Countries along the Belt and Road Initiative — Indonesia Profile

【Population】255.5 million—the world’s fourth most populous country. Indonesia is home to hundreds of ethnic groups: Javanese constitute 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, Malays 7.5%, and others 26%. Over 200 indigenous languages are spoken; the official language is Indonesian. Approximately 87% of the population practices Islam, making Indonesia the country with the world’s largest Muslim population. 6.1% identify as Protestant Christians, 3.6% as Roman Catholics, and the remainder follow Hinduism, Buddhism, or indigenous animist beliefs. 【Capital】Jakarta, with a population of 9.969 million. 【Head of State】President Joko Widodo, inaugurated in October 2014 for a term ending in 2019. 【Key Holidays】Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Islamic holidays); National Awakening Day (commemorating the founding of the nationalist organization Budi Utomo in 1908) on May 20; Independence Day on August 17. 【Politics】Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945, and subsequently waged armed resistance against British and Dutch attempts to reassert colonial control. During this period, it was briefly reconstituted as the United States of Indonesia and joined the Netherlands-Indonesian Union. In August 1950, it restored itself as the Republic of Indonesia, and in August 1954 formally withdrew from the Netherlands-Indonesian Union. The 1997 Asian financial crisis severely destabilized Indonesia. In May 1998, President Suharto—whose 32-year rule ended amid mass protests—resigned; Vice President B.J. Habibie succeeded him. In October 1999, the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) elected Abdurrahman Wahid president and Megawati Sukarnoputri vice president. On July 23, 2001, an MPR special session impeached Wahid on charges of misconduct, and Megawati assumed the presidency, with Hamzah Haz as vice president. In July 2004, Indonesia held its first-ever direct presidential election: former Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and former Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Muhammad Jusuf Kalla won after two rounds. In July 2009, Indonesia held its second direct presidential election; Yudhoyono and former central bank governor Boediono won outright in the first round. In July 2014, Indonesia held its third direct presidential election: Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo and former Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla defeated the ticket led by former Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) commander Prabowo Subianto and former Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa. Widodo and Kalla were inaugurated on October 20, 2014, for a term ending in 2019. The Widodo administration launched a ‘Maritime Fulcrum’ strategy, prioritizing national security, economic development, and anti-corruption efforts. It focuses on resolving long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, attracting foreign investment, strengthening oversight of civil servants, and building a clean, transparent government. In August 2005, the Indonesian government reached a peace agreement with the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM). In July 2006, Indonesia’s parliament passed the Aceh Governance Law. In December 2006, Aceh held its first local elections since the peace accord; former GAM leader Irwandi Yusuf and Muhammad Nazar were elected governor and deputy governor, respectively.

How has Singapore’s reputation declined in recent years?

His declining reputation reflects a common domestic phenomenon—the ‘boomerang effect’: every few years, a few quotes or viral videos sway public opinion, flipping perceptions overnight—from praising Singapore as a paragon of civility to mocking it as ‘Yin Jiapo’ (a pun on ‘Indonesia’ and ‘Singapore’). This country is simply too small—even its independence was achieved in such an awkward, precarious manner. From its founding through its current stage of development, Singapore has consistently had to defer to external powers. This reality has compelled Singapore to avoid antagonizing neighboring countries and to promote, domestically, a politically correct narrative of multiracial harmony. I’m not saying this is wrong—it’s simply the policy choice of a particular nation. Recently, Singapore has been severely pressured by Indonesia: for months, thick haze from Indonesian forest fires blanketed Singapore, yet no formal apology was forthcoming—only threats and baseless accusations. Just the other day, I watched a video claiming Indonesia plans to halt natural gas exports to Singapore. Truly astonishing.

Indonesia Meeting Gas Deal Terms With Singapore Despite Supply Cut, Minister Says

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Indonesia's energy minister confirmed natural gas exports to Singapore meet contract minimums despite cutting 31 million cubic feet daily for domestic power needs. The diversion addresses local blackouts while maintaining international commitments.

reuters

Indonesia Meeting Gas Deal Terms With Singapore Despite Supply Cut, Minister Says

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