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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
About the People
Indonesians value loyalty to family and friends more than their own concerns. They rarely disagree in public, seldom say “no” (they say Belum, “not yet”), and generally have time for others. Punctuality, while important, is not emphasized at the expense of personal relations. Indonesians appreciate a quiet voice, an unassuming attitude, and discretion. To embarrass someone is a terrible insult. Indonesians often view Westerners as too quick to anger, too serious about themselves, and too committed to the idea that “time is money”. Patience is the key to interaction. Attitudes vary according to diverse ethnic, political and religious backgrounds.
Cultural Attributes
Indonesians rarely disagree in public, seldom say "no" (they say Belum, "not yet"), and generally have time for others. Punctuality, while important, is not emphasized at the expense of personal relations.
Indonesians appreciate a quiet voice, an unassuming attitude, and discretion. To embarrass someone is a terrible insult.
Patience is the key to interaction. Attitudes vary according to diverse ethnic, political and religious backgrounds. Indonesians are loyal to family and friends more than their own concerns.
Emerald Archipelago of a Thousand Temples
Greetings, Gestures & Visiting
Indonesian culture is based on honor and respect for the individual. Letters begin with Dengan hormat (with respect), and respect is also important in greeting others. Men and women usually shake hands and bow the head slightly when introduced for the first time. After that, it is unusual to shake hands in greeting; a nod or slight bow is most appropriate. Indonesians shake hands when congratulating someone or when saying good-bye before a long trip. A man does not usually touch an older women in public, except to shake hands, even if he knows her well. If a person has a title, it is used in greeting and general conversation. Many Indonesians, especially the Javanese, have only one name and are therefore addressed both formally and casually by that name.
One should avoid using gestures to beckon another person, except for children or a becak (pedicab) driver. Beckoning is done by waving all fingers with the palm facing down. Approval is sometimes shown by a pat on the shoulder, but one never touches the head of another person. The left hand is not used to shake hands, touch hands, touch others, point, eat, or give or receive objects. Standing with one's hands in the pockets or on the hips is a sign of defiance or arrogance.
Yawning in public is avoided, but if a person must yawn, a hand should be placed over the mouth. Laughing at another's mistake is very offensive. People on public transportation should offer their seats to the elderly.
When meeting someone for the first time in Indonesia, you should offer your hand to be shook, and slightly nod your head.When you are finished eating your meal in Indonesia, leave some food on your plate. To leave nothing on the plate is a sign that you would like more food.
Unannounced visits are common. Visitors sit when invited to, but they will also rise when the host or hostess enters the room. A drink is often served, but a guest does not drink until invited to. If refreshments are served, it is polite to at least eat a little bit to avoid offending the hosts.
If the host or hostess is not wearing footwear, it is polite for visitors to remove theirs. Shoes are removed before entering carpeted rooms, feasting places, places of funeral viewing, or holy places (especially mosques).
Westernized Indonesians appreciate flowers from guests that have been invited to dinner. Any gift given is accepted because it is impolite to refuse such.
Indonesians prefer modest dress, whether they wear Western styles or more traditional clothing. The traditional dress for a woman is called a "kain", a long wraparound dress with an intricate batik pattern, and kebaya, a long-sleeved blouse reaching below the waist.
Batik is the national handicraft and has been part of Indonesian culture for centuries. It is traditionally made by using molten wax to create designs on cloth. When the cloth is dyed, the wax preserves a white pattern. Authentic batik, made by hand, is being replaced with mass production imitations. Authentic batik clothing may be worn for formal situations by both men and women.
Diet
Rice is the main staple food. Now nearly self-sufficient, Indonesia once imported large amounts of rice to feed its growing population. Vegetables, fish, and hot sauces are often served with the rice. Tea and coffee are the most common drinks. Popular meats include beef and chicken. It is forbidden for Muslims to eat pork or drink alcohol. Chillies are often used (sometimes in large quantities) in cooking, as are other spices. Coconut milk is used to cook particularly spicy food.
Eating Although there are many restaurants along the streets, eating while standing or walking on the street is inappropriate. Finishing a drink implies the desire for the glass to be refilled. It is impolite to eat or drink until invited to do so by the host. Both hands are kept above the table while eating. Compliments about the food are appreciated by the hostess. At restaurants, a service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping is uncommon. Public use of toothpicks is avoided; if toothpicks must be used, one hand should cover the mouth during use.
Rice is the main staple food. Now nearly self-sufficient, Indonesia once imported large amounts of rice to feed its growing population. Vegetables, fish, and hot sauces are often served with the rice. Tea and coffee are the most common drinks. Popular meats include beef and chicken. It is forbidden for Muslims to eat pork or drink alcohol. Chillies are often used (sometimes in large quantities) in cooking, as are other spices. Coconut milk is used to cook particularly spicy food.
Family
Traditionally, Indonesians have had large families, but in recent times people are stopping at two children. Members of the extended family often live under the same roof or near one another. Loyalty and cooperation among family members are highly valued. The home is traditionally dominated by the father, and the mother is responsible for raising children and caring for the household.
The trend today is for many urban women to work outside the home, and they comprise 40 percent of the labor force. Women comprise 12 percent of parliament and have generally equal access to education as men. Women also have more rights than in other predominantly Muslim countries, including rights in property settlements, inheritances, and divorce.
Dating Customs
Conventional, Western style dating is uncommon, except in urban areas. Likewise, arranged marriages have given way to marriages of individual choice in urban areas. However, arranged marriages are still common in rural areas. Rural women are often married by the time they are 20 years old. As in other predominantly Muslim countries, a man may have as many as four wives if he can provide for each equally. Yet it is rare to find a man who has more than one wife; women generally oppose polygamy and men usually cannot afford it.
Recreation
A favorite sport is "sepak takraw". Two teams try to keep a rattan ball in the air with their feet. Pencak silat is a martial art, similar to karate, practiced by young men and women. Almost all Indonesians play the game of congklak, usually during family gatherings. It is played with a wooden board on which are small depressions. Players use shells or pebbles to play the game
The Indonesian government encourages "Sport for All." Every year, on September 9th, a National Sports Day is held for participants from across the country. This event took place in Indonesia even before it was an independent nation and has become a symbol of unity. The government also sponsors Karang Taruna, an organization for young people between the ages of 10 and 25.
The (Boy/Girl) Scouts in Indonesia are called Pramuka. Boys and girls may belong to the same scout pack. Pramuka members, like the Scouts, learn camping skills and ways to survive in the wilderness.
Holidays
Independence Day
8/17Independence Day
Christmas
12/25Christmas
Most of the population is Muslim with only a small percentage of Christians. For the Christians in the country the Christmas season extends from the beginning of December until the second week in January. The traditions reflect the 350 years of Dutch occupation. In many areas Sinterklass (Santa Claus) brings the Christmas gifts on December 5th the eve of St. Nicholas’s day. During the second week of December many malls and hotels sponsor events where Santa Claus is a guest and children can have pictures taken with him.
Christmas dinner often features a blend of Indonesian, European and Chinese foods, including soups, stir-fry vegetables, chicken, beef, seafood, and pork.
Dates of Interest
- September 9th
Most of the population is Muslim with only a small percentage of Christians. For the Christians in the country the Christmas season extends from the beginning of December until the second week in January. The traditions reflect the 350 years of Dutch occupation. In many areas Sinterklass (Santa Claus) brings the Christmas gifts on December 5th the eve of St. Nicholas’s day. During the second week of December many malls and hotels sponsor events where Santa Claus is a guest and children can have pictures taken with him. Christmas dinner often features a blend of Indonesian, European and Chinese foods, including soups, stir-fry vegetables, chicken, beef, seafood, and pork.
How do people greet each other in Indonesia?
Indonesian culture is built on honor and respect, so greetings are gentle and courteous. Men and women usually shake hands and slightly bow the head at a first introduction; after that, a nod or slight bow is more appropriate.
Do
- Offer your hand for a handshake and nod your head when meeting someone for the first time
- Use a person's title in greetings and conversation if they have one
- Shake hands when congratulating someone or saying good-bye before a long trip
Don’t
- Don't repeatedly shake hands in everyday greetings after the first meeting
- A man should not touch an older woman in public beyond a handshake
Good to know
- Many Indonesians, especially the Javanese, have only one name, used both formally and casually
- Letters begin with Dengan hormat ('with respect')
What are the dining customs in Indonesia?
Meals center on rice, served with vegetables, fish, meats, and often spicy hot sauces. Politeness and waiting for the host's invitation matter more than speed.
Do
- Wait to be invited before you eat or drink
- Keep both hands above the table while eating
- Compliment the food to please the hostess
- Leave a little food on your plate when finished
Don’t
- Don't eat or drink while standing or walking on the street
- Don't finish your drink unless you want it refilled
- Don't use the left hand to eat
- Don't clear your plate completely, as that signals you want more
Good to know
- A service charge is usually included at restaurants and tipping is uncommon
- Avoid public use of toothpicks; if needed, cover the mouth with one hand
- Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol
What etiquette should visitors know in Indonesia?
Indonesians value patience, discretion, a quiet voice, and an unassuming attitude, and consider embarrassing someone a terrible insult. Unannounced visits are common and hospitality is important.
Do
- Be patient and keep a quiet, unassuming manner
- Sit only when invited, and rise when the host or hostess enters the room
- Eat at least a little of any refreshments served to avoid offending hosts
- Remove your shoes if the host is not wearing footwear, or before entering carpeted rooms and holy places
Don’t
- Don't disagree openly or embarrass anyone in public
- Don't drink until invited to by the host
- Don't refuse a gift, as that is impolite
Good to know
- Indonesians rarely say 'no' directly; they may say Belum ('not yet')
- Punctuality is valued but not at the expense of personal relationships
- Westernized Indonesians appreciate flowers when invited to dinner
How should I dress in Indonesia?
Indonesians prefer modest dress, whether Western or traditional styles. Authentic hand-made batik clothing may be worn for formal occasions by both men and women.
Do
- Dress modestly
Good to know
- Batik is the national handicraft, made by using molten wax to create designs before dyeing
- Traditional women's dress includes the kain (a long batik wraparound) and kebaya (a long-sleeved blouse)
What gestures are polite or offensive in Indonesia?
Body language matters greatly, and the head and left hand carry special significance. Beckon only children or a becak driver, by waving all fingers with the palm facing down.
Do
- Cover your mouth with a hand if you must yawn in public
- Offer your seat to the elderly on public transportation
- Show approval with a pat on the shoulder
Don’t
- Never touch another person's head
- Don't use the left hand to shake, touch, point, eat, or give and receive objects
- Don't stand with hands in pockets or on hips, a sign of defiance or arrogance
- Don't laugh at another's mistake, which is very offensive
What is family life like in Indonesia?
Loyalty and cooperation among family members are highly valued, and extended families often live together or nearby. The home is traditionally led by the father, with the mother caring for the household and children.
Good to know
- Families were traditionally large, but many now stop at two children
- Many urban women work outside the home, making up 40 percent of the labor force
- Indonesian women have relatively strong rights in property, inheritance, and divorce
What do people do for fun and sport in Indonesia?
Popular pastimes include sepak takraw (keeping a rattan ball airborne with the feet), the martial art pencak silat, and the traditional board game congklak. The government promotes 'Sport for All.'
Good to know
- Congklak is played with a wooden board and shells or pebbles, often at family gatherings
- A National Sports Day is held every September 9th as a symbol of unity
- Youth can join Karang Taruna (ages 10-25) or Pramuka, the Indonesian Scouts, where boys and girls may share a pack
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Indonesia
Photos of Indonesia
Young girls perform prayers at the beach, Bali, Indonesia
Orang-utan at Bukit Lawang, Sumatra
Local market in Sumatra
Bullfight near Bukitinggi north of Sumatra
Remote island in the Lingga Islands
Rice fields
Historical site 19th century Stupa, Borobudur
Colourful market near Berastagi on Sumatra
Seven Mountains Lake
Beach at Ujung Genteng in soutwest Java
Old man takes a nap in central Sumatra
King male orang-utan eats lunch
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
- Currency
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- Time Difference
- UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) note: Indonesia has three time zones
- Climate
- The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude. Jakarta lies in the lowlands. Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons. However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October. Days and nights each last 12 hours. The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna. Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes. The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life. Many endangered and unique animals, such as single”‘horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia. Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.
- Airports
- 661
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
Bubuh Injin (Black Rice Pudding)
Main Dish
Main Dish
Prawns with Peanut Sauce
Main Dish
Sambal Balado (Indonesian Crispy Crunchy Beef)
Main Dish
Rendang (Beef Cooked in Garlic, Shallots, Ginger, Chilies, Lemon Grass and Coconut Milk)
Main Dish
Gado-Gado (Vegetables and Tofu topped with Peanut Sauce)
Main Dish
Steamed Rice with Meat and Vegetables
Main Dish
Bubuh Injin (Black Rice Pudding)
History
History
Historical Eras
Early Kingdoms
600 – 1500
Hindu-Buddhist maritime and agrarian kingdoms shaped the archipelago's political and cultural identity. The Srivijaya empire dominated Sumatra and regional trade from the 7th century, while the Majapahit kingdom, founded in 1293 in eastern Java, became the most powerful Indianized state in Southeast Asian history, unifying much of the archipelago under its influence. Monumental works such as Borobudur and the Prambanan temples remain enduring legacies of this era.
Islamization & Spice Trade
1500 – 1619
Islam spread progressively through coastal trading networks, displacing Hindu-Buddhist court cultures and giving rise to powerful Muslim sultanates across Java, Sumatra, and the Maluku archipelago. Portuguese and Spanish traders arrived in the early 16th century seeking to control the immensely profitable spice trade, establishing a limited but disruptive European presence. This period set the conditions for the more systematic Dutch colonial project that followed.
Dutch Colonial Rule
1619 – 1942
The Dutch United East India Company (VOC) established Batavia in 1619 as its headquarters and progressively seized control of the spice trade and political authority across the archipelago. After the VOC's dissolution in 1799, the Netherlands Indies government continued economic exploitation, most notoriously through the Cultivation System (1830–1870), which forced Javanese peasants to grow cash crops for Dutch profit. By the early 20th century, Indonesian nationalism began to coalesce around figures such as Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta in direct response to colonial subjugation.
Japanese Occupation
1942 – 1945
Imperial Japan swept through the Dutch colonial administration in early 1942, dismantling European authority almost overnight and fundamentally altering Indonesia's political landscape. Though primarily motivated by resource extraction—especially oil—Japan permitted and even encouraged Indonesian political organizing, giving nationalist leaders Sukarno and Hatta platforms for mass mobilization. On August 17, 1945, two days after Japan's surrender, Sukarno and Hatta proclaimed Indonesian independence.
National Revolution & Early Republic
1945 – 1966
Indonesia's declaration of independence triggered a bitter four-year National Revolution against Dutch attempts to reimpose colonial control, ending with international recognition of sovereignty in 1949. President Sukarno's guided democracy consolidated nationalist ideology but grew increasingly authoritarian and economically dysfunctional, culminating in the failed coup of October 1, 1965, attributed to the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), and the subsequent anti-communist massacres that killed hundreds of thousands.
New Order & Reformasi
1966 – present
General Suharto's New Order regime (1966–1998) brought political stability and economic development at the cost of authoritarian repression, endemic corruption, and military impunity. The 1997 Asian financial crisis destabilized Suharto's government, forcing his resignation and launching the Reformasi era of democratic transition. Indonesia has since held multiple free elections and decentralized governance, while continuing to address poverty, separatist pressures in Aceh and Papua, and the legacy of institutional corruption.
Overview
Timeline of Key Events
670
Chinese traveller, I Ching, visits Srivijaya.
Chinese traveler, I Ching, visits Srivijaya.
752 – 1045
The Hindu Mataram dynasty flourishes and declines.
The Hindu Mataram dynasty flourishes and declines.
825
Borobudur Buddhist monument constructed.
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur on the island of Java was completed about this time under the supervision of an architect named Gunadharma.
910
Building of the Hindu temples at Prambanan begins.
Building of the Hindu temples at Prambanan begins.
1135 – 1157
King Joyoboyo rules until
King Joyoboyo rules until 1157 and is remembered for a prophecy that Indonesia would be ruled by a white race for a long time, then a yellow race for a short time, then be independent.
1292
Marco Polo visits Sumatra and Java.
Marco Polo visits Sumatra and Java.
1293
The Hindu Majapahit kingdom is founded in eastern Java.
The Hindu Majapahit kingdom is founded in eastern Java.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
When a child loses a tooth they throw their tooth backwards over the roof. Their mother says they must throw it very straight so that their new tooth will grow in straight.
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur that lies in Eastern Java on the Kedu Plain. It is surrounded by an idyllic landscape of incomparable beauty of rice-terraced hills and overlooked by four volcanoes. The industrious subjects of the Sailendra dynasty built it over a period of 80 years in the ninth century who transformed a volcanic plug of basalt into a stepped pyramid with a base measuring 120 meters square and a height of 35 meters. It was built to resemble a microcosm of the universe and its purpose was to provide a visual image of the teachings of the Buddha and show, in a practical manner, the steps through life that each person must follow to achieve enlightenment. The pilgrim to this shrine would first have been led around the base and shown the friezes, which illustrate the consequences of living in the World of Desire. In this realm ruled by Greed, Envy, and Ignorance, man is a slave to earthly desires and suffers from the illusions that are caused by these unfulfilled yearnings, a state regarded as hell by Buddhists. After completing this circuit, the pilgrim was then led in a clockwise fashion through five levels in a gradual ascension of the pyramid. Here he was shown how to conquer desire and attachment by viewing 1300 panelled friezes that illustrate the life of the Buddha and his previous incarnations. These levels were called the World of Form and correspond to the earthly realm in Buddhist symbology. The passages of both of these realms followed the square shape of the pyramid but above these two lay the World of Formlessness where the right-angled, heavily decorated passages gave way to a round unadorned summit where meditating Buddhas and saints sit in supreme bliss contemplating a view of exquisite beauty. In the centre a bell shaped tower, or stupa, points to heaven, a blissful realm beyond form and concept, known as Nirvana. Encompassing the totality of existence with its representations of heaven, earth, and hell in this metaphor of stone, the monument was abandoned after a severe earthquake and a large eruption of the volcano Merapi in 1006 AD until it was rediscovered by the West during colonial times. One of the miracles, perhaps equalling the miracle of its construction and craftsmanship, is that the monument still exists and can be seen to this day. This area of Java is one of the most earthquake prone regions in the world as well as one of the most volcanic.
The volcano Krakatoa, which was part of the Indonesian archipelago, erupted on August 27, 1883, producing one of the biggest explosions in history. The island on which it was situated was destroyed, creating a 41-square-kilometre hole in the sea floor and causing a tidal wave that killed 30,000 people. The sound was heard 4,000 kilometers away.
Komodo dragons are found on the island of Komodo. They are lizards about three meters long, weighing up to 140 kilograms. They have scaly bodies, short muscular legs, massive tails and razor-sharp teeth.
Indonesia has the world's largest flower, the insect-eating Rafflesia arnoldii.
In 1975, Indonesian forces invaded East Timor, a former Portuguese colony. At least 100,000 people died in the fighting, and from disease and famine following the invasion. The people of East Timor voted for independence in a 1999 referendum, but this led to further violence by militia groups who opposed independence.
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains
- Climate
- The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude. Jakarta lies in the lowlands. Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons. However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October. Days and nights each last 12 hours. The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna. Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes. The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life. Many endangered and unique animals, such as single‑horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia. Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.
- Natural Hazards
- occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires
- Current Environmental Issues
- deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay), English, Dutch, local dialects
- Bahasa
- Bahasa Indonesia
- Dutch
- English
Population
- Population
- 242,968,342
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- JAKARTA (capital) 9.769 million; Surabaya 2.787 million; Bandung 2.429 million; Medan 2.118 million; Semarang 1.573 million; Palembang 1.455 million
- Nationality Noun
- Indonesian(s)
- Ethnic Groups
- Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%
- Language Note
- The official language is Indonesian (a variety of Malay). However, some 300 other languages are also spoken in the country. One of them, Javanese is the most common with more than 70 million speakers. More than half the population speaks some Indonesian or Malay. Because Dutch was the official language until 1942, some older adults still speak it. English is the leading international language and is taught as a second language in the schools (after Indonesian). Ethnic languages are taught in special classes.
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Health Information
- Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
- very high
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Indonesia
- Full Country Name
- Republic of Indonesia
- Local - Long
- Republik Indonesia
- Local - Short
- Indonesia
- Former Name
- Netherlands East Indies; Dutch East Indies
Government Structure
- Government Type
- republic
- Legal System
- based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures and election codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President PRABOWO Subianto (since 20 October 2024) and Vice President GIBRAN Rakabuming Raka (since 20 October 2024); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President PRABOWO Subianto (since 20 October 2024) and Vice President GIBRAN Rakabuming Raka (since 20 October 2024); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president and vice president elected for five-year terms by direct vote of the citizenry; last held on 14 February 2024 (next to be held in 2029) election results: PRABOWO Subianto elected president in the first round, receiving approximately 58.6% of the vote; ANIES Baswedan received approximately 24.9%; GANJAR Pranowo received approximately 16.5%
- Legislative Branch
- unicameral House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (550 seats; members serve five-year terms) House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) (550 seats; members elected to serve five-year terms); House of Regional Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Daerah or DPD), constitutionally mandated role includes providing legislative input to DPR on issues affecting regions; People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) has role in inaugurating and impeaching president and in amending constitution; consists of popularly-elected members in DPR and DPD; MPR does not formulate national policy elections: last held 5 April 2004 (next to be held in 2009) election results: percent of vote by party - Golkar 21.6%, PDI-P 18.5%, PKB 10.6%, PPP 8.2%, PD 7.5%, PKS 7.3%, PAN 6.4%, others 19.9%; seats by party - Golkar 128, PDI-P 109, PPP 58, PD 55, PAN 53, PKB 52, PKS 45, others 50 note: because of election rules, the number of seats won does not always follow the percentage of votes received by parties
- Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court or Mahkamah Agung (justices appointed by the president from a list of candidates approved by the legislature); a separate Constitutional Court or Mahkamah Konstitusi was invested by the president on 16 August 2003; in March 2004 the Supreme Court assumed administrative and financial responsibility for the lower court system from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights; Labor Court under supervision of Supreme Court began functioning in January 2006
- Suffrage
- 17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age
- Constitution
- August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959
- Independence
- 17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949, Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands)
- National Holiday
- Independence Day, 17 August (1945)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Jakarta; note - Indonesian lawmakers on 18 January 2022 approved the relocation of the country’s capital from Jakarta to a site on the island of Borneo between Samarinda City and the port city of Balikpapan; Nusantara ("archipelago"), the name of the new capital, is expected to be established in August 2024
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 6 10 S, 106 49 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) note: Indonesia has three time zones
"Jakarta" derives from the Sanscrit "Jayakarta" meaning "victorious city" and refers to a successful defeat and expulsion of the Portuguese in 1527; previously the port had been named "Sunda Kelapa"
Military
Branches: Indonesian Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, TNI): Army (TNI-Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD)), Navy (TNI-Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL); includes marines (Korps Marinir, KorMar), naval air arm), Air Force (TNI-Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU)), National Air Defense Command (Kommando Pertahanan Udara Nasional (Kohanudnas))
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy Jakarta is located at Medan Merdeka Selatan 5, Jakarta 10110; telephone: (62)(21) 3435-9000; fax (62)(21) 385-7189. The most secure international mail address is: U.S. Embassy Jakarta, DPO, AP 96520 USA. The consular section of the Embassy can be reached by e-mail. Instructions on how to receive SMS emergency messages on your cell phone can be found on the Embassy's FAQ page.
U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya is at Jl. Citra Raya Niaga No. 2, Surabaya 60217; telephone: (62) (31) 297-5300; fax (62) (31) 567-4492, after-hours duty officer (62) (811) 334-183. The consulate can also be reached by e-mail. The consulate should be the first point of contact for assistance to U.S. citizens who are present or residing in the Indonesian provinces of East Java, Nusa Tenggara Timor, Nusa Tenggara Barat, all of Sulawesi and North and South Maluku.
There is a Consular Agency in Bali at Jalan Hayam Wuruk 310, Denpasar, Bali; telephone: (62) (361) 233-605; fax (62) (361) 222-426; or BaliConsularAgency@state.gov. The U.S. Consulate in Surabaya is an alternate contact for U.S. citizens in Bali.
The American Presence Post in Medan, North Sumatra, provides only emergency assistance to U.S. citizens and does not offer routine consular services. U.S. citizens needing emergency consular assistance in Sumatra should call (62) (61) 451-9000.
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic nation and Southeast Asia's biggest economy, has emerged as one of the most dynamic emerging markets globally, with a gross domestic product exceeding $1.4 trillion and membership in the G20. As an upper-middle-income country, Indonesia has demonstrated resilient economic growth averaging around 5 percent annually in recent years, supported by strong domestic consumption, a young and expanding workforce, and abundant natural resources including nickel, coal, palm oil, and natural gas. The government under President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October 2024, has prioritized ambitious targets of 8 percent economic growth, food and energy self-sufficiency, and continued downstream processing of critical minerals to capture greater value from the country's resource wealth.
Despite these strengths, Indonesia continues to face significant structural challenges, including persistent corruption, regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps outside Java, an underdeveloped manufacturing base, and uneven development across its more than 17,000 islands. The relocation of the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan represents a major long-term initiative aimed at addressing regional inequality, though the project has faced funding and timeline challenges. The Omnibus Law on Job Creation, enacted to streamline business regulations and attract foreign direct investment, has shown mixed results in improving the investment climate.
Key priorities for sustained growth include strengthening human capital, deepening financial markets, advancing digital transformation, navigating the global energy transition, and maintaining macroeconomic stability amid external pressures from commodity price volatility and shifting global trade dynamics. Indonesia's ascension toward high-income status by 2045 will depend on continued reform momentum, productivity gains, and successful diversification beyond commodity exports.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Rupiah (IDR)
- GDP — official exchange rate
- $270,000,000,000 (USD)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 5.6%
- Gini Index
- 34.3
Banknotes
Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- calendar year; note - previously was 1 April - 31
- Annual Budget
- $57,700,000,000 (USD)
- Public Debt (% of GDP)
- 52.6%
- External Debt
- $131,000,000,000 (USD)
- Investment (% of GDP)
- 21.5%
- Economic Aid
- $43,000,000,000 (USD)
- Current Account Balance
- $2,300,000,000 (USD)
- Reserves of Foreign Exchange
- $2,147,483,647 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- agriculture 45%; industry 16%; services 39%
- Household Income — highest 10%
- 28.5%
- Industries
- petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism
- Agriculture Products
- rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra, poultry, beef, pork, eggs
- Export Commodities
- oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber
- Export Partners
- Japan 21.1%, US 13.2%, Singapore 9.4%, South Korea 7.2%, China 5.1%
- Import Commodities
- machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
- Import Partners
- Japan 14.1%, Singapore 13.1%, US 8.5%, China 7.8%, South Korea 5.3%, Australia 5.1%
Energy
- Oil Production
- 1,061,000 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 1,084,000 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 4,600,000,000 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 83,400,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 22,500,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 37,500,000,000 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 2,557,000,000,000 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- general assessment: domestic service includes an interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic satellite communications system; international service good domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly international: country code - 62; landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)
- Internet Country Code
- .id
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Nineteen found guilty of trafficking babies in Indonesia and Singapore - BBC
BBC · 1h ago
Rescuers in Indonesia find mother and son survivors from sunken passenger boat - AP News
AP News · 1d ago
Seven more people rescued after boat sinks in Indonesia, 18 still missing - Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera · 1d ago
Girl, 7, Miraculously Survives 3 Days Floating at Sea Near Indonesia - The Daily Beast
The Daily Beast · 15h ago
Beaten-down Indonesian stocks feel the love as AI rally cools - Reuters
Reuters · 8h ago
Indonesia Is Losing the Fight Against Corruption - Bloomberg.com
Bloomberg.com · 12h ago
Indonesia Set to Receive Ex-Italian Aircraft Carrier Garibaldi on Sept 20 - navalnews.com
navalnews.com · 21h ago
Someone Is Showing a Lot of Underwater Interest in Indonesia’s Straits - RealClearDefense
RealClearDefense · 19h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude. Jakarta lies in the lowlands. Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons. However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October. Days and nights each last 12 hours.
The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna. Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes. The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life.
Many endangered and unique animals, such as single”‘horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia. Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed 2026