Happy Birthday Indonesia

Tomorrow, the 17 Th August is Indonesia's National or Independence Day. A country blessed with diversity of culture and the diligence of its workforce especially its youth, Indonesia to me is still an enigma.

As stated in the wikepidia......

The Republic of Indonesia (pronounced /ˌɪndoʊˈniːziə/ or /ˌɪndəˈniːʒə/) (Indonesian: Republik Indonesia), is a country in Southeast Asiaand Oceania. Indonesia comprises 17,508 islands, and with an estimated population of around 237 million people, it is the world's fourthmost populous country, and has the largest Muslim population in the world.

Indonesia is a republic, with an elected legislature and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The transcontinental country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include Singapore, Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the seventh century, when the Srivijaya Kingdom traded with China and India. Local rulers gradually adopted Indian cultural, religious and political models from the early centuries CE, and Hindu andBuddhist kingdoms flourished. Indonesian history has been influenced by foreign powers drawn to its natural resources. Muslim traders brought Islam, and European powers fought one another to monopolize trade in the Spice Islands of Maluku during the Age of Discovery. Following three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, Indonesia secured its independence after World War II. Indonesia's history has since been turbulent, with challenges posed by natural disasters, corruption, separatism, a democratization process, and periods of rapid economic change.

Across its many islands, Indonesia consists of distinct ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. The Javanese are the largest and most politically dominant ethnic group. Indonesia has developed a shared identity defined by a national language, ethnic diversity, religious pluralism within a majority Muslim population, and a history of colonialism and rebellion against it. Indonesia's national motto, "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" ("Unity in Diversity" literally, "many, yet one"), articulates the diversity that shapes the country. However, sectarian tensions and separatism have led to violent confrontations that have undermined political and economic stability. Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness that support the world's second highest level of biodiversity. The country is richly endowed with natural resources, yet poverty is a defining feature of contemporary Indonesia.

Indeed Indonesia is a fascinating country not the least the fact that it shares the same root of history as Malaysia and both Nations has many similarities.

I for one has visited the country numerous times and besides the usual haunts of Jakarta,Bali, bandung; the hub of the country is more evident in Jogjakarta and Solo. When frequenting this places , you can still sense the deep rooted Javanese culture and the Monument Borobudur is indeed apt to be called a world heritage.

Indonesia in my view still have a significant role to play on the world stage, as a moderate Muslim nation and also a nation that has a significant workforce that has the intellect and diligence to be a economic powerhouse. We sometimes read or hear some negative connotations of Indonesia but i can confidently say that you need to be there in the midst of its populace to appreciate the energy of the country and its desire to transform itself into an authentic democratic nation.

Happy Birthday Indonesia and may peace and prosperity reign this blessed country for the region needs you as our leader in all fields and endeavours.