Selamat datang! Welcome to the exotic lands of Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago nestled between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The tropical paradise boasts an abundance of natural wonders, cultural diversity, and mouth-watering cuisine that will leave you spellbound. If you didn’t already know that Indonesia is home to both the world’s largest living reptile (the Komodo Dragon) and largest blooming flower (Rafflesia arnoldii), then congratulations! You’re the recipient of two bonus facts to tide you over.
Though in all seriousness, there’s even more to Indonesia than meets the eye – in this article, we’re going to uncover ten fascinating facts about Indonesia that will both surprise and delight you! Whether you were already planning on taking your next vacation to the luxurious beaches of Kuta or haven’t yet considered it, let the irresistible features of this tropical archipelago persuade you into leaving the real word behind for just a little while.
But first things first: let’s pull out a map and find our bearings.
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and is the world’s largest island country, stretching over 3,000 miles from east to west. It shares borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia, and is home to over 270 million residents which makes it the fourth most populous country in the world. Located on the island of Java, Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.
Now that we’ve got the geography lesson out of the way, let’s dive into the fun facts about Indonesia that you never knew before – and that will make you want to pack your bags immediately!
Over 700 dialects are spoken in Indonesia
With a whopping population of over 270 million people, it’s no surprise that Indonesia is a country of immense diversity. From the hectic streets of Jakarta to the far-flung villages of Papua, each island and region has its own unique language coupled with accents and linguistic cultures. So if you think learning Indonesian, Javanese, Balinese, and Sundanese would suffice, think again! These are only the four most-spoken languages of the 700 dialects spread across the Indonesian archipelago. This variety makes it one of the most linguistically diverse countries across the globe, just a hair’s breadth away from Papa New Guinea’s impressive record of 840.
Indonesia is comprised of 17,500 islands
Unlike the various continental countries boasting one coastline (or none at all), Indonesia is comprised of 17,500 islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. While the archipelago stretches over 3,000 miles from east to west, its islands range from 232 square miles to over 300,000. But the real shocker is that less than half of these islands are inhabited by humans.
That’s right: only 6,000 of the nation’s impressive 17,500 islands have been colonized. From the popular tourist destinations of Bali and Lombok to the remote corners of the Sulawesi and Sumatra jungles, each island offers its own unique beauty and charm – some, only to the highest bidders.
A group of islands known as the Widi Reserves are being auctioned with the intention of high-end real estate development. Because what’s one more millionaire with one more private island?
The world’s largest gold mine is in Indonesia
Still feeling like you’re stuck in a grade school geography lesson? Things are about to get a little more interesting.
Nestled deep in the rugged wilderness of the Indonesian province of Papua lies a literal treasure trove: the Grasberg mine. As the largest gold mine in the world, the Grasberg also doubles as the second-largest copper mine in the world, narrowly following the Escondida mine in Chile. The Grasberg Mine is owned and operated by American company Freeport-McMoRan. With over 19,000 employees working tirelessly around the clock, the massive operation produces up to one million ounces of gold and over 500,000 metric tons of copper every single year – staggering amounts of precious materials. Tours of the crater-shaped mine are available for visitors willing to brave the rugged terrain, but most importantly, trusted to not steal shavings of the main attraction!
Environmental concerns and ethical considerations have been raised about the mine’s impact on the surrounding ecosystem and indigenous communities. Nevertheless, the Grasberg remains a symbol of both human achievement and the vast potential of our Earth’s natural resources.
Indonesia is the first developing country to sustain its own satellite system
Indonesia made history in 1976 when it became the first developing country to deploy their very own satellites. That’s right: the Palapa Satellite System was a true feat of engineering and innovation developed by the Indonesian government in collaboration with none other than the United States and Japan.
And what a difference it made! Thanks to this groundbreaking technology, Indonesia was finally able to connect the residents of all 6,000 inhabited islands, paving the way for a new era of economic progression and social development. From accessing vital information and communicating with other parts of the country to tapping into global markets, Indonesia’s satellites helped them join the big leagues.
The Palapa Satellite System was very recently declared unfit for operation after 44 years of service to the Indonesian people. Luckily, the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space has been relaunched as the Indonesian Space Agency, who plan to reuse the Palapa system’s transponder equipment in a brand-new broadcasting satellite.
Indonesia was the first team from Southwest Asia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup
This tropical archipelago is recognized for their immense national unity and pride, thanks to not only the Palapa Satellite System. While Indonesia might not be known for its soccer prowess, the country holds an impressive history in the sport. In fact, Indonesia made history all the way back in 1938 when it became the first team from Southwest Asia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup… and even though the team did not make it past the first round of the competition, the Indonesian team left a lasting impression on the global soccer scene. Indeed, Indonesia has produced several gifted players over the years, many of whom have gone on to achieve international success. From Bambang Pamungkas to Evan Dimas, these players have helped put Indonesia on the map when it comes to soccer talent.
So whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or simply curious about Indonesia’s sporting history, there’s no denying the passion and excitement this tropical paradise brings to the beautiful game. With a rich tradition of sporting and a vibrant fan culture, Indonesia is truly a soccer lover’s dream come true.
Poop coffee – literally, poop coffee
Listen up coffee connoisseurs: you must have heard that Indonesia is known for its unique and flavorful brews, and you’re more than likely to have gotten your hands on an invaluable bag of beans imported directly from the tropical islands.
But have you ever taken a sip of Kopi Luwak? This delicacy is made with the help of the Asian palm civet, a small cat-like mammal that excretes partially-digested pellets of coffee cherries similar to coffee beans.
The egested beans, priced at USD $100 per pound, are then collected, cleaned, and roasted to produce the country’s trademark smooth and flavorful cup of joe. Let’s just hope it smells like coffee, too.
There is a tree-dwelling cannibalistic tribe in West Papua
Found in the remote forests of West Papua are the Korowai, a native Indonesian tribe known to live in treehouses and involve themselves in cannibalism. Described as animalists, the tribe subscribes to natural methods of survival including feasting on all available nutrients, not falling short of cannibalism.
While the eating-humans-for-dinner practice is now rare among the Korowai, the tribe still maintains many of their traditional customs and beliefs. Visitors to the region are encouraged to learn about their ways of life and experience the natural beauty of the jungles they inhabit.
Earthquakes and volcanoes and tsunamis, oh my!
If there’s one thing that’s sure to get your heart racing, it’s a little bit of danger. And Indonesians? Let’s just say they know something about living on the edge.
Indonesia is located in the heart of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic activity. Spread across the country are 128 Holocene volcanoes, an unbelievable 80 of which are active to this day. In simpler terms, every time you step foot on one of the 17,500 islands, you’re living on the brink of a geological marvel.
Of course, all of the volcanic activity is accompanied by its matching seismic activity. Earthquakes are a daily occurrence across the archipelago, but don’t let that put you off! Because if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that the risks are more than worth it. Despite such hazards, the country’s natural beauty and rich culture continue to draw millions of visitors each year.
What the IUCN calls “impressive”
Indonesia is a treasure trove of biodiversity, with over 17,000 islands providing a wide variety of ecosystems with unique climates and landscapes. But the sobering truth is that most of these habitats are under threat, facing Indonesia with over 100 endangered animal species including the Sumatran tiger, Javan rhinoceros, and beloved Bornean orangutan. Deforestation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade are just a few of the pressures tearing down the environment.
But here’s the thing about Indonesia: this is a nation that doesn’t take its natural wonders for granted. From the government to local communities and passionate conservationists, there are countless people working tirelessly to protect these precious species and ensure they thrive for generations to come.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy Indonesia’s undeniable beauty – the gifts granted by Mother Nature are not to be hidden away in the woods forever. Just do your part by sticking to the dedicated walking paths and cleaning up after yourselves to protect our planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants from even more destruction.
Tribal cultures: filing teeth to ward evil away
Among the fascinating practices of the country’s indigenous groups like the Korowai, tooth filing stands out as one of the most unusual and intriguing.
You heard us right: tooth filing. This ancient ritual involves grinding down the teeth to create a smooth, even edge. This is no cosmetic procedure; in fact, tooth filing is believed to have deep spiritual significance and is performed on both men and women during elaborate ceremonies and rituals.
Across Indonesia, tooth filing is seen as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring balance to the body. It’s a delicate process that requires immense skill and self-care. So if you’re looking to experience the rich cultural traditions of the archipelago, tooth filing is a practice that is not to be missed. But let’s be clear – it’s nothing to be taken lightly. Tooth filing is a sacred ritual that holds deep meaning for the communities that practice it, so it’s crucial to approach it with respect and reverence.
What’s Keeping You From Visiting Indonesia?
You’ve heard of Hawaii, you’ve heard of Fiji, you’ve heard of Cozumel. But Indonesia offers something more than a walk on the beach and Instagrammable sunset photographs – it is a veritable paradise for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
With its stunning landscapes and endlessly rich history, Indonesia has something for everyone. So what’s keeping you from visiting?
Perhaps it’s the distance, or the price, or the language barrier, or simply the fear of the unknown. But trust us: the journey is worth it. The opportunities to dive into the culture and taste their world-renowned Kopi Luwak or see the final, remaining members of precious species up-close can’t be replicated. Indonesia is an experience that will broaden your perceptions and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
So pack your bags, book your ticket, and get ready for the adventure. Indonesia and its wonders are waiting for you! How many of the ten fun facts about Indonesia from our list did you already know? Drop a comment to share your experience in this awe-inspiring nation.
