Indonesia Geography
What is the terrain and geography like in Indonesia?
Overview
The Republic of Indonesia encompasses the world’s longest archipelago. From the tiny island of Sabang in the northwest to Papua (formerly Irian Jaya or West Irian) in the east, over 17,000 islands stretch some 3,400 miles along the Equator. The total land area covers about 736,000 square miles. The main islands, in terms of population and importance, are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, and the Maluku. The landscape is highly varied with mountain peaks and volcanoes, some rising to over 15,000 feet. In central Papua, snow covers some peaks all year.
Geography - note
archipelago of 17,508 islands, some 6,000 of which are inhabited (Indonesia is the world's largest country comprised solely of islands); straddles equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean
Climate
The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude. Jakarta lies in the lowlands. Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons. However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October. Days and nights each last 12 hours.
The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna. Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes. The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life.
Many endangered and unique animals, such as single‑horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia. Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.
Indonesia Use of Natural Resources
Indonesia Environment
Climate:
The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude. Jakarta lies in the lowlands. Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons. However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October. Days and nights each last 12 hours.
The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna. Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes. The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life.
Many endangered and unique animals, such as single‑horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia. Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.
Terrain:
mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains
Natural Resources:
petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver
Natural Hazards:
occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires
Irrigated Land:
25,954 Square Miles67,220 Square Kilometers
Environmental Issues:
deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas; smoke and haze from forest fires
Environment - International Agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlandssigned, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation
Indonesia Geography
| Geographic Location | Southeast Asia |
| Total Area |
735,354 Square Miles 1,904,569 Square Kilometers |
| Land Area |
699,447 Square Miles 1,811,569 Square Kilometers |
| Water Area |
35,907 Square Miles 93,000 Square Kilometers |
| Land Boundaries |
1,758 Miles 2,830 Kilometers |
| Irrigated Land |
25,954 Square Miles 67,220 Square Kilometers |
| Border Countries | East Timor 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km |
| Coastline |
33,999 Miles 54,716 Kilometers |
| Geographic Coordinates | 5 00 S, 120 00 E |
| Terrain | mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains |
| Highest Point | 5,030 Meters |
| Highest Point Location | Puncak Jaya 5,030 m |
| Lowest Point Location | Indian Ocean 0 m |
| Natural Resources | petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver |
| Time Zone |
UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) note: Indonesia has three time zones |