A Bit About Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia is a country located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is an Archipelago that lies across the Equator and spans a distance equivalent to one-eighth of Earth’s circumference. Indonesia's 54,000 km of coastline is the second largest in the world. It is the 14th-largest country by area, spanning 3 time zones, from it's westernmost region in Northern Sumatra to it's easternmost region in West Papua.

Indonesia is a natural marvel of biodiversity and unique wonders. It stands as a global icon for its extraordinary biodiversity and distinctive natural marvels, securing top ranks in various realms of flora, fauna, and geography. Indonesia's expansive tropical rainforests, rank second only to the Amazon.

Indonesia is home to The Rafflesia Arnoldii, nestled in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, standing as the world's largest flower, and the Titan Arum, found in the jungles of Sumatra, and affectionately known as the "corpse flower", due to it's powerful stench when blooming, this plant is renowned for producing one of the largest inflorescences globally.

Indonesia is also known for some unique creatures such as the Komodo Dragon which is found in the wild only in Komodo National Park, these colossal reptiles are the world's largest lizards, and recognized as a vulnerable species. Indonesia proudly hosts both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, making it the sole habitat where these remarkable primates roam freely in the wild. Orangutans in Indonesia are ostensibly protected under the country's 1990 Conservation Act, though wildlife experts have criticized a lack of enforcement of the act.

Positioned in the western Pacific Ocean, Indonesia's Coral Triangle stands as the apex of marine biodiversity, boasting the highest diversity of coral reef fish and marine species globally.

Lying at the intersection of the Ring of Fire and the Alpide belt, Indonesia has more volcanoes than any other country in the world. With 76 of Indonesia's 141 volcanoes having erupted in modern times, it has the highest number of active volcanoes on the planet. Nearly 9 million Indonesians live within 10 km of a volcano. Indonesia's dramatic volcanic landscapes contribute to its fertile soils and stunning mountainous landscapes.

With a population of more than 277 million across 18,110 islands, Indonesia is the 4th most populous country in the world. It's estimated that nearly 1,300 ethnic groups, speaking between 700-800 languages, can be found in Indonesia. About 10% of the world's languages are spoken in Indonesia, making it the world's second most linguistically diverse country. Some linguists classify a number of Indonesia's languages as dialects rather that separate languages, leading to discrepancies in the number of languages reported. The most widely spoken native language is Javanese, while the official national language is Bahasa Indonesia.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage. As of 2023 there are 10 World Heritage Sites in Indonesia, six of which are cultural and four natural This ranks Indonesia as having the highest number of UNESCO sites in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Borobudur Temple Compounds (1991): Located in Central Java.

2. Prambanan Temple Compounds (1991): Also situated in Central Java.

3. Sangiran Early Man Site (1996): This archaeological site, located in Central Java.

4. Komodo National Park (1991): This park, comprising several islands, is home to the Komodo dragon.

5. Ujung Kulon National Park (1991): Situated at the western tip of Java.

6. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: The Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy (2012)

7. Lorentz National Park (1999): Located in Papua Province.

8. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (2004): Encompassing three national parks—Gunung Leuser, Kerinci Seblat, and Bukit Barisan Selatan.

9. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (2019): West Sumatra.

10. Batu Sangkar Cultural Landscape (2014): Located in West Sumatra.

For more information on UNESCO in Indonesia:

Also see UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural heritage in Indonesia

Indonesia is known for its religious tolerance, and the government officially recognizes several major religions. The national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," translates to "Unity in Diversity," reflecting the coexistence of various religious beliefs and cultural traditions across the archipelago. It's important to note that within each major religious category, there is often a diversity of beliefs and practices influenced by regional cultures and local traditions. Indonesia is a diverse country with a rich tapestry of religions, reflecting its multicultural and multi-ethnic society. The major religions in Indonesia include:

1. Islam: The most widely practiced religion in Indonesia is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. Islam plays a significant role in Indonesian culture, society, and politics. The country is known for its moderate and syncretic form of Islam, with a blend of local traditions and influences.

2. Christianity: Christianity is the second-largest religion in Indonesia, with a Both Protestantism and Catholicism have followers in the country.

3. Hinduism: Hinduism is primarily practiced on the island of Bali, where it is the predominant religion. Balinese Hinduism is distinctive, incorporating elements of local beliefs and traditions.

4. Buddhism: Buddhism has historical roots in Indonesia, and has left a significant cultural and historical impact, with the ancient temple Borobudur being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

5. Confucianism: Confucianism is practiced by a minority of Indonesians, mainly among the Chinese-Indonesian community.