Why in the News? 

Former Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto takes oath as the Eighth President of Indonesia, the world’s third-biggest democracy with the largest economy in Southeast Asia. He announced Indonesia’s largest-ever Cabinet with 109 members representing his pledge for a strong government. He named his Cabinet of ministers, vice ministers and head of national agencies the “Red and White Cabinet”, referring to the colours of Indonesia’s flag. 

Indonesia

• Location: Southeast Asia, situated between the Indian and Pacific Ocean. 
• It consists of more than 17,000 islands, with five major islands: Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and New Guinea. 
• Capital: Jakarta 
• Independence: On 17th August 1945, from Dutch rule.  
• Government: Democratic republic with a presidential system. 
• President: Prabowo Subianto  
• Vice President: Gibran Rakabuming Raka 
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)  
• It is a significant exporter of palm oil, rubber and coffee. 
• It is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. 
• Official Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) 
• It is home to over 1,300 ethnic groups. Some of the major ethnic groups include Javanese, Batak, Balinese, Sundanese, Madurese, Acehnese, etc.