History of Indonesia in Timeline
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago, is the world's largest, comprising over 17,000 islands. Spanning over 1,904,569 square kilometers, it ranks as the 14th largest country globally. With a population exceeding 279 million, it's the fourth most populous nation and home to the largest Muslim population worldwide. Java, its most populated island, accommodates over half of Indonesia's residents.
1900: Indonesia Gains Recognition in Academia
Starting in 1900, the term "Indonesia" became more widely used in academic circles outside of the Netherlands. This marked a shift in how the region was perceived and studied.
1913: First Native Use of "Indonesia"
In 1913, Ki Hajar Dewantara, a native scholar, established the "Indonesisch Pers-bureau", a press bureau in the Netherlands, marking the first recorded instance of a native individual using "Indonesia" to refer to the archipelago.
1917: Establishment of Balai Pustaka
In 1917, Balai Pustaka, the government bureau for popular literature, was established to foster the development of indigenous literature in Indonesia.
1930: Dutch and European Demographics in Indonesia
In 1930, the Dutch and other European populations, including Eurasians and those of mixed descent, constituted a mere 0.4% of the total population in Indonesia, numbering around 240,000.
1938: First Asian Nation in FIFA World Cup
In 1938, the Dutch East Indies, which would later become Indonesia, became the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup.
1945: Establishment of Provinces in Indonesia
Since its independence in 1945, Indonesia has expanded its administrative structure from eight initial provinces to 38 provinces.
1945: Indonesian Language Official Status
The Indonesian language, a standardized form of Malay, was formally recognized as the official language of Indonesia in 1945 and named "Bahasa Indonesia." This decision was rooted in the language's historical role as a lingua franca in the archipelago and its promotion by nationalist movements in the early 20th century.
1948: Inaugural National Games
Boxing and basketball were included in the first National Games (Pekan Olahraga Nasional, PON) held in 1948.
December 1949: Dutch Recognition of Indonesian Independence
Following the Indonesian National Revolution, the Netherlands officially recognized Indonesia's independence in December 1949 after facing international pressure.
1949: Indonesian Film Industry Post-Independence
Following its independence, the Indonesian film industry began to blossom, producing six films in 1949.
1949: Establishment of Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia, established in 1949, has served as the country's flag carrier since then. It holds a prominent position among global airlines and is a member of the SkyTeam alliance.
1950: Forest Cover at 87%
In 1950, forests covered about 87% of Indonesia's land area, highlighting the significant decline in forest cover due to deforestation over the following decades.
1950: Indonesia Joins the United Nations
Indonesia became a member of the United Nations in 1950, signifying its commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy on a global scale.
1955: Growth of Film Production in Indonesia
By 1955, film production in Indonesia significantly increased to 58 films annually, reflecting a burgeoning industry.
1955: First General Election in Indonesia
Indonesia held its first general election in 1955 to elect representatives for the People's Representative Council (DPR) and the Constitutional Assembly (Konstituante).
1955: Indonesian Film Festival (FFI)
The Indonesian Film Festival (FFI), a testament to the nation's flourishing film industry, was first held in 1955 and has been held intermittently throughout the years.
1958: Bronze Medal in Asian Games
Indonesia achieved a bronze medal in football at the 1958 Asian Games.
1961: First Post-Colonial Census
Indonesia's first population census conducted after gaining independence, recorded a total of 97 million people in 1961.
1962: TVRI's Monopoly on Television Broadcasting in Indonesia
TVRI held a monopoly on television broadcasting in Indonesia from 1962.
1962: Beginning of the Papua Conflict
The Papua conflict, a long-standing issue rooted in historical grievances and separatist aspirations, erupted in 1962 and continues to this day.
1965: The Status of Judaism in Indonesia Changes
In 1965, Judaism, which was once officially recognized as "Hebrani" under the Sukarno government, ceased to be recorded separately as a religion in Indonesia.
1965: Attempted Coup and Anti-Communist Purge
In 1965, an attempted coup, allegedly orchestrated by the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), was thwarted by the army, leading to a violent anti-communist purge that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 to one million people.
1965: Coup Attempt and Foreign Policy Shift
The attempted coup in 1965 had a profound impact on Indonesia's foreign policy. The country adopted a stance of non-alignment while subtly aligning itself with the Western bloc.
1967: Indonesia Becomes a Recipient of Aid
In 1967, Indonesia became a recipient of humanitarian and development aid, marking the beginning of its engagement with international partners in supporting its development goals.
March 1968: Suharto's "New Order"
In March 1968, General Suharto officially assumed presidency in Indonesia, marking the beginning of his "New Order" regime. This period was characterized by authoritarian rule and a focus on economic growth through foreign investment.
1972: Start of Period with Frequent Volcanic Eruptions
Between 1972 and 1991, Indonesia experienced a period of heightened volcanic activity, with 29 recorded eruptions, primarily concentrated in Java. These eruptions, while disruptive, also contributed to the fertility of the soil.
1973: Annual Indonesian Film Festival (FFI)
The Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) transitioned to an annual event in 1973, a period that lasted until 1992.
1975: Indonesian Invasion of East Timor
In 1975, Indonesia invaded East Timor, beginning a 25-year occupation marked by international condemnation due to human rights violations.
July 1976: Launch of PALAPA A1 Satellite
On July 8, 1976, Indonesia, the first developing country to do so, launched its inaugural satellite, PALAPA A1, into orbit from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This marked the inception of the Palapa satellite system, dedicated to communication purposes and operated by Indosat.
1977: Rise as a Southeast Asian Sports Powerhouse
Since 1977, Indonesia has become one of the top sports powerhouses in Southeast Asia.
1980: Release of "Pengabdi Setan"
The film "Pengabdi Setan" was released in 1980 and became a notable entry in Indonesian cinema history.
1987: First Gold Medal in SEA Games
Indonesia secured its first gold medal in football at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
1987: Release of "Nagabonar"
The film "Nagabonar" premiered in 1987, further enriching the landscape of Indonesian cinema.
1988: Release of "Tjoet Nja' Dhien"
"Tjoet Nja' Dhien," a significant film in Indonesian cinematic history, was released in 1988.
1989: End of TVRI's Monopoly
TVRI's monopoly on television broadcasting in Indonesia came to an end in 1989.
1989: Release of "Catatan Si Boy"
The film "Catatan Si Boy" was released in 1989, adding to the diversity of Indonesian cinema.
1990: Life Expectancy and Child Mortality in Indonesia
In 1990, Indonesia had a life expectancy of 62.3 years and a child mortality rate of 84 deaths per 1,000 births.
1990: Oil Price Shock Spurs Economic Diversification
The 1990 oil price shock prompted Indonesia to diversify its economy away from oil exports. This led to a greater focus on manufactured goods, reducing the country's reliance on a single commodity.
1991: Second Gold Medal in SEA Games
Indonesia won its second gold medal in football at the 1991 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
1991: End of Period with Frequent Volcanic Eruptions
The period between 1972 and 1991 saw a significant number of volcanic eruptions in Indonesia, impacting agricultural practices due to the unpredictability caused by volcanic ash.
1992: Discontinuation of the Annual FFI
The Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) was discontinued in 1992 after nearly two decades of annual celebrations.
1994: First Commercial Internet Service Provider in Indonesia
Indonesia's foray into the digital age began in 1994 with the launch of PT. Indo Internet, the country's first commercial Internet service provider, in Jakarta.
1996: First Appearance at AFC Asian Cup
Indonesia participated in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 1996.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis Impacts Indonesia
Indonesia faced a major economic setback during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. This period led to a sharp contraction in the country's GDP and a significant increase in inflation.
1997: Asian Financial Crisis
Indonesia lost its investment grade rating in 1997 during the Asian Financial Crisis.
May 1998: May 1998 Riots in Indonesia
The May 1998 riots in Indonesia were a stark illustration of the deep-seated racism and discrimination faced by Chinese Indonesians, highlighting the serious social divisions within the country.
1998: Increased Role of DPR in National Governance
As part of the post-1998 reforms, the People's Representative Council (DPR) saw a significant expansion of its role in Indonesia's national governance, reflecting a shift towards greater democratic representation.
1998: Sweeping Political Reforms
Following the collapse of the New Order in 1998, Indonesia embarked on a series of comprehensive political reforms, reshaping the country's executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
1998: Increased Media Freedom in Indonesia
Following the fall of the New Order in 1998, Indonesia experienced a significant increase in media freedom, with the Ministry of Information relinquishing its tight control over domestic media and relaxing restrictions on foreign media.
1998: Revival of Independent Filmmaking in Indonesia
Independent filmmaking experienced a resurgence in Indonesia after 1998, as filmmakers began exploring previously taboo subjects such as religion, race, and love.
1998: Political Reforms Reduce Military's Formal Political Representation
Sweeping political reforms in 1998 brought about significant changes in Indonesia, including the removal of formal representation of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) from the legislature. This aimed to reduce the military's political influence, though it still remains a factor in Indonesian politics.
1998: Fall of Suharto and Democratic Reforms
The fall of Suharto's regime in 1998 ushered in an era of democratic reforms in Indonesia, including decentralization of power and the initiation of direct presidential elections.
1998: Real GDP Contracts by 13.1%
The impact of the Asian financial crisis reached its peak in 1998 when Indonesia experienced a severe 13.1% contraction in real GDP, highlighting the crisis's devastating effects on the country's economy.
1999: East Timor Gains Independence
East Timor achieved independence from Indonesia in 1999, following a UN-supervised referendum.
1999: Indonesia's Transition to a Multi-party System
In 1999, Indonesia transitioned to a multi-party system following the fall of the New Order regime. Since then, no single political party has been able to secure a majority in legislative elections.
1999: Economy Bottoms Out with 0.8% Real GDP Growth
Indonesia's economy hit its lowest point in mid-1999, registering a meager 0.8% real GDP growth. This marked the beginning of a slow and arduous recovery from the Asian financial crisis.
1999: Release of "Kuldesak"
Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana made their directorial debut with "Kuldesak" in 1999, marking a significant moment in the resurgence of Indonesian independent cinema.
2000: Release of "Petualangan Sherina"
The year 2000 saw the release of "Petualangan Sherina," directed by a new generation of filmmakers, Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana.
2001: Regional Autonomy Measures Empower Local Governments
The implementation of regional autonomy measures in 2001 in Indonesia led to significant changes in governance. Regencies and cities became the primary administrative units responsible for delivering most government services.
2002: Release of "Ada Apa dengan Cinta?"
Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana co-directed "Ada Apa dengan Cinta?" in 2002, contributing to the evolving landscape of Indonesian cinema.
2004: Revival of the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI)
After a 12-year hiatus, the Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) was revived in 2004, marking a renewed commitment to celebrating Indonesian cinema.
2004: First Direct Presidential Election
In 2004, Indonesia held its first direct presidential election, marking a significant shift in its political landscape. The president now serves a five-year term, alongside the DPR and DPD members.
2004: Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
In 2004, a devastating earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a massive tsunami that caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Indonesia.
2005: Aceh Peace Agreement
A political settlement was reached in 2005, aiming to resolve the long-standing armed separatist conflict in Aceh.
2005: Peaceful Resolution of Aceh Conflict
In 2005, Indonesia achieved a significant milestone by peacefully resolving the conflict in Aceh, ending years of violence and paving the way for stability and development in the region.
2005: Steady Growth in Indonesian Film Production
The number of films produced annually in Indonesia witnessed a steady rise between 2000 and 2005.
2006: Yogyakarta Earthquake
In 2006, the city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia was struck by a significant earthquake that resulted in substantial damage and casualties.
2006: Regional Autonomy and Decline in Violence in Papua
The implementation of regional autonomy laws in Papua, beginning in 2006, coincided with a reported decrease in violence and human rights abuses. However, the situation in Papua remains complex, and challenges persist.
2007: Start of Economic Growth Period
Indonesia experienced a period of strong economic growth, with annual rates between 4% and 6% from 2007 to 2019.
2007: Indonesian Economy Experiences Growth
Starting around 2007, Indonesia experienced a period of strong economic growth, though challenges such as corruption and instability persisted.
2008: Release of "Laskar Pelangi"
"Laskar Pelangi," directed by Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana, was released in 2008, further solidifying their mark on Indonesian cinema.
2008: Start of Great Recession
The 2008-2009 Great Recession began, impacting economies worldwide, including Indonesia's.
2009: Services Sector Overtakes Agriculture in Employment
In a significant economic shift, the services sector in Indonesia surpassed agriculture in terms of employment starting in 2009. This signifies the growing importance of the services sector in providing livelihood opportunities for the Indonesian workforce.
2009: End of Great Recession
The 2008-2009 Great Recession ended, but its effects continued to be felt globally.
2010: Start of Increased Reliance on Coal and Oil
Between 2010 and 2019, Indonesia saw an increase in its reliance on domestic coal and imported oil for energy.
2011: Topping the SEA Games Medal Table
In 2011, Indonesia topped the SEA Games medal table, marking one of the ten times they achieved this since 1977.
2011: Launch of "Wonderful Indonesia" Campaign
Indonesia launched its internationally recognized tourism marketing campaign, "Wonderful Indonesia," in 2011 to promote the country's diverse tourist destinations and experiences.
2011: Investment Grade Rating Reinstated
Indonesia regained its investment grade rating in 2011, having lost it in 1997.
2014: Constitutional Court Rules for Simultaneous Legislative and Presidential Elections
A landmark decision by the Constitutional Court in 2014 mandated that Indonesia hold its legislative and presidential elections concurrently, with implementation starting in 2019.
2014: Tumpeng Declared National Dish
In 2014, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism chose tumpeng as the country's official national dish. The dish was chosen for its representation of the diversity found in Indonesian culinary traditions.
2014: Indonesia Launches National Health Insurance
In a move towards achieving universal healthcare, the Indonesian government introduced the National Health Insurance (Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, JKN) in 2014, which encompasses coverage for various healthcare services provided by both public and participating private healthcare providers.
2015: Government Spending on Education in Indonesia
In 2015, the Indonesian government allocated approximately 3.6% of its GDP towards education.
2015: Simultaneous Local Elections Implemented
Starting in 2015, Indonesia began conducting simultaneous elections for governors and mayors, streamlining the electoral process at the local level.
2016: Government Healthcare Expenditure in Indonesia
In 2016, government expenditure on healthcare in Indonesia was approximately 3.3% of the country's GDP.
2016: Transportation Sector's GDP Contribution
In 2016, the Indonesian transportation sector contributed about 5.2% to the country's GDP.
2016: Rise of Anti-LGBT Rhetoric in Indonesia
The period following 2016 witnessed a disturbing surge in anti-LGBT rhetoric in Indonesia, exacerbating the challenges faced by LGBT individuals and making them more vulnerable to intimidation, discrimination, and violence.
2017: Median Age of the Population
As of 2017, Indonesia had a relatively youthful population, with a median age of 30.2 years.
2017: Urbanization Rate
As of 2017, approximately 54.7% of Indonesia's population resided in urban areas, indicating a significant level of urbanization.
2018: Religious Demographics of Indonesia
As of 2018, Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country with 231 million adherents, comprising 86.7% of the population. While Indonesia officially recognizes six religions, Islam, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, as well as indigenous religions, the majority of the population are Sunni Muslims (99%).
2018: Road Network Length
As of 2018, Indonesia's total road network length reached 542,310 kilometers (336,980 miles).
2018: Services Sector Dominates Indonesian Economy
By 2018, the services sector emerged as the largest contributor to Indonesia's GDP, accounting for 43.4% of economic output. This highlights the country's shift towards a more service-oriented economy.
2018: Indonesian Defence Spending at 0.7% of GDP
In 2018, Indonesia allocated 0.7% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense spending, reflecting its security priorities and the role of the armed forces.
2018: Education Statistics in Indonesia
In 2018, Indonesia's literacy rate stood at an impressive 96%, with a 93% enrollment rate for primary education, 79% for secondary education, and 36% for tertiary education. The country boasted 4,670 higher education institutions, with the majority (74%) concentrated in Sumatra and Java. Indonesia's top universities, as per the QS World University Rankings, are the University of Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University, and the Bandung Institute of Technology.
2018: Growing Number of Internet Users in Indonesia
Indonesia's digital landscape expanded rapidly, reaching 171 million Internet users in 2018, with a steadily increasing penetration rate fueled primarily by mobile phone access.
2018: Pencak Silat in Asian Games
Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art, was included as a sporting event in the 2018 Asian Games, with Indonesia emerging as a leading competitor.
2019: Progress in Life Expectancy and Child Mortality in Indonesia
By 2019, Indonesia saw significant improvements in its healthcare indicators, with life expectancy rising to 71.7 years and child mortality decreasing to 23.9 deaths per 1,000 births.
2019: End of Increased Reliance on Coal and Oil
By 2019, Indonesia's reliance on domestic coal and imported oil for energy had grown significantly since 2010.
2019: Economic Indicators and Poverty Rate
In 2019, 9.41% of Indonesia's population lived below the poverty line, and the official open unemployment rate was 5.28%.
2019: Government Spending on R&D
In 2019, government expenditure on research and development (R&D) in Indonesia was relatively modest, at 0.3% of GDP.
2019: Energy Production and Consumption
Indonesia produced 4,999 terawatt-hours of energy and consumed 2,357 terawatt-hours in 2019.
2019: Indonesia Launches First Overseas Aid Programme
Reversing its traditional role as an aid recipient, Indonesia launched its inaugural overseas aid programme in late 2019, demonstrating its growing capacity and commitment to assisting other developing nations.
2019: Nine Political Parties Secure Seats in DPR
The 2019 general election in Indonesia saw nine political parties meeting the 4% parliamentary threshold to secure seats in the DPR.
2019: Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Wins 2019 Elections
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) emerged as the leading party in the 2019 elections. The PDI-P's candidate, Joko Widodo, became the incumbent president.
2020: Forest Cover at 49.1%
By 2020, Indonesia's forest cover had decreased to approximately 49.1%, primarily attributed to deforestation driven by industries like palm oil and logging.
2020: Total Installed Power Generation Capacity
By late 2020, Indonesia achieved a total national installed power generation capacity of 72,750.72 MW.
2020: Indonesia's Environmental Performance Ranking
In 2020, Indonesia ranked 116th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index, reflecting the country's ongoing environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and weak governance.
2020: Population Census
The 2020 census determined Indonesia's population to be 270.2 million, positioning it as the fourth most populous nation globally.
2020: Tourism's Contribution to GDP
The tourism sector in Indonesia made a notable contribution of approximately US$9.8 billion to the country's GDP in 2020.
2021: Status of Renewable Energy Sources
As of 2021, power generation from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and ocean energy, remained limited in Indonesia.
2022: Southwest Papua Becomes Indonesia's Newest Province
In 2022, Indonesia created the province of Southwest Papua, separating it from the existing province of West Papua. This marked the latest change in the country's provincial structure.
2022: Release of "KKN di Desa Penari"
The year 2022 saw "KKN di Desa Penari" shatter box office records in Indonesia, becoming the most-watched Indonesian film with a staggering 9.2 million tickets sold.
2023: Indonesia's Economy: Largest in Southeast Asia
As of 2023, Indonesia boasts the largest economy in Southeast Asia and holds the distinction of being the only G20 member state in the region, solidifying its position as a major player in the global economy.
2023: Third Gold Medal in SEA Games
Indonesia clinched its third gold medal in football at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
2023: Indonesia's Ranking in Global Innovation Index
Indonesia secured the 61st position in the 2023 Global Innovation Index report.
2023: Passenger Traffic at Soekarno-Hatta Airport
Indonesia's primary airport, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, accommodated 49 million passengers in 2023, making it one of the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere.
2023: Inauguration of Whoosh High-Speed Rail
The Whoosh high-speed rail, connecting Jakarta and Bandung, started operating in 2023, marking a milestone as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and the Southern Hemisphere.
May 2024: Starlink Granted License in Indonesia
In a significant move to bridge the digital divide, Indonesia granted an operating license to Starlink, a satellite internet provider, in May 2024. The initiative aims to expand internet accessibility to underserved and rural communities across the nation.
2024: Number of Satellites Launched by Indonesia
As of 2024, Indonesia has successfully launched a total of 19 satellites, serving a variety of applications.
2030: Projected Population Growth
Indonesia's population is projected to reach approximately 295 million by 2030.
2050: Projected Population Growth
By 2050, Indonesia's population is projected to reach approximately 321 million.
