Massive riches, considerable challenges
GeographyIndonesia is an archipelagic nation that consists of 5 main islands (Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea) and Sulawesi), and thousands of smaller ones.
Many of these islands are dissected by large rivers of economic and ecologic importance, such as the Mahakam, and Barito in Kalimantan.
Indonesia is located on a shaky part of the Earth. Three tectonic plates below the archipelago are often grinding against each other, forming volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
As a tropical country, Indonesia is subject to distinct seasons: monsoonal wet and dry seasons.
NatureBoth below and above water, Indonesia’s biodiversity is unrivalled. Tigers, elephants, rhinos, orangutans, cloud leopards, tapirs and a multitude of rare, threatened and amazing wildlife are found in the nation’s forests and swamps. New species are constantly being discovered.
On the eastern part of the archipelago, separate from the Asian landmass, the islands of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku have seen the evolution of species that are markedly different from western Indonesia.
Further to the east, Papua (originally part of the Australian landmass) exhibits a range of unique habitats, including more than 700 bird species (including migrants).
Indonesia’s warm seas are home to marine turtles, whales, dugongs and the world’s largest diversity of tropical marine species.
Economy & DevelopmentSince the 1997 financial crash, Indonesia’s economy has been slowly but steadily growing. In 2005, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was US$287 billion.
A majority of people are involved in the agriculture sector, for products such as palm oil, rice, tea, coffee, spices and rubber. Some of the major industries include petroleum and natural gas, textiles and mining, with natural resources such as timber, fish, tin, copper and gold generating sizable income.
However, Indonesia’s abundant natural resources have yet to benefit the country as a whole. Now, the challenge is to ensure they are better managed before they run out.