Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia, both in terms of land area and population. Comprising over 17,000 islands stretching across the equator, it is the world’s largest archipelagic state and borders countries such as Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste. With a population exceeding 285,721,236 people in 2025 (UN data), Indonesia is the fourth most populous country globally and the largest Muslim-majority nation. The capital city is Jakarta, one of the most densely populated urban centers in the world, although the government is in the process of relocating it to Nusantara, a newly planned city on the island of Borneo.
Indonesia is a presidential republic with a multi-party democratic system. Since its independence in 1945, the country has transitioned from authoritarianism to a vibrant democracy, with regular elections and peaceful transfers of power. President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has led the country since 2014, focusing on infrastructure, economic reform, and digital transformation.
Economically, Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top 20 globally. It has a mixed economy with significant contributions from manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and increasingly, digital services. Indonesia is also a key exporter of natural resources such as coal, palm oil, and nickel. Despite steady growth, the country faces challenges such as income inequality, environmental degradation, and infrastructure gaps across its vast territory.
Religiously, while Islam is the dominant faith, Indonesia officially recognizes six religions, and its society is known for its relative religious tolerance and cultural diversity. The country’s strategic location, demographic scale, and economic potential make it a critical player in regional and global affairs.
Republic of Indonesia