LAND

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world to form a single state consists of five main islands and some 30 smaller archipelagos totaling about 17,508 islands and islets of which about 6,000 are inhabited.

The name "INDONESIA" is composed of the two Greek words: "Indos" meaning India and "Nesos" meaning islands. The Indonesian archipelago forms a crossroad between two oceans, the Pacific and Indian oceans and a bridge between two continents, Asia and Australia. Because of its strategic position, therefore, Indonesia's cultural, social, political and economic patterns have always been conditioned by its geographical position 
         
The territory of the Republic of Indonesia  has total area of 9,8 million sq km (including Exclusive Economic Zone - EEZ), which consists of a land territory of 1,9 million sq km and a sea territory of 7,9 million sq km.

Indonesia's five main islands are: Sumatra is about 473,606 sq km in size, Java 132,187 sq km, the most fertile and densely populated island, Kalimantan or two-thirds of the island of Borneo measuring 539, 460 sq km in size, Sulawesi 189,216 sq km and Papua 421,981 sq km which forms part of the world's second biggest island of New Guinea. The other islands are smaller in size.

The Indonesian archipelago is divided into three divisions. The island of Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, together with the small islands in between, stand on the Sunda Shelf which extends from the coast of Indonesia's land area is generally covered by thick tropical rain forests where fertile soils are continuously replenished by  volcanic eruptions like that on the island of Java. The island of Java has 112 volcanic centers of which 15 are active. The lava ejected has a high degree of fertility.

An additional advantage of the island of Java is that its coastal plains are not edged by wide swamps as in case of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua, not bordered by coral reefs as in the case of the island of Sulawesi. On the island of Sumatra there is plenty of evidence of past volcanic activities, although the ejected material contained acid which is of less fertility compared with Java. 

HISTORY

Evidence of Indonesia’s earliest inhabitants include fossil of Pithecanthropus Erectus (Java Man) which dates back some 500,000 years discovered near the village of Trinil in East Java by Dr. Eugene Dubois in 1809. major migration to Indonesian archipelago began about 3000 years ago as the Dongson Culture of Vietnam and Southern China spread south, bringing with them new Stone, Bronze and Iron Age Cultures as well as the Austronesian language.

Their techniques of irrigated rice culture are still practiced throughout Indonesia today. Other remnants of this culture such as ritual buffalo sacrifice, erection of stone megaliths and ikat weaving are still visible in isolated areas across the archipelago.

Indonesia came under the influence of a mighty Indian civilization through a gradual influx of Indian traders in the first century, when great Hindu and Buddhist empire were beginning to emerge. By the seventh century, the powerful Buddhist kingdom of Sriwijaya was on the rise, and it is thought that during this period the spectacular Borobudur Buddhist Temple was built in Central Java. The thirteenth century saw the dominance of the fabulous Majapahit Hindu Empire in East Java, which united the whole of modern-day of Indonesia and part of the Malay peninsula, ruling for two centuries. Monuments across Java such as the magnificent Prambanan Temple complex near the city of Yogyakarta, the mysterious Penataran temple complex in East Java and the ethereal temples of teh Dieng Plateau are all that remain of the glorious period in Indonesian history.

The first recorded attempt at armed invasion of Indonesia is credited to the notorious Mongol Emperor Kubilai Khan, who was driven back in 1293.  Then, Arab traders and merchants laid the foundations for the gradual spread of Islam to the region, which did not replace the Hinduism and Buddhism as the dominant religions until the end of the 16th century. A series of Moslem kingdom sprouted up and spread their roots, but none anticipated the strength and persistence of the powerful European invasions, the Portuguese and then the Dutch, which followed untul the beginning of the second half of the 20th century. The Japanese replaced the Dutch as rulers of Indonesia for a brief period during the world war 2. The surrender of Japanese in 1945 marked the end of the world war in Asia and the start of true independence for Indonesia.
People

Due to Indonesia’s emergence into an archipelago where its inhabitants, though of one similar ancestry, were separated by seas and therefore lost contacts, have caused the individual development of cultures, including their languages and their growing into diversification.

Nevertheless, the population of Indonesia has been reclassified, not so much on the basis of their racial origins, but more so on the basis of their linguistics identities caused by mentioned diversification, into four ethnic groups. A pure classification according to their racial origins is difficult to realize due to their inter-marriages. These four main ethnic groups are the Melanesians (the mixture between the Sub – Mongoloids with the Wajaks), the Proto – Austronesians (including the Wajaks), the
Polynesians and the Micronesians.

CLIMATE

A tropical country with the climate fairly even all year round, the year is divided into two distinct season, the ‘wet’ (rainy) and ‘dry’. The East Monsoon from June to September, brings dry weather, while the West Monsoon from December to March, brings the rain. The transitional period between these two seasons alternates between gorgeous sun-filled days and occasional thunderstorms. Even in the midst of the wet season temperatures range from 21 degrees (70°F) to 33° Celsius (90°F), except at higher altitudes which can be much cooler. The heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January. Average humidity is generally between 75% and 100%.

FLORA AND FAUNA

British naturalist A.R Wallace (1823-1913) postulated an imaginary line (named after him, Wallace’s line) as the dividing line between Asiatic and Australian fauna. It passes between Bali and Lombok islands, and between Kalimantan and Sulawesi then  continues south of the Philippines and north of Hawaii. This theory explains the presence of species of fauna familiar to both Asia and Australia in Indonesia. However, there are species indigenous to Indonesia, like the ‘orangutan’ apes of Sumatera and Kalimantan, the giant ‘komodo’ lizards, the one-horned rinocheros of Java, the wild ‘banteng’ oxen, tigers and many other species which are now protected in wildlife reserves.



The flora of Indonesia ranges from the tiny orchids to the giant ‘rafflesia’ plant which has a bloom of almost one meter (3.2 feet) in diameter, the largest flower in the world. Agricultural flora include rubber, coconut, coffee, tea, cocoa, corn, spices, cotton, tobacco, rice and abundant of vegetable and fruits. Indonesia has some of the richest timber resources in the world and the largest concentration of tropical hardwoods. The total area of state controlled forests is approximately 12.9 million hectares. ‘Meranti’ hardwood constitutes about 56 % of the entire timber export. Other varieties include ramin, agathis, teak, pinewood, rattan and bamboo.



CUISINE

The staple food of most Indonesian is rice. On some of the islands in eastern Indonesia, staple food traditionally ranges from corn, sago, cassava, to sweet potatoes, though this is changing as rice becomes more popular. Fish features prominently in the diet: fresh, salted, dried, smoked or paste. Fish is abundant and of great variety: lobster, oyster, prawn, shrimp, squid, crab etc. Coconut is found everywhere and besides being processed for cooking oil, its milk and meat is ingredient for many dishes.

Spices and hot chili peppers are the essence of most cooking, and in some areas they are used generously such as in West Sumatera and North Sulawesi. Each province or area has its own cuisine. West Sumatera is, for example, familiar for its ‘Padang’ restaurants, with their hot and spicy food, spreading nation wide.

Further to the east, seafood is a staple of the daily diet, either grilled or made into curries. In Bali, West Papua and the highlands of North Sumatra and North Sulawesi pork dishes are specialties. As the population of Indonesia is predominantly Moslem, pork is usually not served, except in Chinese restaurants, non-muslim religions and in places serving international cuisine. There is a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical vegetables all year round. Fruit is available throughout the year. Such fruits such as mangoes and watermelons are seasonal, but most of the other fruits can be bought throughout the year, such as bananas, apples, papayas, pineapples, oranges, etc. Coffee and tea are served everywhere from the restaurants to a small village stalls. There are several breweries which produce local beer. Bali produces ‘brem’ which is a rice wine, and Toraja has fermented drink ‘tuak’. For most people, a meal consists of  steamed white rice with side dishes of meat, chicken, fish and vegetables along with a glass of tea.

There is such a rich variety in the Indonesian cuisine that one should sample specialties in each area. However, most common nationwide are  “sate” (skewered grilled meat), “gado-gado” (vegetables salad with a peanut  sauce), “nasi goreng” (fried rice served at anytime) and “bakmi goreng” ( fried noodles). Chinese restaurants are  found all over the country. There are fine restaurants  specializing in Continental and Japanese an Korean Cuisines.

LIVELIHOOD

Although the industrial sector of the economy is gradually gaining importance as a result of conscientious government policies, Indonesia is still predominantly agrarian. Major agricultural products for domestic consumption and export include rice, corn, cassava, soybeans, timber, rubber, palm-oil and spices. Indonesian agronomists, in cooperation with the International Rice Institute based in the Philippines, are continuously developing new strains of rice.

In the field of fisheries, shrimp has become a mayor foreign exchange  earner. To support the growing shrimp culture, a Shrimp Research Centre has been set up in Jepara, central Java with UNDP assistance. Under government guidance, fish production in the Indonesian waters is estimated to have increased at a rate of 5,4% annually. Snail production is also growing as an export item to countries in Europe where it is considered a delicacy. Plantations play an important role within the context of agricultural development, as their total area covers approximately 6,6 million hectares of which 83,7% are smallholders. Tobacco planting has been intensified in several areas, the largest estates being in East Java where they cover a total area of 1,000 hectares. Tea is continuously being cultivated. The rejuvenation of coconut plantations proceeds in order to regain Indonesia’s prominent pre World War II position in the export of this crop. Rejuvenating rubber estates, the majority of which are located in Sumatra, is also being encouraged.

Development in the field of palm-oil has resulted in a steady increase in output, around 15 % annually. Indonesia’s first cotton growing company was set up in 1978 in South Sulawesi in response to Indonesia’s present need for around 350,000 bales annually for its growing textile industry.

RELIGION

The majority (about 85 %) of the population follows Islam. Freedom of religion is protected by Indonesian Constitution, which is defined in the First Principle of the State Philosophy “Pancasila”.





LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS

Languages and dialects spoken and written over the whole of the Indonesian archipelago, 150 to 250 in number are usually classified according to the above mentioned ethnic denominations. The main district local languages of Indonesia are among others: Acehnese, Batak, Sundanese, Javanese, Sasak, Tetum of Timor, Dayak, Minahasa, Toraja, Bugines, Halmahera, Ambones, Ceramese, Several Irlanese languages and other such languages. In between these languages there exist many other different dialects.

There are about 583 languages spoken by as many distinct ethnic groups across the archipelago. There are five main language groups on Sumatera alone, six on Sulawesi and three on Java. One small island, Alor, in Nusa Tenggara has seven different language groups. The Balinese speak their own language, and many local languages are further divided by special forms for addressing someone of the inferior, equal or superior social status. Adding even more spice to this linguistic stew, all these languages are also spoken in a number of different local dialects. See also article about Languages.

Indonesia’s National Language has been officially introduced since Indonesia’s independence and a is called the BAHASA INDONESIA. Its lexicon and structure is mainly based on the Malay language enriched by Indonesia’s lexicon of her multi-local languages and dialects. Although the Bahasa Indonesia has since been regarded as the Lingua Franca, yet local languages are equally valid and no attempt and intention exist to abolish these local languages and dialects. Therefore, the greater parts of the Indonesian nationals are bilingual.

In August 1973, Indonesia and Malaysia signed a cultural agreement in which similar spelling of both the Malaysia”Bahasa Persatuan” and the Indonesian “Bahasa Indonesia” has been agreed upon.

Bahasa Indonesia, the official national language, is akin to Malay, and is written in Roman script and based on European orthography. English is the most widely used foreign language for business and travel alike. Wherever  you go  you will be greeted by the familiar “Hello Mr.!”, (regardless of your sex), end even if your travels  take you ‘off the beaten track’ it is not uncommon to find Indonesian with a decent command of the English language. In some of the bigger cities and tourist destinations Dutch is still used, and the influence of Ducth in Bahasa Indonesia is still quite obvious. French is increasing its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Indonesia is blessed with a rich and diverse mix of traditional cultures and art forms. The basic principles which guide life across this colorful tapestry of life-styles include the concepts of mutual assistance or “gotong royong” and communal meetings and gatherings or “musyawarah” to arrive at a consensus or “mufakat” . Derived from the traditions of agriculturally based rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life throughout the country. Social life, as well as rites of a passage, are steeped in ancient traditions and customs, or “adat” laws, which differ from area to area. “Adat” laws have a binding impact on Indonesian life and have been instrumental in maintaining equal rights for women in the community. Religious influences on communal life vary from island to island and village to village, depending on local history.

Art forms in Indonesia are not only derived from folklore, as in many other parts of the world. Many were developed in the courts of former kingdoms, as in Bali, where they are integral elements of religious ceremonies. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and often feature fragment from Ramayana and Mahabrata Hindu epics.


From graceful court and temple dances to charming folk dances and boisterous play, the performing arts of Indonesia offer an astounding range of types and styles for the visitor to study or enjoy, reflecting, as they, do, the soul and traditions of the various ethnic groups who perform them. Music, dance and drama are very often intertwined, as in the ludruk transvestite theatre of East Java and the lenong folk theatre of Jakarta, both known for their slapstick humor and early Shakespearean simplicity in their stage settings. An important form of indigenous theatre is puppetry, of which the most celebrated is the wayang kulit shadow play of Java. These plays are magical and mysterious, and have often been seen as roads to the true heart and soul of Javanese culture. They are performed  with leather puppets held by the puppeteer, (dalang) who narrates  the story of one of the famous episodes of the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. The play is performed against a white screen, while a lantern in the background casts the shadows of the characters on the screen. Most the audience sits in front to watch the shadow figures, but it is also possible to sit behind the screen and watch the dalang at work. A traditional performance can last from dusk till dawn, but shorter vertions catering  to a western sensibility are available in many cities.

The puppet theatre has many forms and employs a variety of media. In  West Java, for example, the most popular form is the Wayang Golek, using carved and panted three dimensional wooden puppets. Both the Wayang Kulit and Wayang Golek take their repertoire from the classical Indian epics but in Central Java, the wooden puppet theatre traditionally revolves around stories derived from popular folk legends and the spread of Islam. The oldest form of “shadow” play is probably the Wayang Beber, in which the dalang or puppeteer simply unrolls a scroll bearing the scenes and figures of the story while he delivers his narration, accompanied by a gamelan orchestra. A popular contemporary form of wayang theatre is the Wayang Wong, is which actors or dancers represent the characters in the story, presented on a conventional stage.


Like most of the performing arts of the Orient, dance in Indonesia is believed to have had its roots in religious worship. Even today, many dances are considered sacred or can be traced back to their early spiritual associations. Among these are not only the temple dances of Bali, but also such seemingly profane dances, such as the Bedoyo Ketawang of Solo, performed only on such rare occasions that they are in peril of becoming lost due to the lack of the young dancers able to perform them. Dance traditions today are as widely diverse as the various ethnic cultures of which they are part. Nurtured to refined perfection in the royal Javanese courts, the classical  dances of Central Java are highly stylized expressions which had probably already attained their basic movements during the height of the Hindu-Javanese culture, from the 8th to the 13th century. Those dances eventually reached the common people, who gave them a more spontaneous form of expression. In the hands oh the people, these dances provided a rich source not only for popular dance dramas, but also for sosial dances, which often display clear erotic overtones, such as Tayuban or Ngibing. The bumbung dance of Bali evolved into the beautiful “Bumblebee Dance” and “Tamulilingan”, a creation of Bali’s late maestro, I Mario. Other popular folk dances still display strong magic associations, as in the “Kuda Lumping" horse dance.  Whereas rigid discipline and artistry mark the dance of Java and Bali, those of Sumatra, Maluku and most of the other islands are characterized by their gracefulness and charm, a distinctions which is further accentuated by non-gamelan musical accompaniment. The old traditions of dance  and drama are being preserved in the many dance schools which flourish not only in the courts, but also in the modern, government-run or supervised art academies.
For comparative study and enjoyment, the introduction of serious western art forms is also being encouraged through performances sponsored by private organizations or foreign missions, as well as by government supervised institutions such as Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Art Centre in Jakarta.


There are two leading names in staging spectacular traditional dance ballets on a regular basis. One is the Prambanan open air stage near Yogyakarta, where between June and October, during nights of the full moon, performances are given of the Ramayana Ballets. The other is the Chandra Wilwatika open air stage at Pandaan in East java, performing stories taken from the popular East Javanese folk legends.


An offshoot of the wayang wong theatre, Ketoprak is the contemporary popular version of dance drama which takes its stories from popular folk legends and history rather than from the classic epics. Costumes, dialogues and dances, are much simpler than those at the wayang waong.


Musical traditions are as diverse as the population, but the one musical expression best known and most widely associated with the country is probably the gamelan. A complete gamelan orchestra may consist of as many as eighty instruments, the largest part comprsing various types and sizes of metal percussion instruments. Drums, a zither (celempung), a rebab two-stringed upright lute, a flute and often a few other instruments complete the ensemble. Although there are variationas known within each, the gamelan orchestra is basically tuned two systems, the old pentatonic slendro and the younger seventone pelog, each producing its own mood and having its own uses in the musical or theatrical repertoire. The creation of moods or “colour” is further archieved by teh use of three principal modes (pathet) within each tuning system. The most elaborate form of gamelan is that of Central Java (Yogyakarta and Surakarta). West Java has its own gamelan ensemble, usually simpler than tha Javanese, with more stress on flute, drums and the bonang family of horizontally placed kettle gongs. But the most brilliant is that of Bali, where sets of “male” and “female” megalophones produce a beautiful timbre associated with the Balinese gamelan. In much more simple forms, the “gamelan” is also known in other islands of Indonesia, from southern Sumatra to Sulawesi and Kalimantan. Bamboo xylophones are used in North Sualwesi and the bamboo “angklung”instruments of West Java are well-known for their unique tinkling notes which can be adapted to any melody. The Bataks of North Sumatra are famous for their popular singing groups who today entertain visitors in many international hotel.

Performances of Javanese gamelan can be heard every Sunday in the Kraton of Yogyakarta. The Central Museum in Jakarta has performances of Sundanese (West Javanese) gamelan every Sunday morning. Javanese gamelan also accompanies the shortened wayang kulit perfomances given at the Wayang Museum in Jakarta every Sunday morning.


Regular performances of the popular dances such as the legong kraton, the barong kris and the baris dances, are easily found throughout Bali. They are usually staged for tourists by the village people. The Kecak is performed at night by torchlight. Nowadays, even some of the formerly sacral dances, such as the fire dance, are often performed nightly for tourists, notably at Kuta and Sanur beach.


The craft of Indonesia vary in both medium and style. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and express themselves with canvas and paint, wood, metal, clay and stone. Indonesian artists create some of the finest wood-carvings to be found anywhere in the world. Paintings of an infinite variety, both traditional and contemporary, are to be found all over the country. The silverwork and engravings of Yogyakarta and Sumatra, and filigree of South Sulawesi are famous throughout Indonesia.
The batik process of waxing and dycing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern trends in both pattern and technology. There are several batik centers on Java, the major ones being Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pekalongan and Cirebon. Batik is also being produced in Bali, where local designs are incorporated. Artists in West Sumatra and Kalimantan produce hand-woven cloths with gold and silver threads, silk, and cotton of fantastically intricate design. On the islands of Sumba and Flores you can find the traditional ikat, a type of weaving with hand-dyed threads.
Indonesia is an art-collector’s and handicraft shopper’s paradise, and you will probably end up buying an extra suitcase just to pack all your treasures home with you.