30 Facts That You Might Not Know About Indonesia

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia that is formally known as the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia is made up of a large archipelago with thousands of islands. Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia that is formally known as the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia is made up of a large archipelago with thousands of islands.

Here are 30 facts that you might not know about Indonesia.

1. In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Indonesia primarily to trade in spices. Profits could be made selling spices because to the high demand in Europe at the time. As a result, the Portuguese acquired the Moluccas, the world's most important spice-producing region.

2. Indonesia has more volcanoes than any other country in the world, according to Wikipedia. That is correct. In this category, the country outperforms even Japan and the United States. In terms of the total number of active volcanoes, the country also leads the world.

3. After Canada, Indonesia boasts the world's second-longest coastline (nearly 54,000 kilometers) (CIA World Factbook).

4. The Javan rhino is a unique Indonesian species found nowhere else on the planet. There are just about 50 of these animals left today, according to estimates.

5. Do you know what Komodo dragons are? This incredible animal, which can be found in Indonesia, has the ability to consume humans. Do not be concerned; they are protected and can only be seen in the country's national parks on Komodo Island. The island inspired the dragon's name. It's worth noting that it's the world's biggest lizard.

6. Rafflesia Arnoldi, the world's largest flower, may weigh up to 7 kg (15 pounds) and can only be found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Its petals can reach a length of 0.5 meters (1.6 feet) and a thickness of 2.5 cm (1 inch).

7. Are you curious about lakes that change color? It's possible that you'll have to scale a volcano. Kelimutu, an Indonesian volcano, has three lakes that change color from turquoise to green, red, and black. No, this hue change isn't the result of a miracle. When volcanic gases react with minerals dissolved in water, the phenomena occurs.

8. In Indonesia's Borobudur temple, which is the world's largest Buddhist temple, there are 504 Buddha sculptures. In addition, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Are you looking for gold? The Grasberg Mine, the world's largest gold mine, is located in Indonesia, which may surprise you. The mine is also the third-largest copper mine in the world. The mine employs between 19,000 and 20,000 workers.

10. The Grasberg mine, near Puncak Jaya, is the world's largest gold and copper mine.

11. Have you ever smelled a flower from a half-mile away? If you visit Indonesia, you will have the opportunity to do so. On Sumatra Island, the country has the world's most odorous flower, Amorphophallus titanium. The flower, popularly known as "the devil's tongue," can reach a height of two meters on average.

12. Lake Toba is the world's largest volcanic lake. The 70,000-year-old supervolcanic eruption at the lake was the greatest known explosive eruption on the planet in the last 25 million years. According to the Toba disaster theory, it wiped off the majority of the human population at the time.

13. The flag of Indonesia is identical to that of Monaco, although the scale of the flags differs.

14. Despite being a large city, Jakarta lacks a high-speed train system, which is unusual. Some improvement is required! Congestion and traffic delays are also a problem in the city.

15. Across the country, people speak over 700 different languages.

16. Indonesian islands make up the world's second, third, and sixth largest islands. Guinea (which includes West Papua and Papua New Guinea) is the second-largest island in the world. Borneo (which includes Brunei and Malaysia Sarawak) is the third biggest island in the world. Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world, and it is wholly within Indonesia. (United Nations System-Wide Earthwatch, 1998.)

17. The Krakatoa eruption of 1883 was one of the deadliest and most catastrophic volcanic catastrophes in recorded history, with 36,417 people killed as a result of the eruption and the tsunamis it triggered. Around the world, significant additional consequences were also felt.

18. Indonesia's national bird is the Garuda (mythical bird).

19. Indonesia's national slogan is "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" ("Unity in Diversity," meaning "many, yet one").

20. Between 1.5 million and 35,000 years ago, Homo erectus, popularly known as the Java Man, lived in the Indonesian archipelago.

21. More over 35% of Indonesia's bird and mammal species are endemic, making it the world's second-largest endemic bird and animal population after Australia.

22. With the launch of the Palapa satellite in 1976, Indonesia became the first developing country to operate its own satellite system.

23. Indonesia contains the world's second-largest amount of tropical forests, after Brazil.

24. Indonesia is located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

25. This is one of those Indonesian truths that most people are unaware of. In Indonesia, Islam is the most widely practiced religion. Faith, on the other hand, varies from island to island. For example, Hindus make up the bulk of the population in Bali, while Christians make up the majority on other islands.

26. The Asian palm civet, a cat-like creature, is found in the country. These civets are fed coffee berries, and their feces is collected to make the famed Kopi Luwak coffee beans. Surprisingly, these are the world's most costly coffee beans.

27. With over 200 animals, 2300 different orchid species, and 600 breeding birds, Papua Island, an Indonesian island, boasts the most diversified flora and fauna.

28. Because of its effectiveness and cost savings, numerous countries have adopted Sosrobahu, an Indonesian road construction technique created by Tjokorda Raka Sukawati. This method has been adopted by many major countries, including China, France, and Germany.

29. Barack Obama, the former president of the United States, spent much of his boyhood in Indonesia. In 2017, he paid a visit to Yogyakarta on the Indonesian island of Java. He shared a home with Ann Dunham, an anthropologist. She was a skilled researcher who specialized in village life.

30. The ‘Java Man' fossil was discovered in 1889 by Dutch surgeon Eugene Dubois during the Dutch colonial era. Homo Erectus was the scientific name given to the fossil, and more of them were discovered in the same area.

Indonesia is an enthralling country. So there you have it: thirty fascinating facts about Indonesia that will undoubtedly enrich your visit to these stunning islands.