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Indonesian archipelago

The Indonesian archipelago (Indonesian: Kepulauan Indonesia) is a vast and diverse collection of over 17,000 to 18,000 islands[3][4] located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in Southeast Asia and Oceania.[5] It is the world's largest archipelago, with five main islands—Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea). The Indonesian archipelago is known for its rich biodiversity, unique wildlife, and varied ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to active volcanoes. The archipelago boasts a diverse cultural heritage, with thousands of ethnic groups and languages. Its strategic location and natural resources have made it a historically significant trade hub and a key player in regional and global affairs. Historically, the Indonesian archipelago was influenced by various cultures and empires, including Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and European colonial powers, before gaining independence in 1945 as the state of "Indonesia".

Indonesian Archipelago
Native name:
Kepulauan Indonesia
Map of the Indonesian archipelago
Etymology
  • Indonesia from Greek: Ινδο (Indo, lit. 'Indies') + νησιά (nisiá, lit. 'islands')
  • Nusantara from Javanese: ꦤꦸꦱ (Nusa, lit. 'islands') + ꦲꦤ꧀ꦠꦫ (antara, lit. 'outer')
Geography
LocationSoutheast Asia and Oceania
Adjacent to
Total islands± 17,000–18,000 islands[1][2]
Major islands
Area8,300,000 km2 (3,200,000 sq mi)
Highest elevation4,884 m (16024 ft)[a]
Highest pointPuncak Jaya, Central Papua
Administration
PresidentPrabowo Subianto
Demographics
DemonymIndonesians
Population± 280,000,000 (2023)
LanguagesOver 700 languages
Ethnic groupsOver 1,300 ethnic groups

The archipelago comprises around 6,000 inhabited islands, with the remainder being uninhabited.[6] These islands vary in size and significance, from densely populated and culturally influential Java to small, remote islets. Notable islands include Bali, Sumatra, and Komodo Island, each known for specific attributes such as tourism, natural resources, and unique wildlife. The Maluku, or Spice Islands, are historically significant for their role in the global spice trade.[7]

Etymology

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The term "Indonesian Archipelago", deriving from the Greek words "Indos" (India) and "nesos" (island), refers to Indonesia,[8] the world's largest archipelago, comprising not only major islands like Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and Papua, but also thousands of smaller islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Within this archipelago, the "Sunda Islands" form a significant subgroup, divided into the Greater Sunda Islands—including Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Sulawesi—known for their size, population density, and economic significance, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, extending eastward from Bali and characterized by smaller islands such as Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Timor, each with distinct cultural and ecological attributes.

The term "Nusantara”, originating from Old Javanese, is commonly used in Indonesia to denote the Indonesian archipelago.[9][10] This term emphasizes unity as a maritime nation with diverse cultures and landscapes spanning Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is closely associated with the historical era of Majapahit in Java, a period marked by extensive maritime dominance in the region. Majapahit's influence extended through trade networks, maritime routes, and a shared cultural heritage that shaped the region's identity over centuries.

The term "Malay Archipelago" (Indonesian: Kepulauan Melayu) is sometimes used interchangeably with the Indonesian Archipelago, highlighting the cultural and linguistic connections among Malay-speaking peoples across these islands. This term was derived from the archaic European concept of a 'Malay race,' referring to a culturally similar, non-Oceanian subset of the Austronesian peoples.[11] This concept was based on observations by European explorers of the influence of the Srivijaya Empire, which was centered on the island of Sumatra. However, this usage has sparked some controversy in Indonesia, as it raises questions about the broader cultural and historical identities of the region. Together, these classifications highlight the rich diversity and historical significance of the Indonesian Archipelago, showcasing a dynamic blend of cultures and natural environments.[12]

History

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Main article: History of Indonesia

The history of Indonesian archipelago is a rich and complex tapestry of human migration, cultural exchange, trade, and colonization that has shaped the region over millennia. Human presence in the region dates back over 2 million years, with the discovery of Homo erectus remains, famously known as Java Man, on the island of Java.[13][14] These findings represent some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in Southeast Asia, highlighting the archipelago's significance in the study of human evolution.[15]

Archaeological evidence further reveals the existence of early societies in various parts of the archipelago, such as Flores, Sulawesi, and Papua, dating back of thousands of years. The discovery of early human remains on Flores, including the famous Flores Man or Homo floresiensis, sheds light on the ancient inhabitants of these islands. Indonesia is also home to some of the world's oldest known cave paintings, discovered particularly in the caves of Sulawesi and Kalimantan. These paintings, which depict hand stencils and images of animals, are over 45,500 years old, offering valuable insights into the artistic expressions of ancient human inhabitants.[16][17] Recent discoveries, such as those in Sulawesi's Leang Karampuang caves, dated to approximately 51,200 years ago, establish them as the oldest known paintings globally.[18][19]

By the first millennium CE, the Indonesian archipelago had become a crucial maritime trade route connecting the East and West. Early trade networks facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between the islands and neighboring regions, including Mainland China, Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. This period saw the rise of influential Hinduism and Buddhist kingdoms, which played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the archipelago.[20][21][22]

One of the earliest and most powerful of these kingdoms was the Srivijaya Empire, which emerged in the 7th century in Sumatra.[23][24] Srivijaya dominated trade in Southeast Asia for several centuries, controlling the strategic Malacca and Sunda Straits and facilitating the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism throughout the region. The wealth and influence of Srivijaya were reflected in its capital, Palembang, which became a major center of learning and culture.[25]

In the 8th and 9th centuries, the Sailendra dynasty rose to prominence in Central Java, leaving behind the magnificent Borobudur temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The subsequent rise of the Hindu Majapahit Empire in the 13th century marked another golden age in Indonesian history. Under the leadership of powerful rulers such as King Hayam Wuruk and his prime minister Gajah Mada, Majapahit extended its influence over much of modern-day Indonesia, as well as parts of Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.[26] The Majapahit Empire is often remembered for its cultural achievements, administrative sophistication, and military prowess.

The arrival of Islam in the 13th century brought about significant cultural and religious changes. Islamic traders from the Middle East, India, and China played a crucial role in spreading the religion, leading to the establishment of powerful Islamic sultanates across the archipelago. The Sultanate of Demak in Java, the Sultanate of Aceh in Sumatra, and the Sultanate of Ternate and Tidore in the Maluku Islands became important centers of Islamic learning and culture. These sultanates fostered a vibrant maritime trade network and contributed to the spread of Islam throughout the region.

The European colonial era began in the early 16th century with the arrival of Portuguese explorers, who sought to control the lucrative spice trade. The Portuguese established a foothold in the Maluku Islands, but their influence was soon challenged by the Dutch and the British. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) emerged as the dominant colonial power, establishing a network of trading posts and fortresses across the archipelago. By the 17th century, the VOC had effectively monopolized the spice trade and exerted considerable political influence over the local sultanates.

In the 19th century, following the bankruptcy of the VOC, the Dutch government took direct control of the archipelago, consolidating its territories into the Dutch East Indies. The colonial period brought significant social, economic, and infrastructural changes, but it was also marked by resistance and uprisings from local populations. Notable revolts include the Java War (1825-1830) led by Prince Diponegoro and the Aceh War (1873-1904). The struggle for independence intensified in the early 20th century, with the rise of nationalist movements and organizations such as the Budi Utomo, Sarekat Islam, and the Indonesian National Party (PNI) founded by Sukarno.

The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on August 17, 1945, by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, marked a pivotal moment in the archipelago's history. However, the path to full sovereignty was fraught with conflict, as the Dutch sought to re-establish control after World War II. The ensuing Indonesian National Revolution involved diplomatic negotiations and armed struggle, culminating in the recognition of Indonesian independence by the Dutch in 1949.

Geography

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Main article: Geography of Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago is a vast and diverse island chain located in Southeast Asia, stretching from the edge of Maritime Southeast Asia to the fringes of Oceania. This expansive archipelago spans approximately 5,120 kilometres (3,181 mi) from east to west and 1,760 kilometres (1,094 mi) from north to south, straddling the equator between 6°N and 11°S latitude and 95°E to 141°E longitude. Comprising over 17,000 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited, it is the world's largest archipelagic state.[27]

The Indonesian archipelago has a total land area of 1,904,569 square kilometers (735,358 sq mi), including 93,000 square kilometres (35,908 sq mi) of inland seas such as straits, bays, and other bodies of water. The surrounding sea areas increase the generally recognized territory of the Indonesian archipelago (land and sea) to about 5 million km². The exclusive economic zone is 6,159,032 km² (2,378,016 sq mi), bringing the total area to approximately 7.9 million km².[28][29]

The archipelago is composed of several major island groups, including the Greater Sunda Islands, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku Islands, and Western New Guinea. Among these, the largest islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and the western half of New Guinea. These islands vary greatly in size, with Sumatra covering 473,481 square kilometers, Java 138,794 square kilometers, and the Indonesian portion of Borneo, known as Kalimantan, spanning 743,330 square kilometers.

Geology

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Main articles: Geology of Indonesia and Volcanoes of Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago is complex and dynamic, shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity and volcanic processes. It sits at the convergence of several major tectonic plates: the Eurasian, Indo-Australian, Philippine Sea, and Pacific Plates. This interaction has created one of the most geologically active areas on Earth, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. [30] Between 1972 and 1991, there were 29 volcanic eruptions, mostly on Java.[31]

The western archipelago, including Sumatra and Java, features a volcanic arc from the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, resulting in volcanoes like Mount Merapi and Mount Kerinci. The central and eastern regions, such as Sulawesi and the Maluku, are shaped by interactions of multiple plates, creating diverse geological features and island arcs.

Indonesia has around 150 active volcanoes, with volcanic activity contributing to fertile soils, especially in Java. Frequent earthquakes result from constant tectonic movement, with fault lines such as the Great Sumatran fault contributing to seismic activity and tsunamis, exemplified by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.[30]

The archipelago is rich in mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, gold, tin, copper, and nickel. Unique geological formations also create karst landscapes, such as the Gunung Sewu and Maros-Pangkep areas, with cave systems and hills. Varied geology also leads to features like underground rivers in karst areas and crater lakes in volcanic regions, such as Lake Toba.[32]

Biodiversity

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Main articles: Fauna of Indonesia and Flora of Indonesia

The Indonesian Archipelago is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, and it is among the 17 Megadiverse countries identified by Conservation International.[33] This vast area spans both the Asian and Australian biogeographic zones, resulting in a unique and rich array of flora, fauna, and marine life. [34][35] Indonesian archipelago diverse ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to mangroves and savannas, support a variety of plant life. The archipelago is home to approximately 28,000 species of flowering plants, including around 2,500 species of orchids. Some of the most notable plants include the Rafflesia arnoldii, which produces the world’s largest flower, and the titan arum, known for its enormous inflorescence and distinctive odor.

The fauna of Indonesia is equally diverse and includes many endemic species. The archipelago hosts around 1,531 bird species, 515 of which are endemic. Notable avian residents include the critically endangered Javan Hawk-Eagle and the beautiful Birds of Paradise.[36] Mammalian diversity is also significant, with species such as the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and the Borneo pygmy elephant. Indonesia is also home to the Komodo dragon, the largest living lizard on Earth, found exclusively on a few islands within the archipelago.

Indonesia's marine biodiversity is among the richest in the world, making it a critical hotspot for marine conservation. The coral reefs in the Coral Triangle, which includes parts of Indonesia, are teeming with life, hosting over 500 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of reef fish. The waters around Indonesia also support populations of large marine animals such as whale sharks, manta rays, and various species of sea turtles.[37] The vibrant marine ecosystems not only support a wide range of species but also provide crucial resources and livelihoods for millions of Indonesians.

Demography

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Main articles: Demographics of Indonesia, Ethnic groups in Indonesia, Languages of Indonesia, and Religion in Indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago is characterized by significant ethnic diversity, comprising approximately 1,300 distinct native ethnic groups.[38][39] The majority of Indonesians are descended from Austronesian peoples, whose languages trace back to Proto-Austronesian, likely originating in present-day Taiwan.[40][41] Another prominent group is the Melanesians, who primarily reside in eastern Indonesia, including the Maluku Islands, Western New Guinea, and the eastern part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.[42][43]

The Javanese are the largest ethnic group, making up 40.2% of the population and holding considerable political influence. They are predominantly located in the central and eastern parts of Java, with significant numbers spread across various provinces. Following the Javanese, the Sundanese are the next largest group at 15.4%, with other notable groups including the Malay, Batak, Madurese, Betawi, Minangkabau, and Bugis.

The linguistic landscape of Indonesia is equally diverse, with over 700 indigenous languages spoken across the archipelago.[44] Despite this diversity, Indonesian also known as “Bahasa Indonesia” serves as the national language and unifying lingua franca. Religious diversity is also prominent, with Islam being the predominant faith, followed by significant populations of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. Despite the strong sense of regional identities, there exists a robust sense of Indonesian national identity.[45]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The elevation given here was determined by the 1971–73 Australian Universities' Expedition and is supported by the Seven Summits authorities and modern high resolution radar data. An older but still often quoted elevation of 5,030 metres (16,503 ft) is obsolete.

References

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