Indonesia is well known for many things. It is the world’s largest archipelago, with the total number of 17,508 islands that stretches between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, and bridges
two continents, Asia and Australia. This strategic geographical location
situated Indonesia at the centre of international trade line for centuries.
The territory of the Republic of Indonesia stretches from 6º08’ North to 11º15’
South latitude, and from 94º45’ to 141º05’ Eastern longitude, located in
Southeast Asia. Indonesian seas
and oceans comprise 81% of the total area of the Republic, which has a land area
of 1.9 million square kilometers.
Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. Its form of government is based on the 1945 Constitution, which was readopted on 5 July 1959, and amended four times in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. With more than 230 million people, Indonesia is not only the 4th most populous country in the world, but also the 3rd largest democracy in the world after India and the United States. Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population.
The land of Indonesia is generally covered by thick tropical rain forest,
where fertile soils are continuously replenished by volcanic eruptions. There
are 64 mountains with some 400 volcanoes of which 100 are active. Many rivers
flow throughout the country and on some islands is use as useful transportation.
Indonesia contains one of the world’s most remarkable geographical
boundaries in its distribution of flora and fauna. There are thousands
species of exotic tropical animals and plants
Standard Time
Western Indonesia Standard Time equals GMT + 7 hours (meridian 105"E),
covering all provinces in Sumatra and Java, and the provinces of West
and Central Kalimantan.
Central Indonesia Standard Time equals GMT + 8 hours (meridian 120"E),
covering the provinces of East and South Kalimantan, all provinces in
Sulawesi, and the provinces of Bali, West and East Nusatenggara.
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The culture of the people of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is central along ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, as well as Christianity brought by the Europeans later in the 19th century. The result is a complex culture mixture, very different from the original indigenous cultures, signifying the rich cultural heritage that the nation possesses. Making Indonesia as "the Ultimate in Diversity".
