Why in News? 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India as the chief guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations on 26^th January 2025, symbolizing strong bilateral ties and cooperation between India and Indonesia. 

Key Details About Indonesia

Map of Indonesia 

Geography 

• Location: Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 
• Archipelago: World's largest with 17,000+ islands, including Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. 
• Capital: Jakarta (future capital: Nusantara, under development). 
• Climate: Tropical with hot, humid weather and significant rainfall. 

Physical Features 

• Volcanoes: Part of the Ring of Fire, with 130+ active volcanoes. 
• Mountains: Mount Semeru and Mount Rinjani are notable. 
• Forests: Vast tropical rainforests. 
• Rivers: Mahakam, Kapuas, and Barito rivers. 

Economy & Currency 

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 
• Major Industries: Agriculture, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and tourism. 
• Exports: Palm oil, coal, natural gas, petroleum, and rubber. 

Polity 

• Government: Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic. 
• Legislature: Bicameral People’s Consultative Assembly (Regional Representative Council and People's Representative Council). 
• Independence: Gained independence from the Netherlands on 17^th August 1945. 

Culture and Festivals 

• Cultural Diversity: Over 300 ethnic groups and 700+ languages, with a blend of indigenous, Indian, Chinese, and European influences. 
• Major Festivals 
  • Nyepi 
  • Hari Raya Idul Fitri (Eid) 
  • Galungan and Kuningan 
  • Waisak (Buddha Day) 
  • Toraja Funeral Rites 

National Symbols 

• National Language: Bahasa Indonesia. 
• National Bird: Javan Hawk-Eagle. 
• National Flower: Jasmine.