Journey to the Republic of Indonesia

Book excerpt: Indonesia is an archipelago of 7,500 islands. Its inhabitants speak 700 dialects and languages, with Bhasa as the national language. Travel to any island and the natives will use their local language for commerce and daily activities. Its diversity of language and culture reflects its origins as different migrations took place over millennia and settled here. The country has the largest Muslim population in the world, but the origins of its religious identity reflect Islamic traders introducing the religion and then giving preferential business opportunities to those accepting Islam. The exception to Islam is Bali, a Hindu enclave amidst a population with a very different belief. This unique subset evokes the magic of the exotic and romantic, a curious blend found nowhere else. Indonesia's early history reflects the great Mataram Empire, an empire that extended the boundaries of today's country and whose power and reach serve as the country's idealized state, even to the limits of today's boundaries. That empire ended with the arrival of the Europeans, first with the Portuguese, and then the Dutch. Dutch colonial presence extended for 350 years, broken only by a brief English presence, and later by Japanese Imperial forces during World War Two. Within days of the Japanese surrender, Indonesia declared its independence. But post-World War Two Dutch colonial presence returned and a four-year guerrilla war and diplomatic effort resulted in the Dutch capitulating and withdrawing from the Archipelago. Independence brought many challenges to the country. Five unifying concepts, known as Pancasila, are taught to every citizen from grade school onward, creating a national identity. The challenge of Pancasila is that only six religions are recognized; all others must align themselves with an approved religion, or stand beyond governmental protection. Indonesia sits astride the Ring of Fire, on some of the most powerful volcanoes in the world. Every Indonesian readily identifies with the volcanoes nearest them. Volcanic activity, evacuating for safety and realizing that volcanoes destroy and also enrich the soil marks each islander's deep respect for the destructive power and later fecundity of that eruption. To understand the natural phenomena taking place beneath our feet, I begin with a review of Earth's plate tectonics and its system of subduction. Volcanic activity is a constant in Indonesia, with different plates shifting and causing changes on the surface. This analysis and review discuss Indonesian history, its long subjugation by the Dutch, and its recent rise as an independent and self-sufficient government. The country prospers from its extensive natural resources, while the UNESCO site of Borobudur in Central Java, together with Temples Pawon and Mendut entice visitors throughout the world. I was privileged to visit Indonesia several times, appreciating its people, its distinctive Batik fabric as well the wide cultural diversity of these special people. I hope this review does justice to the country and its unique people.