It is astonishing that Indonesia is defined as a single entity, consisting as it does of over 13,500 islands, which support an almost unparalleled racial diversity.
A vast, sprawling archipelago, with a spread the equivalent of Athens to Delhi, Indonesia boasts more coastline than any country in the world. Each island has its own identity and culture with endless opportunity for exploration.
The country's motto is "unity in diversity". It has a population of 190 million - making it the world's 4th most populous; it is home to more Muslims than any other country; and it has the most volcanoes in the world (two thirds of which are active).
Apart from its geographical range, Indonesia is Bali, "the most spiritual island in the world". Orang Utans in their jungle nests, long nights of shadow puppet shows, evenings scented with clove cigarettes, the ancient temples of Borobudur and in Irian Jaya, communities so remote that they have only recently encountered Western natives. |