Today we’re heading to Indonesia, the world’s largest island Indonesia and fourth-largest by population.

What’s Indonesia’s top tourist attraction?

I’m not sure this is a specific attraction, but the island of Bali is undoubtedly Indonesia’s tourist hotspot. In 2019 Bali saw 6.3 million foreign tourists arriving. There are probably better Indonesian islands to visit if you’re craving a deserted beach.

What was the last war or conflict Indonesia took part in?

This would be the Papua conflict, or “Indonesia's war that won't go away”. The Papua conflict has been simmering away since 1962  with the Free Papua Movement leading an insurgency movement calling for the independence of Papua and West Papua provinces. 

A Bizarre fact about Indonesia

Well, actually this is sort of an anti-fact. Everyone can agree that Indonesia consists of many islands, but there is no definite number. My copy of Lonely Planet states 18,000, however, the Indonesian government was only able to count 13,466 islands during a three-year survey. The CIA estimates Indonesia has 17,508 islands. 

Was Indonesia a former colony?

Yes, Indonesia was a Dutch colony known as the Dutch East Indies until 1949 when the Netherlands reluctantly relinquished control following a bitter armed struggle.

What are Indonesia’s main exports?

Indonesia’s biggest exports are coal, palm oil and petroleum gases. Indonesia is going to really have to find a way to diversify.

What’s Indonesia’s National dish?

Indonesia’s national dish is nasi goreng. Nasi goreng is a fried rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables and flavoured with a sweet, thick soy sauce called kecap (pronounced ketchup). Obviously satay is also incredibly popular and is arguably better known outside Indonesia than nasi goreng. Perfect for washing down with a Bintang.