Country Profile: Indonesia

Indonesia, the world's largest archipelagic nation, lies in Southeastern Asia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With a population exceeding 281 million, it stands as the third-most populous democracy globally and has a rich cultural mosaic comprising over 300 ethnic groups. The country's economy, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, is characterized by diverse sectors including agriculture, industry, and services, with a focus on sustainable growth and infrastructure development amidst a backdrop of rich natural resources and democratic governance.

Geography

Indonesia is a tropical archipelago comprised of approximately 13,466 islands, of which about 922 are inhabited. It features a predominantly coastal topography, with significant mountain ranges on larger islands. The country is located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, making it a critical hub for global trade.

Total area: 1,904,569 sq km
Coastline: 54,716 km
Highest point: Puncak Jaya at 4,884 m
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, and timber.
Climate: Predominantly tropical and humid.

People and Society

Indonesia's population is approximately 281 million, with a diverse ethnic composition prominently featuring Javanese (40.1%) and Sundanese (15.5%). The nation predominantly follows Islam, with around 87.4% of the population identifying as Muslim. The country has made notable advancements in literacy and education, contributing to a median age of 31.5 years.

Population growth rate: 0.73% (2024)
Urban population: 58.6% of total population (2023)
Life expectancy: 73.6 years (2024)
Major urban areas: Jakarta (11.249 million), Bekasi (3.729 million), Surabaya (3.044 million).
Languages spoken: Bahasa Indonesia (official), along with over 700 local dialects.

Economy

Indonesia's economy is categorized as an upper middle-income economy, driven by services, agriculture, and a growing industrial sector. The country aims for sustainable growth through infrastructure projects and expanding its tourism industry, while managing inflation and fiscal challenges.

Real GDP (PPP): $4.102 trillion (2024)
GDP growth rate: 5% (2024)
Unemployment rate: 3.3% (2024)
Exports: $300.868 billion (2024)
Poverty rate: 9% of the population (2024)

Government

Indonesia operates as a presidential republic with a robust democratic framework. The current president, Prabowo Subianto, was elected in 2024, leading a cabinet appointed by the president. The country is administratively divided into 35 provinces and emphasizes participatory governance through regular elections.

Capital: Jakarta; relocation to Nusantara approved for 2024-2045
Legislative branch: House of Representatives with 580 members
Voting age: 17 years, universal suffrage
Constitution: Originally drafted in 1945, amended multiple times since
National holiday: Independence Day observed on 17 August.

Military and Security

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, playing a crucial role in national defense and internal security. The military also engages in international peacekeeping missions while addressing internal insurgencies and maritime security challenges.

Active personnel: Approximately 400,000
Military expenditure: 0.8% of GDP (2024)
Major threats: Maritime piracy, illegal fishing, and internal insurgency in Papua
Military age: Required service age ranges from 18-45 years.
International deployments: Includes participation in UN peacekeeping with over 1,000 troops in various regions.

Energy

Indonesia boasts a diverse energy portfolio, predominantly reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation. The government aims to transition towards renewable sources in response to climate commitments while maintaining energy security across its vast archipelago.

Total installed electricity capacity: 70.826 million kW (2023)
Electricity consumption: 356.135 billion kWh (2023)
Coal production: 783.453 million metric tons (2023)
Natural gas production: 58.691 billion cubic meters (2023)
Electricity access: 100% for total population (2022).

Environment

While home to rich biodiversity, Indonesia faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, air, and water pollution. The government has committed to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues and promoting sustainable development.

Forest cover: 50.6% of land area (2023)
Carbon emissions: 829.655 million metric tons of CO2 (2023)
Municipal solid waste generation: 65.2 million tons annually (2024)
International agreements: Participates in Biodiversity and Climate Change treaties.
Renewable water resources: 2.019 trillion cubic meters (2022).

Transportation

As one of the most expansive nations globally, Indonesia's transportation network is vital for connecting its numerous islands. The country has a well-developed infrastructure, including extensive roadways, railways, and air travel facilities.

Airports: 556 (2025)
Railways: Total of 8,159 km (operational)
Merchant marine fleet: Includes 11,422 vessels (2023)
Ports: 123 total (2024)
Heliports: 53 (2025)

Communications

Indonesia has a rapidly growing communications infrastructure, with significant mobile and internet penetration. The country is working towards improving its digital landscape to support economic growth and connectivity.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 352 million (2023)
Internet users: 69% of the population (2023)
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 13.5 million (2023)
Telephones (fixed lines): 9.16 million subscriptions (2023)
Television and radio: Over 700 radio stations and numerous TV networks.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	281,562,465 (2024 est.)
Area	1,904,569 sq km
Real GDP (PPP)	$4.102 trillion (2024)
Unemployment Rate	3.3% (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	37.39 million Btu/person (2023)
Birth Rate	14.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.6 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	58.6% (2023)
Literacy Rate	96% (2020 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.96 children per woman (2024 est.)