Country Profile: Indonesia

Indonesia, located in Southeastern Asia, is the world's largest archipelago, comprising over 13,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With a population exceeding 281 million, it ranks as the third-most populous democracy and the most populous Muslim-majority nation globally. Its economy is the largest in Southeast Asia, characterized by significant growth and a diversified structure involving agriculture, industry, and services. Governance is anchored in a presidential republic, while social dynamics reflect a rich tapestry of over 300 ethnic groups.

Geography

Indonesia spans 1,904,569 square kilometers, making it slightly less than three times the size of Texas. This tropical archipelago is famous for its coastal lowlands and interior mountains, with Java being the most densely populated island. The nation faces natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, given its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

13,466 islands make up the archipelago, with 922 permanently inhabited.
54,716 km of coastline wrap around the islands.
4,884 m is the height of Puncak Jaya, Indonesia's highest point.
The country is home to over 75 historically active volcanoes, including Merapi and Krakatau.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 281,562,465 in 2024, Indonesia exhibits a rich ethnic diversity, predominantly comprising Javanese, Sundanese, and Malay people. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, though over 700 local languages are spoken. The majority of the population practices Islam, contributing to Indonesia being a significant center of Islamic culture.

87.4% of the population identify as Muslim.
58.6% of the populace lives in urban areas as of 2023.
The median age is 31.5 years (2024 estimate).
96% literacy rate (2020 estimate) highlights the nation's educational advancements.

Economy

Indonesia is classified as an upper-middle-income country with a growing economy that ranks among the top 10 globally in terms of purchasing power parity. The country has seen stable GDP growth rates, supported by diverse sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services. The economy is bolstered by significant natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and minerals.

$4.102 trillion is the projected real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
The unemployment rate is expected to be 3.3% in 2024.
12.6% of GDP is generated from agriculture.
43.8% of GDP is contributed by the services sector.

Government

Indonesia operates as a presidential republic, with Jakarta as its capital. The nation is divided into 35 provinces and has a complex legal system influenced by civil law. With a history of democratic elections, the most recent presidential election in February 2024 resulted in Prabowo Subianto assuming office in October 2024.

The national government structure includes an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.
The constitution was originally drafted in 1945, with significant amendments over the years.
Citizens can vote from 17 years of age.
580 seats are held in the unicameral House of Representatives, elected by proportional representation.

Military and Security

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is responsible for the military defense of the nation, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, supported by the National Police. Indonesia focuses on modernizing its military while maintaining significant deployments in international peacekeeping missions.

Military expenditures are approximately 0.8% of GDP.
The TNI consists of around 400,000 active personnel.
Major operational priorities include combatting separatism, particularly in Papua.

Energy

Indonesia's energy landscape is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with nearly 82% of its total installed electricity capacity sourced from these fuels. The country also has a commitment to improving electricity accessibility, achieving 100% electrification across its population.

Installed electricity generation capacity stands at 70.826 million kW (2023).
356.135 billion kWh of electricity was consumed in 2023.
Coal production reached 783.453 million metric tons in 2023.

Environment

Indonesia faces various environmental challenges, including deforestation and pollution. The country is part of numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues while striving for sustainable development and conservation.

48% of its land is covered by forests (2022).
Urban population is 58.6% of the total as of 2023.
Air pollution and waste management remain critical concerns.

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Indonesia includes a robust network of roads, railways, and ports to support its vast archipelago. With 556 airports and significant maritime facilities, transportation remains essential for the economy and connectivity.

The total railway network comprises 8,159 km.
Indonesia's merchant marine fleet includes 11,422 vessels.
There are 123 ports, with major ones like Jakarta and Surabaya providing critical trade links.

Communications

Indonesia has seen a rapid expansion in communication infrastructure, particularly in mobile telecommunications and internet access. With 352 million mobile subscriptions, the country is advancing towards greater connectivity.

69% of the population are internet users (2023).
Fixed-line subscriptions total 9.16 million as of 2023.
There are 13.5 million fixed broadband subscriptions.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	281,562,465 (2024 est.)
Area	1,904,569 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$4.102 trillion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	37.39 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	14.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	3.3% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	73.6 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	96% (2020 est.)
Forest Area	48% (2022 est.)
Urban Population	58.6% (2023)