2. • From the 7th CE, Indonesia was consists from many kingdoms,
specially Buddhism and Hindu kingdoms.
• Islam entered islands of Indonesia in 1200s, bear many Islamic
kingdoms. And until now, Indonesia is the largest Muslim
population country in the world with democratic governmental.
• Europeans arrived in Indonesia from the 16th century (to
monopolized Indonesia’s natural resources). Brought colonialized
era and Christianization.
• After more than 400 years colonialized under Dutch, Portuguese, Spain, British, and in World War 2
under Japan. Indonesia gain freedom as a new country to build their own government in 17th August
1945.
• After independence, there’s an era where Indonesia is under regime for 32 years. It was over in
1998 within people’s power and reformation,
• Indonesia is a founding member of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations , red) and a
member of the G-20 major economies (Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors, red).
Why is Indonesia important to the world?
• With huge population, it’s a big market also big human resources.
• Rich natural resources (petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal,
gold, silver, red)
• The third largest democratic country.
• As the largest Muslim population democratic country, home to nearly 15 percent of all Muslims on
earth, Indonesia is one of good example and the bridge between Muslim countries and western
countries.
• World’s largest archipelagic state.
• The location of the country is really strategic (between Australia continent and Asia continent and is
bordered by the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator, red)
3. • Ultimate Diversity
With hundreds ethnic groups and religious diversity in the
country: Blessing to the nation, but also a challenge.
• Culture Heritage Patent
• Separatism
• Poverty & Hunger
With rich natural resources that Indonesia has, some people
in Indonesia still living under poverty condition.
• Education issue
Though education access still be a challenge for Indonesia
government and the people, Indonesia always be the
finalists also winners for International Junior Science & Math
Olympics and International Junior Computer Olympics.
4. • After reformation, the country adopt democracy economy
system, but in practical, more liberal.
• Under regime, the economy system was centralized to central
government in Java. But after that, each provinces can manage
their province’s economy (de-centralized, red).
• The currency is Rupiah.
1 US dollar = around Rp. 9.000. The rates increased because of
economy crisis in 1998 that affect Indonesian economy.
• Corruption issue
Corruption is one of big problem in Indonesia, specially
under 32 years New Order regime. After the reformation
era, the problem still happen but the people of Indonesia
more aware about corruption issue than before.
• Challenge for Indonesia: Invite foreign investors to the
country while building conducive infrastructure inside of the
country.
Economic Fast Facts
• The country is the world’s No. 1 exporter of coal used in power stations.
• Contains the largest gold mine and the single largest recoverable copper reserve.
• The world’s palm oil industry depends on Indonesia.
• Rich natural resources, rich human resources, a country with a big market.
