wonders: Komodo Island, Mount Bromo, Lake Toba, Bali Beaches

• Cultural Sites: Borobudur, Prambanan, Ubud art villages

• Ecotourism in Papua, Sulawesi, Kalimantan rainforests

• Rich in Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic and indigenous traditions

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Culture & Lifestyle

• National motto: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity)

• 1,300+ ethnic groups; major ones: Javanese, Sundanese, Batak, Bugis, Minangkabau

• Major religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism (esp. Bali), Buddhism, Confucianism

• Traditional arts: Wayang kulit, Gamelan, Batik, Silat (martial art)

• Popular foods: Nasi goreng, Rendang, Sate, Bakso, Sambal varieties

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Summary

Indonesia is a rising regional power and a nation of contrasts — ancient temples beside high-tech startups, volcanic islands beside dense megacities, and Islamic traditions beside Hindu-Buddhist heritage. As the heart of ASEAN and a global player in climate action, digital growth, and maritime security, Indonesia continues to shape the future of Southeast Asia.