Indonesia

Indonesia spans Asia and Australia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its major islands—Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua—hold mountains, peat swamps, and large rivers such as the Kapuas and Mahakam. Java hosts over half the population, including Jakarta, the capital, while Bali, Lombok, and Maluku draw visitors with beaches and temples. The equatorial climate brings heavy monsoon rains, and hundreds of active volcanoes, including Krakatoa and Merapi, shape fertile soils and geothermal power.

Indonesia is a unitary presidential republic. Citizens elect a president and vice president, and a People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) oversees constitutional amendments. The People's Representative Council (DPR) passes national laws, while provinces and regencies manage schools, health clinics, and disaster response. The motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" means "Unity in Diversity", reflecting more than 700 languages and dozens of ethnic groups.

History includes ancient spice trade routes, Srivijaya and Majapahit maritime empires, and centuries of Portuguese and Dutch colonial rule. Indonesia proclaimed independence in 1945 under Sukarno, defended it in a revolutionary war, and later transitioned to democracy in 1998 after the Reformasi movement. Today the country belongs to ASEAN, the G20, and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The economy relies on natural resources, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Farmers grow rice, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, and spices, while fisheries harvest tuna and seaweed. Mines extract nickel, copper, and gold, and factories assemble textiles, electronics, and vehicles. Indonesia develops geothermal energy, hydroelectric dams, and biodiesel, and new capital city plans aim to ease congestion in Jakarta.

Culture reflects Islam as the majority faith, alongside Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and traditional beliefs. Traditional arts include batik textiles, shadow puppet theater called wayang kulit, and gamelan music. National language Bahasa Indonesia unites the islands, while regional languages such as Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese remain widely spoken. Families enjoy dishes like nasi goreng fried rice, satay skewers, gado-gado salad, and tropical fruits like durian and rambutan. Festivals such as Ramadan, Nyepi, and Waisak highlight the country's religious diversity.