Indonesia is the largest archipelago country consisting of more than 17,000 islands that scattered between latitudes 110S and 60N and longitudes 950E to 1410. It bridges two continents, Asia and Australia. Indonesia’s territory extends along 3.977 mile between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. The total area land and sea of Indonesia is about 1.9 million mile square. Four-fifths of the area is sea and the major islands are Sumatera (473,606 km2), Java (132,107 km2), Kalimantan (the third largest island in the world, 539,460 km2), Sulawesi (189,216 km2) and Papua (421,981 km2).

With a population of around 238 million people, Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country, and has the world’s largest population of Muslims. It consists of distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. The 300 ethnic groups that exist harmoniously give birth to a potpourri of cultures and fascinating people. The major ethnic groups are: Minangkabaunese, Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Maduranese and Ambonnese. The Javanese is the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. Arabic, Chinese and Indian immigrants have also settled in regions throughout the country, particularly in the coastal cities.

Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), articulates the diversity that shapes the country. The national symbol of Indonesia is Garuda Pancasila. It is the coat of arms of Indonesia. The main part of the coat of arms is the Garuda with a shield on its chest and a scroll gripped by its leg. The shield’s five emblems represent Pancasila, the five principles of Indonesia’s national philosophy.

Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. Jakarta, the nation’s capital city, is located in Java. The independence day of Indonesia was 17th of August 1945. A unitary state, power is concentrated in the central government. The president of Indonesia is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the director of domestic governance, policy-making, and foreign affairs. The president appoints a council of ministers, who is not required to be elected members of the legislature. The president may serve a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms.