The People and their Representatives

The Republic of Indonesia first saw light on August 17, 1945, when independence was proclaimed following     a long period of Dutch colonial rule and wartime Japanese occupation.  Today, it is a modern democratic nation of 220 million people and although it has one official language – Bahasa Indonesia – there are also some 583 other languages and dialects that are spoken and belonging to the different ethnic groups that make up the    Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.  Indeed, in this regard, Indonesia is well known for and is often described as a melting pot of races and ethnic groups.   Because of its geography, for example, - it runs from Asia in the West to the Pacific in the East, it incorporates the largest Melanesian population in the world and is also closely linked with Micronesian ethnicity.   The Indonesian motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity) aptly describes and signifies the unity of the Indonesian people despite their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

In the government system of Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution states that Indonesia is a republic with sovereignty vested in the people to be fully exercised by an elected People’s Consultative Assembly, which is the highest political institution in the state.   The President is both head of state and chief executive.  He holds office for a term of five years and is eligible for re-election for a second term.  Since the President is also the Mandatory of the People’s Consultative Assembly, he must execute his duties in compliance with the Guidelines of State Policy as decreed by the Assembly.

Geographical features

                The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands, which stretches through several oceans and seas between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, and bridges two continents, Asia and Australia.   Indonesian seas and oceans comprise 81% of the total area of the Republic, which has a land area of 1.9 million square kilometres. 

The five main islands are: Sumatra (473,606 sq. km.); the most fertile and densely populated, Java/Madura (132,107 sq. km.); Kalimantan, which comprises two-thirds of the island of Borneo (539,460 sq. km.); Sulawesi (189,216 sq. km.); and Irian Jaya (421,981 sq. km.), which is part of the world’s second largest island, New Guinea. 

The land area is generally covered by thick tropical rain forests, where fertile soils are replenished by volcanic activity, especially on the island of Java.  The highest mountain peak is Mandala Top (15,300 ft) in the Jaya Wijaya mountain range of Irian Jaya.   There is an extensive river system throughout the country and these often serve as useful transportation routes.  A number of the islands are also dotted with scenic lakes.

Climate

Indonesia’s weather is characterised by two tropical seasons, a dry season (from June to December) and a rainy season (from December to March) although in recent years the normal monsoonal-type weather patterns have been somewhat disrupted as part of global weather changes.   Indonesia’s average relative humidity lies between 70% and 90%. 

Flora

Indonesia contains one of the world’s most remarkable geographical boundaries in its distribution of animals.  This dates back to the glacial period, when the sea level fell all over the world.  At that time, the islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Bali were joined together and with the Asian mainland, but Irian Jaya, Aru and the Australian continent were separated.   This early geographical separation explains why the tropical animal species of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, such as tigers, bears, elephants, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, as well as apes and monkeys, do not exist in the eastern part.  For the same reason, the eastern part of Indonesia is famous for its colourful birds and pouched animals, which are common in Australia, such as the tree kangaroo of Irian Jaya.  

Fauna

Indonesia is also richly endowed with many unique varieties of tropical plant life in various forms.  The Rafflesia Arnoldi, which is only found in certain parts of Sumatra, is the largest flower in the world.  The myriad of orchids is rich in species, varying in size from the largest of all orchids down to the smallest.   And because the flora is so rich, many people in Indonesia are able to make a living from this natural resource.  It is known that the people use some 6,000 species of plants, as in the production of traditional herbal medicine or “Jamu” and flowers are indispensable in ceremonial, customary and traditional rites.   Indonesia’s flora also abounds in timber species, many of which are used in the manufacture of the country’s renowned high-quality furniture and other wood products.

Further Information : About Indonesia