STATE STRUCTURE
General Information
Official name – Republic of Indonesia.
Form of government – Presidential Republic.
President (2025) – Prabowo Subianto.
State language – Indonesian.
Capital – Jakarta.
Foundation Period
The human settlement of the territory of Indonesia began earlier than 700 thousand years ago on the island of Java.
The first state formations emerged in the 2nd-5th cent. In the 10th-11th cent., almost all of Java was united under the rule of the Mataram principality.
In the 13th-15th cent., the Javanese feudal principality of Majapahit extended its power over almost the entire territory of Indonesia.
In the 16th cent., the penetration of the Portuguese, and then the Dutch, began. By the middle of the 18th cent., the latter had captured almost all of Java; in the 19th – early 20th cent., they completed the development/colonization of Indonesia.
In 1926-1927, major anti-colonial uprisings broke out in Java and Sumatra. By the end of the Second World War, under the conditions of the occupation (from 1942) of Indonesia by Japanese troops, a new upsurge of the national liberation movement began. On August 17, 1945, the independence of Indonesia was proclaimed. Sukarno, one of the founders of the Indonesian National Party (1927), was elected president. An intervention was launched against Indonesia with the aim of restoring the colonial regime.
The Netherlands and Great Britain landed their troops on its territory in September – October 1945. In 1949, the Netherlands was forced to recognize Indonesia's independence. In August 1950, Indonesia was declared a unitary republic.
In the late 1990s – early 2000s, under the leadership of Presidents Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, Abdurrahman Wahid, and Sukarno's daughter – Megawati Sukarnoputri, a series of reforms were implemented that paved the way for the democratization of the country's political life.
Heads of State
Sukarno – held the position of president from 1945 to 1967:
Led the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, becoming a symbol of national unity. Founded the Non-Aligned Movement, strengthening the country's position on the world stage. Contributed to the development of culture and education during the formative period of the state.
Suharto – held the position of president from 1967 to 1998:
Initiated economic reforms that led to GDP growth and poverty reduction. Strengthened infrastructure, including transport networks and industry. Maintained stability during the transition period after decolonization.
Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie – held the position of president from 1998 to 1999: Launched democratic transformations, including freedom of the press and multi-party elections. Facilitated the modernization of the technology sector. Laid the foundations for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Abdurrahman Wahid – held the position of president from 1999 to 2001: Promoted interreligious dialogue and minority rights. Initiated reforms in education and the judicial system. Strengthened civil liberties within the framework of democratization.
Megawati Sukarnoputri – held the position of president from 2001 to 2004: The first female president, strengthened the economy after the crisis. Developed international cooperation, including partnership with the USA. Supported projects for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono – held the position of president from 2004 to 2014: Organized large-scale recovery after the 2004 tsunami. Reduced the level of corruption and terrorist threats. Ensured sustainable economic growth and investment in social programs.
Joko Widodo – has held the position of president from 2014 to the present: Launched major infrastructure projects, including the new capital Nusantara. Effectively managed the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthened environmental initiatives, promoting sustainable development.
Administrative Division
Administratively, the state is subdivided into 34 provinces, including the special capital district of Jakarta and the special district of Yogyakarta, which are equated to provinces.
The provinces of Indonesia are subdivided into 416 kabupatens (regencies) and 98 cities at the provincial level. Kabupatens are divided into kecamatans (districts; in Papua – districts), totaling 7246. Kecamatans are subdivided into microdistricts, or rural communities (kelurahan, or desa).