Indonesian archipelago

• See also: Names of Indonesia

GeographyLocationSoutheast Asia and OceaniaAdjacent to

• Indian Ocean
• Pacific Ocean

Total islands± 17,000–18,000 islands^[1][2]Major islandsArea8,300,000 km² (3,200,000 sq mi)Highest elevation4,884 m (16024 ft)^[a]Highest pointPuncak Jaya, Central PapuaAdministrationPresidentJoko WidodoDemographicsDemonymIndonesiansPopulation± 280,000,000 (2023)LanguagesOver 700 languagesEthnic groupsOver 1,300 ethnic groups

The Indonesian archipelago (Indonesian: Kepulauan Indonesia) is a vast and diverse collection of over 17,000 to 18,000 islands^[3][4] located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans in Southeast Asia and Oceania.^[5] It is the world's largest archipelago, with five main islands—Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea). The Indonesian archipelago is known for its rich biodiversity, unique wildlife, and varied ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to active volcanoes. The archipelago boasts a diverse cultural heritage, with thousands of ethnic groups and languages. Its strategic location and natural resources have made it a historically significant trade hub and a key player in regional and global affairs. Historically, the Indonesian archipelago was influenced by various cultures and empires, including Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and European colonial powers, before gaining independence in 1945 as the state of “Indonesia."

The archipelago comprises around 6,000 inhabited islands, with the remainder being uninhabited.^[6] These islands vary in size and significance, from densely populated and culturally influential Java to small, remote islets. Notable islands include Bali, Sumatra, and Komodo Island, each known for specific attributes such as tourism, natural resources, and unique wildlife. The Maluku, or Spice Islands, are historically significant for their role in the global spice trade.

Etymology

The term "Indonesian Archipelago," deriving from the Greek words "Indos" (India) and "nesos" (island), refers to Indonesia,^[7] the world's largest archipelago, comprising not only major islands like Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, and Papua, but also thousands of smaller islands across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Within this archipelago, the "Sunda Islands" form a significant subgroup, divided into the Greater Sunda Islands—including Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan), and Sulawesi—known for their size, population density, and economic significance, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, extending eastward from Bali and characterized by smaller islands such as Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, and Timor, each with distinct cultural and ecological attributes.

The term "Nusantara”, originating from Old Javanese, is commonly used in Indonesia to denote the Indonesian archipelago.^[8][9] This term emphasizes unity as a maritime nation with diverse cultures and landscapes spanning Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is closely associated with the historical era of Majapahit in Java, a period marked by extensive maritime dominance in the region. Majapahit's influence extended through trade networks, maritime routes, and a shared cultural heritage that shaped the region's identity over centuries.

On the other hand, the term "Malay Archipelago" (Indonesian: Kepulauan Melayu) is sometimes used interchangeably with the Indonesian Archipelago, highlighting the cultural and linguistic connections among Malay-speaking peoples across these islands. This broader concept underscores the historical trade networks, maritime routes, and shared cultural heritage that have shaped the region over centuries. Together, these classifications highlight the rich diversity and historical significance of the Indonesian Archipelago, showcasing a dynamic blend of cultures and natural enviroments.

Geography

The Indonesian archipelago is a vast and diverse island chain located in Southeast Asia, stretching from the edge of Maritime Southeast Asia to the fringes of Oceania. This expansive archipelago spans approximately 5,120 kilometres (3,181 mi) from east to west and 1,760 kilometres (1,094 mi) from north to south, straddling the equator between 6°N and 11°S latitude and 95°E to 141°E longitude. Comprising over 17,000 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited, it is the world's largest archipelagic state.^[10]

The archipelago is composed of several major island groups, including the Greater Sunda Islands, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku Islands, and Western New Guinea. Among these, the largest islands are Sumatra, Java, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and the western half of New Guinea. These islands vary greatly in size, with Sumatra covering 473,481 square kilometers, Java 138,794 square kilometers, and the Indonesian portion of Borneo, known as Kalimantan, spanning 743,330 square kilometers.

Geology

The Indonesian archipelago is complex and dynamic, shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity and volcanic processes. It sits at the convergence of several major tectonic plates: the Eurasian, Indo-Australian, Philippine Sea, and Pacific Plates. This interaction has created one of the most geologically active areas on Earth, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. ^[11] Between 1972 and 1991, there were 29 volcanic eruptions, mostly on Java.^[12]

The western archipelago, including Sumatra and Java, features a volcanic arc from the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, resulting in volcanoes like Mount Merapi and Mount Kerinci. The central and eastern regions, such as Sulawesi and the Maluku, are shaped by interactions of multiple plates, creating diverse geological features and island arcs.

Indonesia has around 150 active volcanoes, with volcanic activity contributing to fertile soils, especially in Java. Frequent earthquakes result from constant tectonic movement, with fault lines like the Great Sumatran Fault contributing to seismic activity and tsunamis, exemplified by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.^[11]

The archipelago is rich in mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, gold, tin, copper, and nickel. Unique geological formations also create karst landscapes, such as the Gunung Sewu and Maros-Pangkep areas, with cave systems and hills. Varied geology also leads to features like underground rivers in karst areas and crater lakes in volcanic regions, such as Lake Toba.^[13]

Demography

The Indonesian archipelago is characterized by significant ethnic diversity, comprising approximately 1,300 distinct native ethnic groups.^[14][15] The majority of Indonesians are descended from Austronesian peoples, whose languages trace back to Proto-Austronesian, likely originating in present-day Taiwan.^[16][17] Another prominent group is the Melanesians, who primarily reside in eastern Indonesia, including the Maluku Islands, Western New Guinea, and the eastern part of the Lesser Sunda Islands.^[18][19]

The Javanese are the largest ethnic group, making up 40.2% of the population and holding considerable political influence. They are predominantly located in the central and eastern parts of Java, with significant numbers spread across various provinces. Following the Javanese, the Sundanese are the next largest group at 15.4%, with other notable groups including the Malay, Batak, Madurese, Betawi, Minangkabau, and Bugis.

The linguistic landscape of Indonesia is equally diverse, with over 700 indigenous languages spoken across the archipelago.^[20] Despite this diversity, Indonesian also known as “Bahasa Indonesia” serves as the national language and unifying lingua franca. Religious diversity is also prominent, with Islam being the predominant faith, followed by significant populations of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists. Despite the strong sense of regional identities, there exists a robust sense of Indonesian national identity.^[21]

See also

• Indonesia
• Archipelagic state
• Island country

Notes

References