Indonesian Profile

STATE BASIC

Pancasila is the philosophical basis of Indonesia who came from two Sanskrit words, "panca" meaning five, and "sila" meaning base. Pancasila consists of five related basic and inseparable, are:

1. Belief in one God
2. Humanity is just and civilized
3. Unity of Indonesia
4.Democratic citizenship lead by wise guidance born of representative consultation
5. Social justice for all Indonesian people

Indonesia is a democratic state in a presidential system of government, and the Five Principles is the soul of democracy. Democracy is based on the Five Principles is called Democracy Pancasila. The basis of this country, announced by President Soekarno (Indonesia's first president) in the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on August 17, 1945.

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION

Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world which has 17,508 islands. Indonesia lies between 6 degrees north latitude and 11 degrees south latitude, and from 97 degrees to 141 degrees east longitude and located between two continents, Asia and Australia / Oceania. This strategic position has a significant influence on the cultural, social, political, and economic.

Indonesian territory extends along 3.977 mile between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. When the waters between the islands combined, the area of Indonesia menjadi1.9 million square miles,

Five major islands in Indonesia are: Sumatra, with an area of 473,606 square km, Java with an area of 132,107 square km, Borneo (the third largest island in the world) with an area of 539.460 square km, Sulawesi, with an area of 189,216 square km, and Papua with an area of 421.981 square km.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

Indonesian islands formed in the Miocene Era (12 million years BC); Palaecene Era (70 million years BC); Eocene (30 million years BC); Oligacene (25 million years BC). With the arrival of people from mainland Asia, Indonesia was believed to have existed in the Pleistocene (4 million years BC). The islands are formed along the line between the powerful Australian tectonic plate changes and the Pacific. Australian plate changing slowly up the lane into the Pacific, which moved to the south, and between these lines stretched Indonesian islands.

This makes Indonesia as one of the most changed areas of the world's geology. The mountains in the Indonesian islands number more than 400 volcanoes, of which 100 are still active. Indonesia has three times the vibration in the day, an earthquake at least once a day and at least one volcano erupting per year.

DEMOGRAPHY

Indonesian population can be divided roughly into two groups. Indonesia in the western part of the population are ethnic Malays mostly in the east while the tribe of Papua, which has its roots in the islands of Melanesia. Many people who claim to Indonesia as part of a group of more specific interest, which is divided by language and region of origin, such as Javanese, Sundanese, or Batak.

There was also a number of new settlers are ethnic minority Indonesians, Indians, and Arabs. They have long come to the archipelago with trade routes since the 8th century BC and settled into a part of the archipelago. In Indonesia there are about 3% of the population of ethnic Tionghoa. These numbers differ because only in the 1930s was the last time the government did with the census to classify people in Indonesia to the tribe and their descendants.

Islam is a religion embraced by the majority of which approximately 85.2% of the population of Indonesia, making Indonesia the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. The remaining Protestant (8.9%); Catholic (3%); Hindu (1.8%); Buddhist (0.8%); and others (0.3%).

Most people in Indonesia speak the local language as mother tongue, but the official language of Indonesia, the Indonesian language, is taught in all schools in this country and controlled by almost the entire population of Indonesia.

POLITICS

As well as in countries other democracies, the political system in Indonesia is based on the Trias Politica is the legislative, executive and judiciary. Legislative power is held by an institution called the People's Permusyawatan Assembly (MPR) which consists of two bodies of the Parliament, whose members consist of representatives of political parties and the DPD, whose members represent the provinces in Indonesia. Each region is represented by 4 people directly elected by the people in their respective regions.

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) is the highest state institution. Membership Assembly Amandeman changed after the 1945 Constitution in the period 1999-2004. All the members of the Assembly are members of the House plus the DPD (DPD). Previously, members of the Assembly are all members of the House plus the messenger class. Members of the Assembly is now composed of 550 members of Parliament and 128 members of the DPD. DPR and DPD members elected by popular vote and was sworn in five-year term. Since 2004, the Assembly is a bicameral parliament, after the creation of the DPD as a second bedroom.

Executive institutions centered on the president, vice presidents, and cabinet. Cabinet in Indonesia is so Presidenstil Cabinet ministers responsible to the president and do not represent political parties in parliament.

Judiciary institutions since the reform and the 1945 amendment executed by the Supreme Court, including administration by the judge.

PROVINCE

Indonesia currently has 33 provinces (including Special Region 2 (DI) and a Special Capital Region (DKI). The DI is Aceh and Yogyakarta Special Region and the capital is Jakarta Special Capital Region. Prior to 1999, East Timor is one of the provinces in Indonesia, which later broke away through a referendum to the State of Timor Leste.

List of Provinces in Indonesia
Sumatra
Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam | North Sumatra | West Sumatra | Bengkulu | Riau | Riau Islands | Jambi | South Sumatra | Lampung | Bangka Belitung Islands
Java
Jakarta | West Java | Jakarta | Central Java | Yogyakarta | East Java
Kalimantan
West Kalimantan | Central Kalimantan | South Kalimantan | East Kalimantan
Nusa Tenggara
Bali | Nusa Tenggara Barat | Nusa Tenggara Timur
Sulawesi
West Sulawesi | North Sulawesi | Central Sulawesi | South Sulawesi | South East Sulawesi | Gorontalo
Maluku Islands
Maluku | North Maluku | West Papua | Papua

ECONOMY

Indonesia's economic decline in the late 1990s due to the economic crisis that hit most of Asia at that time. The economy has now pretty stable right now.

Indonesia has natural resources outside of Java, including crude oil, natural gas, tin, copper and gold. Indonesia is the largest natural gas exporter and second in the world, although lately he has become a net importer of crude oil. The main crops include rice, tea, coffee, spices and rubber.

Indonesia's largest trading colleagues are Japan, the United States and neighboring countries namely Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

Although rich in natural resources and people, Indonesia is still facing major problems in the field of poverty that is largely due to rampant corruption in government.
Indonesia's central bank is the Bank Indonesia.

CULTURAL ARTS

Type of art in Indonesia has been influenced by several cultures. Javanese and Balinese dances are famous, for example, contain aspects of Hindu culture and mythology.

Many dances also containing Islamic values. Some of them can be found in areas such as Sumatra and Meusukat Saman Dance Dance Seudati of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

Also quite famous in the world is a shadow puppet show stories about mythological events. Art rhymes, gurindam, etc., from various regions like rhyme Malays, and other rhymes rhymes-often used in certain events of the event, performing arts, and others.

In the field of fashion famous cultural heritage around the world is batik. Some areas are famous for batik industry include Yogyakarta, Solo, and also Pekalongan.

Pencak silat is a martial art unique from Indonesian territory. The martial arts are sometimes displayed on the show events that are usually followed by a traditional Indonesian music of the gamelan and other traditional musical arts in accordance with the homelands.

Art music in Indonesia, both traditional and modern is very much stretched from Sabang to Merauke. Traditional music as well as Java keroncong recognized by almost all the Indonesian people, but more powerful in Indonesia looks at the song art of modern song and Dangdut. Dangdut is one of Indonesia's music that was populist in the archipelago, which combined the musical elements of Malays, Indians, and also the traditional Indonesian music. Dangdut called because the music be heard was the 'dang' and 'corner' and Dangdut music is more dominated by the sound of drums and flutes. Dangdut songs are sing by rocking the pedangdut with graceful seronok and adjusted to the tempo of the song. There are various shades of Dangdut music, among other Malays Dangdut, Dangdut Modern (Dangdut present instrument has been coupled with modern instrument); and Coastal dangdut (traditional dangdut song Javanese, Sundanese, etc.). In the 70s, better known as dangdut music school orchestra Malays, who later in the early 80s he was better known as dangdut.

The people of Indonesia consist of various ethnic groups, religions and faith. The various ethnic groups are for example Batak, Karo, Minangkabau, Malay in Sumatra and so forth. Indonesia acknowledges several religions namely Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism and the Confucian faith, but the majority of the population are Moslems.

Taken from:  www.indonesia.go.id

Travel History of Indonesia

History of Indonesia in this article meant as a record of a series of events that occurred in the islands between the Asian continent and the continent of Australia before the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia.

Prehistoric

Ancient human migration into the region occurred in Indonesia range between 100,000 to 160,000 years ago as part of the ancient human migration "out of Africa". Ras Ras Austolomelanesia (Papua) to enter this area when he was with the Asian mainland and then moved to the east, the rest of the skull was found in the cave Braholo (Yogyakarata), caves and cave Babi Niah (Borneo). Furthermore approximately 2000 years before Christ, a major shift into the archipelago (immigration) conducted by Austronesian race from Yunnan and they became the ancestors of the tribes of western archipelago region. They come in 2 waves coming in at around 2500 BC and 1500 BC.

This ancestral nation has had a relatively good of civilization, they know how to farm better, pilotage and even astronomy. They also have a simple system of governance and have a leader (small kings). The arrival of immigrants from India in the late centuries BC and introduced him to their governance system is more advanced (the kingdom). Dewawarman figure was the first to introduce the model of governance is more advanced. Dewawarman continue and advance the rule areas of Aki Tirem.

Pre-colonial era

Kingdom of Hindu / Buddhist:

* Salakanagara
* Kingdom Tarumanagara
* Kingdom of Kutai
* Kingdom of Sriwijaya
* Kingdom of Sunda and the Kingdom of Galuh
* Kingdom of Kalinga
* Kingdom Keritang
* Kingdom of Mataram (Mataram Kuno)
* Kingdom Medang
* Kingdom Kahuripan

* Kingdom of Kediri
* Kingdom Kanjuruhan
* Kingdom Janggala
* Kingdom Singasari
* Kingdom of Majapahit
* Kingdom Dharmasraya
* Kingdom Pajajaran
* Kingdom Blambangan
* Kingdom Sailendra
* Kingdom of Sanjaya

* Kingdom Isyana
* Negara Daha
* Empire State Dipa
* Royal Cape Castle
* Kingdom of Nan Sarunai
* Kingdom Kuripan
* Kingdom of Tulang Bawang
* Kingdom Haru / Aru / Karo

Islamic Kingdom

* Kepaksian scale Brak
* Sultanate of Aceh
* Sultanate Asahan
* Kingdom Kemuning
* Inner Six Royal Family
* Indragiri
* Sultanate of Banten
* Sultanate of Bima
* Sultanate Bulungan
* Sultanate of Buton
* Sultanate of Cirebon
* Linga-Riau Sultanate
* Sultanate of Deli
* Sultanate Dompu

* Sultanate of Demak
* Sultanate of Gowa
* Sultanate of Jambi
* Empire City Pinang
* Sultanate of Kutai
* Sultanate Langkat
* Sultanate Pajang
* Sultanate of Mataram
* Sultanate Kartasura
* Sultanate Pagaruyung
* Sultanate of Palembang
* Sultanate of Pontianak
* Sultanate Samawa
* Sultanate of Sambas

* Serdang
* Sultanate of Siak Sri Inderapura
* Kingdom Tanjungpura
* Sultanate of Ternate
* Sultanate Tidore
* Disallow Sumedang Kingdom
* Kasunanan Surakarta
* Sultanate of Yogyakarta
* Mangkunagaran
* Duchy Paku Alaman
* Sultanate of Malacca
* Pasai
* Sultanate of Banjarmasin
* Kingdom Linge
* Sultanate Perlak
* Sultanate of Sand
* Sultanate Kotawaringin
* Kingdom Pagatan
* Kingdom Tidung
* Kingdom Sambaliung
* Royal Mount Tabur
* Sultanate Mempawah
* Sultanate Kubu

Colonial

Portuguese time

The Portuguese expertise in navigation, shipbuilding and weaponry allowed them to conduct an expedition of exploration and expansion. Starting with exploratory expedition sent from the newly conquered Malacca in 1512, the Portuguese are the first Europeans arrived in the archipelago that is now Indonesia, and try to control the source of spices valued [1] and to expand its business, the Roman Catholic missionaries . The first efforts to master the Portuguese islands of Indonesia is to welcome the offer of cooperation from the Kingdom of Sunda.
In the early 16th century, the ports of important trade on the north shore of Java Island was ruled by the Sultanate of Demak, including the two ports of Sunda kingdom of Banten and Cirebon. Fearing the role of the port of Sunda Kelapa getting weaker, the king of Sunda, Sri Baduga (King Siliwangi) seeking help to ensure the continuity of the kingdom's main port. The choice fell to the Portuguese, the ruler of Malacca. Thus, in the year 1512 and 1521, Sri Baduga sent the crown prince, Surawisesa, to Malacca to ask the Portuguese signed a trade agreement, especially pepper, and gives the right to build the fort at Sunda Kelapa. [2]
In the year 1522, the Portuguese are ready to form a coalition with the Sunda to gain access to the lucrative pepper trade. Year coincided with the complete exploration of the world by Magellan.
Commander of the fortress of Malacca at that time was Jorge de Albuquerque. The same year he sent a ship, São Sebastião, under the command of Captain Enrique Leme, to the Sunda Kalapa accompanied by valuable items to be presented to the king of Sunda. Two written sources describing the end of the agreement in detail. The first is the Portuguese original documents dating from 1522 which contains the agreement and signatures of witnesses, and the second is the incident report submitted by João de Barros in his "Da Asia", printed shortly before the year 1777/78.
According to historical sources, the king of Sunda warmly welcomed the arrival of the Portuguese. At that time King Surawisesa has replaced his father's throne and Barros called "king Samio". Raja Sunda agreed with the agreement of friendship with the king of Portugal and decided to give the land at the mouth of Ciliwung as berths Portuguese ships. In addition, the king of Sunda promised that if the castle had already started so he would donate a thousand sacks of pepper to the Portuguese. Contract documents made two copies, one copy to the king of Sunda and one for the king of Portugal; both signed on August 21, 1522.
In the treaty document, the witness of the Kingdom of Sunda is Off Tumungo, Samgydepaty, outre Benegar e o e xabandar easy, he means "The Lord Tumenggung, the Duke, Treasurer and Syahbandar Sunda Kelapa". Witnesses from the Portuguese, as reported Porto historian named João de Barros, there are eight people. Witnesses of the Kingdom of Sunda not sign the document, their customs melegalisasinya with the "salvation". Now, a copy of this agreement are stored in the National Museum of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta.
On the day of signing the agreement, some noblemen Sunda kingdom with Enrique Leme and his entourage went to the land that would become a stronghold at the mouth of Ciliwung River. They founded the inscription, which is called-Luso Sundanese Padrão, in an area that is now a monument of District in North Jakarta. It is the custom of the Portuguese to establish Padrão when they find a new land. Padrão are now stored at the National Museum Jakarta.
Portuguese failed to fulfill its promise to return to the Sunda Kalapa the next year to build a fortress because of problems in Goa / India.
This Agreement which trigger attacks of Demak Sultanate armies into Sunda Kelapa in 1527 and managed to expel the Portuguese from the Sunda Kelapa on June 22, 1527. This date was later made on the establishment of Jakarta.
Failed to master the island of Java, the Portuguese shifted attention to the east of the Moluccas. Through military conquest and alliances with local leaders, the Portuguese established trading ports, forts, and missions in the eastern part of Indonesia including the islands of Ternate, Ambon, and Solor. However, the interest of the Portuguese missionary activities occurred in the mid-16th century, after the efforts of military conquest in the islands of their interest to stop and move to Japan, Macau and China; and sugar in Brazil.
Portuguese presence in Indonesia is limited to Solor, Flores and Timor the Portuguese after their defeat in the year 1575 in Ternate, and after the Dutch conquest of Ambon, North Maluku and Banda. [3] The influence of Portuguese on Indonesian culture is relatively small: a Portuguese surname in Portuguese descendant communities in Tugu, Jakarta Utara, keroncong music, and a family in eastern Indonesia such as da Costa, Dias, de Fretes, Gonsalves, Queljo, etc.. In the Indonesian language are also a number of loan words from Portuguese, such as Sinyo, ladies, shirt, windows, soap, cheese, etc..

Age VOC

Vereenigde East India Company (United East Indies Company) or the VOC which was established on March 20, 1602 is a Dutch company that has a monopoly for trade activities in Asia. Called the East Indies because there is also VOC trade unions West Indies. The company is regarded as the first company to issue shares.
Although the Company is a commercial entity, but this trade body has been deleted because it was backed by the state and given their own facilities are special. Suppose that the Company may have an army and may negotiate with other countries. VOC can be said is the state in the country.
VOC consisting Section 6 (kamers) in Amsterdam, Middelburg (for Zeeland), Enkhuizen, Delft, Hoorn and Rotterdam. Delegation of this room together as Heeren XVII (Gentlemen XVII). Kamers delegation contributed to the seventeen in accordance with the proportion of capital that they pay; Amsterdam delegation of eight.
In Indonesia the Company has the popular name of the Company or Kumpeni. The term is derived from the word Compagnie in the company's full name in Dutch.

Dutch period

Japanese era

Summary are:

Pre-Colonial (before 1602)
Pre-history
Hindu-Buddhist kingdom
Islamic Kingdom
Colonial era (1602-1945)
Portuguese Era
VOC era
Dutch Era
Japanese Era (1942-1945)
History of the Republic of Indonesia
Proclamation (17 August 1945)
Transition
Old Order era
Guided Democracy
Trikora operation (1960-1962)
Indo-Malayan Confrontation (1962-1965)
Movement 30 September 1965
New Order
1998 Student Movement
Reform Era.