History of Indonesia in Timeline

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian and Oceanian country, the world's largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands. Encompassing major islands like Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi, it's the 14th-largest country by area. With a population exceeding 280 million, Indonesia ranks as the fourth most populous nation globally and the most populous Muslim-majority country. Java, the world's most populous island, houses over half of Indonesia's inhabitants.

1900: Indonesia becomes common in academic circles

After 1900, the name Indonesia became more common in academic circles outside the Netherlands.

1913: Establishment of Indonesisch Pers-bureau

In 1913, Ki Hajar Dewantara, the first native scholar to use the name Indonesia, established a press bureau in the Netherlands, called Indonesisch Pers-bureau.

1917: Establishment of Balai Pustaka

The establishment of Balai Pustaka in 1917 marked a push to develop indigenous literature.

1926: Release of Loetoeng Kasaroeng

In 1926, the first film produced in the archipelago, Loetoeng Kasaroeng, a silent film by Dutch director L. Heuveldorp, was released.

1930: Dutch population numbered around 200,000

In 1930, the Dutch and other European-descended populations in Indonesia numbered only around 200,000.

1938: FIFA World Cup Participation in 1938

In 1938, Indonesia, as the Dutch East Indies, was the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup.

August 1945: Proclamation of Independence

In August 1945, Indonesia proclaimed its independence following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism.

1945: Number of provinces

In 1945, Indonesia had 8 provinces.

1945: Bahasa Indonesia gained official status

In 1945, following independence, Indonesian, a variant of Malay, gained official status under the name Bahasa Indonesia.

1945: Healthcare System Development Begins

Indonesia began developing its healthcare system since 1945, but initially healthcare services were limited.

1945: Independence and Dwindling Jewish Presence

Since Indonesia's independence in 1945, the Jewish population, primarily descendants of Dutch and Iraqi Jews, has dwindled.

1948: First National Games (PON) in 1948

Boxing and basketball were part of the first National Games (Pekan Olahraga Nasional, PON) in 1948.

1948: Coined "independent and active" foreign policy

In 1948, Mohammad Hatta, Indonesia's first vice-president, coined the term "independent and active" (bebas aktif) to describe Indonesia's foreign policy. This policy aimed to maintain autonomy, navigate great power politics, and avoid alignment with major powers.

1949: Dutch recognition of Indonesian independence

In 1949, the Dutch recognised Indonesian independence following international pressure at the Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference.

1949: Garuda Indonesia became national flag carrier

Since 1949, Garuda Indonesia has been the national flag carrier.

1950: Forest cover

In 1950, Forest cover was 87%.

1950: Joined the United Nations

In 1950, Indonesia became a member of the United Nations and is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

1955: First general election

In 1955, the first general election was held to elect members of the DPR and the Constitutional Assembly.

1955: Establishment of Festival Film Indonesia

The Indonesian Film Festival (Festival Film Indonesia), which gives out the Citra Award, has celebrated cinematic achievements since 1955.

1957: Deployed peacekeeping missions

Since 1957, Indonesia has deployed thousands of military and police personnel to multiple United Nations peacekeeping missions, including in Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali.

1958: Bronze Medal at 1958 Asian Games

Indonesia won a bronze medal at the 1958 Asian Games.

1961: Population of 97 million recorded

In 1961, Indonesia's first post-colonial census recorded a population of 97 million.

1962: Beginning of TVRI Monopoly

From 1962, the public broadcaster TVRI held a monopoly on television in Indonesia.

1962: Ongoing Papua conflict began

Since 1962, the Papua conflict has been ongoing in Indonesia.

1965: Attempted coup and anti-communist purge

In 1965, tensions between the military and the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) culminated in an attempted coup, leading to a violent anti-communist purge led by Major General Suharto.

1968: Suharto becomes President

In 1968, Suharto became President of Indonesia, establishing a US-backed "New Order" administration.

1971: Ramsar Convention

Indonesia has five wetlands of international importance under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.

1972: Volcanic Eruptions in Java

Between 1972 and 1991, Java experienced a total of 29 volcanic eruptions.

1972: Child Mortality Rate in 1972

In 1972, the child mortality rate was 15.5 deaths per 100 live births.

1973: Life Expectancy in 1973

In 1973, life expectancy in Indonesia was 54.9 years.

1975: Indonesia's invasion

In 1975, Indonesia invaded East Timor.

1976: Launched first satellite Palapa

In 1976, Indonesia launched its first satellite (Palapa) with assistance from the United States, becoming the first developing country with a satellite system.

1977: Indonesia Topped 1977 SEA Games Medal Table

Indonesia topped the SEA Games medal table ten times since 1977.

1980: Release of Pengabdi Setan

Pengabdi Setan, a notable film title, was released in 1980.

Loading Video...

1987: Gold Medal at 1987 SEA Games

Indonesia won a gold medal at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

1988: Release of Tjoet Nja' Dhien

Tjoet Nja' Dhien, a notable film title, was released in 1988.

Loading Video...

1989: End of TVRI Monopoly

The monopoly of the public broadcaster TVRI on television ended in 1989.

1991: Volcanic Eruptions in Java

Between 1972 and 1991, Java experienced a total of 29 volcanic eruptions.

1991: Gold Medal at 1991 SEA Games

Indonesia won a gold medal at the 1991 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

1994: Start of PT. Indo Internet

In 1994, Indonesia's first commercial Internet service provider, PT. Indo Internet, started operations.

1996: First Appearance at AFC Asian Cup in 1996

Indonesia's first appearance at the AFC Asian Cup was in 1996.

1997: Asian financial crisis

In 1997, Indonesia was the country worst affected by the Asian financial crisis, leading to widespread discontent and ultimately ending Suharto's rule.

1998: Amendments to the Constitution

Following the fall of the New Order in 1998, sweeping amendments to the Constitution of Indonesia restructured the state's executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

1998: Anti-Chinese riots

In 1998, Indonesia experienced anti-Chinese riots, highlighting a history of racial discrimination and conflicts.

1998: Political reforms removed TNI's legislative role

In 1998, political reforms in Indonesia removed the Indonesian National Armed Forces' (TNI) formal legislative role, reducing its political influence from its peak during the New Order.

1998: Expansion of Print Publications After 1998

Print publications significantly expanded after 1998.

1998: Strengthening Democracy

Since 1998, Indonesia has strengthened democracy by granting regional autonomy.

1998: Reforms to enhance the DPR's governance

Since 1998, reforms have significantly enhanced the DPR's governance functionality.

1999: East Timor secedes

In 1999, East Timor seceded after a controversial 25-year occupation following Indonesia's 1975 invasion.

1999: GDP grew by only 0.8%

In 1999, during the Asian economic crisis, Indonesia's GDP grew by only 0.8%, with the GDP falling by 13% and inflation reaching 78%.

1999: Release of Kuldesak

Kuldesak, a notable film tackling previously censored themes like race, religion, and love, was released in 1999.

Loading Video...

1999: Multi-party system

Since 1999, Indonesia has operated under a multi-party system, wherein no single political party has secured an outright majority of seats in the legislative elections.

1999: Regional autonomy implementation

Since the start of regional autonomy implementation in 1999, regencies and cities have become key administrative units responsible for most government services.

2000: Rapid Growth of Internet Penetration Since 2000

Internet penetration has grown rapidly in Indonesia since 2000.

2002: Release of Ada Apa dengan Cinta?

Ada Apa dengan Cinta?, a notable film tackling previously censored themes like race, religion, and love, was released in 2002.

Loading Video...

2004: Presidential election

At the national level, Indonesians did not elect a President until 2004. Since then, the President has been elected for a five-year term.

2004: First direct presidential election

In 2004, Indonesia held its first direct presidential election.

2004: Indian Ocean earthquake

Recent catastrophic disasters due to seismic activity include the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

2004: Recovery began with growth rates between 4% and 6%

Since 2004, Indonesia began economic recovery, with growth rates between 4% and 6% due to prudent banking regulations, better monetary and fiscal policies and flexible exchange rates.

2005: Political settlement in Aceh

In 2005, a political settlement to a separatist insurgency in Aceh was achieved.

2005: Peaceful resolution in Aceh

In 2005, the separatist movement in Aceh ended peacefully, while conflict has continued in Papua.

2007: Economic performance

Since 2007, the economy has performed strongly, although corruption remains a chronic issue.

2008: Weathered the financial crisis

In 2008, Indonesia weathered the global financial crisis, helped by strong domestic consumption.

2009: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's initiative

In 2009, Indonesia started a initiative to reach 20 million hectares by 2020.

2010: Population grew at 1.25% between 2010 and 2020

Between 2010 and 2020, Indonesia's population grew at a rate of 1.25%.

2011: Indonesia Topped 2011 SEA Games Medal Table

Indonesia topped the SEA Games medal table most recently in 2011.

2012: Marine protected areas

As of 2012, Indonesia has over 100 marine protected areas spanning 15.7 million hectares.

2013: Constitutional Court ruling

In 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that legislative and presidential elections would be held simultaneously, starting in 2019.

2014: Polio Eradication in 2014

In 2014, polio was eradicated in Indonesia.

2014: Launch of Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN)

In 2014, the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), a universal health care system managed by the Social Security Agency on Health (BPJS Kesehatan), was launched.

2014: Tumpeng Chosen as National Dish

In 2014, the Ministry of Tourism chose tumpeng as the official national dish, describing it as binding the diversity of various culinary traditions.

2015: Local elections

Beginning with the 2015 local elections, elections for governors and mayors have occurred on the same date.

2018: Pencak Silat at 2018 Asian Games

In 2018, Pencak silat became one of the sporting events in the Asian Games, with Indonesia appearing as one of the leading competitors.

2018: Sulawesi earthquake

Recent catastrophic disasters due to seismic activity include the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake.

2019: Established foreign aid agency

In 2019, Indonesia established its own foreign aid agency, transitioning from being primarily a recipient of humanitarian and development aid since the late 1960s.

2019: Simultaneous elections

In 2019, legislative and presidential elections would be held simultaneously.

2020: Population of 270.2 million

According to the 2020 census, Indonesia had a population of 270.2 million, making it the world's fourth most populous country.

2020: Government spent 0.28% of GDP on research and development

In 2020, government spending on research and development in Indonesia was relatively low at 0.28% of GDP.

2020: Target for marine protected areas

Previous targets included reaching 20 million hectares by 2020 under former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's 2009 initiative.

2021: JKN Coverage in 2021

By 2021, the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) covered over 83% of the population (225.9 million).

2021: Services dominated employment at 49.2%

In 2021, services dominated the Indonesian economy in terms of employment, accounting for 49.2%, followed by agriculture at 28.9%.

2022: Child Stunting Data in 2022

According to 2022 data, child stunting affects 21.6% of children under five in Indonesia.

2022: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

As of 2022, Indonesia aims to align its strategy with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

2022: Road network spanned 548,097 kilometres

As of 2022, Indonesia's predominant road network spanned 548,097 kilometres (340,572 miles), including Transjakarta.

2022: Forest cover

In 2022, Forest cover was 48%.

2022: Installed power generation capacity at approximately 83.8 gigawatts

In 2022, Indonesia's total installed power generation capacity was approximately 83.8 gigawatts (GW), primarily from coal (61%).

2022: Establishment of Southwest Papua

In 2022, Southwest Papua was established.

2022: Healthcare Spending and Child Mortality in 2022

In 2022, government spending on healthcare accounted for 2.69% of GDP, and child mortality was at 2.1 deaths per 100 live births.

2022: Services and industry dominated GDP

In 2022, services and industry each contributed roughly 41% to Indonesia's GDP, followed by manufacturing (18.3%) and agriculture (12.4%).

2022: Higher Education Institutions in 2022

In 2022, there were 4,481 higher education institutions in the country, including universities, Islamic institutions, and open universities.

2023: 87.1% of population are Muslims

As of 2023, 87.1% of Indonesia's population (244 million Indonesians) are Muslims, making it the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

2023: Protected Land

As of 2023, Indonesia has designated 21.3% of its land as protected areas.

2023: 59% of Indonesians live in urban areas

As of 2023, approximately 59% of Indonesians live in urban areas.

2023: Number of Internet Users in 2023

By 2023, Indonesia had 210 million internet users, with mobile phones as the primary point of access.

2023: Inaugurated high-speed rail Whoosh

In 2023, Indonesia inaugurated its first high-speed rail (Whoosh), connecting Jakarta and Bandung, in collaboration with China.

2023: Produced 5,500 terawatt-hours of energy

In 2023, Indonesia produced 5,500 terawatt-hours (18.8 quadrillion British thermal units) of energy.

2023: Defence spending at 0.7% of GDP

In 2023, Indonesia's defence spending was 0.7% of GDP, with controversies surrounding military-owned commercial ventures.

2023: Education Spending in 2023

In 2023, government spending on education accounted for approximately 1.3% of GDP.

2023: Life Expectancy in 2023

In 2023, life expectancy in Indonesia was 71.1 years.

2023: Tourism contributed US$14 billion to GDP

In 2023, tourism in Indonesia contributed US$14 billion to GDP and attracted 11.6 million international visitors.

2023: Gold Medal at 2023 SEA Games

Indonesia won a gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

2024: 19 satellites launched

As of 2024, Indonesia has launched 19 satellites for communication and other purposes and the government licensed Starlink to provide internet connectivity.

2024: Median age of 31.5 years

As of 2024, Indonesia maintains a relatively young demographic, with a median age of 31.5 years.

2024: Recent elections

At the most recent elections in 2024, eight political parties secured representation in the DPR.

2024: Ranked 54th on the Global Innovation Index

In 2024, Indonesia was ranked 54th among 133 countries on the Global Innovation Index.

2024: Nominal GDP at US$1.402 trillion

In 2024, Indonesia's nominal GDP was US$1.402 trillion, ranking 17th globally, while its GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) was US$4.658 trillion, ranking 7th.

2024: Soekarno–Hatta International Airport served 54 million passengers

In 2024, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Indonesia's largest, served 54 million passengers.

2025: Population estimated to be 284,438,782

In 2025, Indonesia's population is estimated to have grown to 284,438,782 people.

2025: Release of Jumbo

In 2025, the animated film Jumbo set box office records, becoming the most-watched Indonesian film with more than 10 million tickets sold.

Loading Video...

2025: Energy plan aims for 71-gigawatt expansion

In early 2025, the latest Indonesian energy plan aims for a 71-gigawatt expansion in power capacity by 2034, with a focus on renewables.

2034: Planned 71-gigawatt expansion in power capacity

In the latest energy plan in early 2025, the government aims for a 71-gigawatt expansion in power capacity by 2034, with a focus on renewables.

2045: Marine reserves

As of 2045, Indonesia aims to increase the maritime area to 30%.

2050: Population projected to be 321 million

By 2050, Indonesia's population is projected to grow to 321 million.

2050: Projected temperature rise

Several studies consider Indonesia to be at severe risk from the projected effects of climate change, including a temperature rise of 1.5 °C by 2050 due to unreduced emissions.