Pass The Passport

Places / Asia

Indonesia

Visited

At a glance

Region
South-Eastern Asia
Capital
Jakarta
Population
285.7 million (2025)
Area
1,904,569 km²
Languages
Indonesian
Currency
Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Drives on the
left
Calling code
+62
Visited: Indonesia

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Before you go

Overview

The Republic of Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia. It has more than 17 thousand islands such as Borneo, Sulawesi, New Guinea, Sumatra and Java which is the most populated. At 2018 it recorded a population of 267.7 million and covers an area of 1.905 million km2.

The capital city is Jakarta, which is the world’s second-most populous urban. The capital might be moved from Jakarta to Borneo since it was discovered that it is slowly sinking. The largest cities which are the country’s financial, government and business centre are Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bekasi.

Mount Bromo (foreground) and Mount Semeru (background), two active volcanoes in eastern Java.

History

The Dutch were in control of the island between 1970 and 1900 which they protested against in a four-year war. It became independent in 1949 with Sukarno as the president. Then, it went ahead to attack East Timor and made it their province in 1976.

Food & culture

Its culture is influenced by the Islam religion, Hinduism and Buddhism.

The country produces palm oil, natural rubber, tea, cocoa, coffee, rice, cassava, corn, coconuts and many others.

The national dish is Nasi goreng which is fried rice with soy sauce.

Wildlife

The wildlife found here includes Sumatran tigers, Borneo elephant, Black macaque, Pygmy tarsier, Maleo and Sumatran orangutan.

Festivals & events

The most celebrated festivals include the Eid-ul-Fitr, Independence Day and Pasola. festival

Things to see

Indonesia has the world’s one of the most active volcanic mountains, like Mount Merapi.

Popular tourist attractions include Bali beaches, the national parks in Sumatra, Mount Bromo National Park and Lake Toba.

Interesting facts

Indonesia is the largest island country in the world.

It has the largest Muslim population in the world.

It also has the largest economy in Southeast Asia.

The education system comprises of six years of primary education, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary and higher education.

Indonesian is the country’s official language.

City guides

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Famous hikes in Indonesia

Mount Batur sunrise

Distance
About 8 km return
Time
4 to 5 hours, starting around 3am
Best time
April to October

How to do it: A short volcano climb in Bali to watch the sun rise over Mount Agung. Go with a local guide, which is easiest as part of a tour with pick-up.

Run a marathon in Indonesia

Bali Marathon

Gianyar · usually August

Through rice fields and villages, with locals lining the roads.

Dates move from year to year, so check the race website before you book.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Indonesia

2 of 10 visited. See every site I've been to.

My photos from Indonesia

2022–2023 Winter Wander

Kuta Selatan, Tegalarum, Kuta, Borobudur, Ubud, Tangerang, Wringinputih, Tuban

Whole trip gallery
  • The stepped stone temple of Borobudur under a blue sky in Java
  • The stepped stone terraces of Borobudur temple.
  • A man with arms out in front of a huge white church shaped like a bird.
  • A man and a woman taking a selfie beside the giant bird-shaped Chicken Church.
  • A man and a woman standing on a clifftop lawn by the sea at sunset.
  • A man with long hair standing waist-deep in turquoise sea.
  • A row of tall, colourful stained-glass panels with tropical plants visible behind.
  • The stone terraces and stupas of Borobudur temple under a blue sky with white clouds.
  • A green forested valley stretching towards a range of mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Large red curly letters spelling Bali in front of a traditional-style building and trees.
  • A resort lawn with two sun loungers, palm trees and the ocean beyond at dawn.
  • A clifftop view down to a white sand beach with turquoise water and waves breaking on the reef.

Plan your trip to Indonesia

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Neighbours

Bucket List goals in Indonesia