Indonesia is the world's fourth most populated country. It contains over 300 different ethnic groups and most of the world's religions. It contains the worlds largest population of Muslims. (13)
The current president of The Republic of Indonesia is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo came to power on October 20th, 2004 after he was elected to take over power from Megawati Sukarnoputri. Susilo is part of the democratic party and is a four-star general. Indonesia's government is a republic and has been since independence in 1945. The government is made of three different branches: the executive, judicial, and legislative. In the executive branch, the main power is the president and presidents are elected by the popular-vote for five year terms. In the judicial branch, the main power is the Mahkamah Agung or the Supreme Court. In the legislative branch, the main power is Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR (People's Consultative Assembly). (6,13,29)
Here is just a little about the current president, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo was born in East Java on September 9th, 1949. In 1973, Susilo graduated from a military academy as the valedictorian of his class. In the 27 years Susilo was in the military he held many positions. A few of the positions that Susilo held were troop and territorial commanders and staff trainer. For Susilo's outstanding service he has been awarded with 24 medals, one being Bintang Repulbik Indonesia Adipurna, which is the highest national medal that can be given for outstanding service beyond the call of duty. Before being elected president, Susilo held many government postitions such as the Minister of Mining and Energy and the Minister of Political, Social, and Security affairs under President Adburrahman and President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Both of those positions allowed for Susilo to be recognized as leading the counter-terrorism program. Susilo was elected the 6th President of Indonesia in 2004, winning with 60% of the popular vote. Susilo is an avid reader and is a devoted Muslim. Susilo is married to Maham Ani Herrawati and they have two sons together. (6,29)
In 2010 the economy grew 6.1% and the GDP was $707 billion. In 2010 natural resources brought in 11.2% of the GDP, agriculture brought in 15.3% of the GDP, and manufacturing brought in 24.8% of GDP. Trade exports brought in $158 billion of the $707 billion. The annual capita income is $4,394. Indonesia is ranked 16th in the world according to wealth and economy. (13,32)
Due to the severe earthquakes that have occured in recent years many of the homeless people of Indonesia have been killed. Also deforestation has been happening to make room for coastal companies, this is causing extreme pollution and many of the coral reef species are being destroyed and killed. This is making trading in the coastal ports hectic and sometimes impossible. With the rising population the amount of farming area is decreasing. This decrease of farming area is causing the available land to be overused and has also caused erosion. The soil is now flowing downstream into the sea. In 1982, Indonesia had to put a fishing restriction in place because of the scarce amounts of fish in the waters surrounding Indonesia, due to over-fishing by the Japanese and Americans. In the mountian areas of Indonesia there have been many devastating fires beause of all of the logs left over from deforestation. Another challenge Indonesia is suffering from is water shortages. With the rapid development in buildings and capacity growing, fresh, noncontaminated water is becoming more and more scarce. (1,5,34)
In Indonesia the right of religous freedom has brought up some serious controversy. Little is being done to address the harrassment and intimidation of the religous minority groups through out Indonesia and only select laws are being used to prevent the targetting of groups. After the Bali bombing in 2002, the President has set up laws that have had a huge affect on counterterrorism. These laws allow suspicous people to be detanied without a trial. And due to the numerous bombings the President and military have increased authority and punishment for terrorism. Also, another challenge Indonesia faces is a trade decline. With the world's decrease in market demands, Indonesia's economy didn't reach it's projection, but still grew from 5.1% increase in 2011 to 5.7% increase in 2012. (12,13,32)
Some challenges in Indonesia include curruption in the government. Corruption has occured in all parts of the government including immigration officers and members of parliament. The degree of corruption has grown or increased since 1998 when President Suharto stepped down and elections became free and fair. This corruption among the government has effected businessmen from all over the world that are in Indonesia. (27)
Here are some of the many Indonesian customs and behaviors which are as followed. Men and women are not allowed to have any physical contact in public. You should also arrive ontime to any business meetings even though meetings almost always start late. Remove your hat and sunglasses when entering indoors. Never stand with your back to an elderly person or a person of higher political rank. Always rise when your host enters the room. When you are eating, touching or handing anything to someone you must always use your right hand. You should never leave food on your plate as it is impolite and talking is extremely disrespectful while eating. According to Muslim custom you should never show the soles of your shoes or feet to anyone. Dogs are considered unclean and pictures of them should never be given as gifts.(30)
The current president of The Republic of Indonesia is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo came to power on October 20th, 2004 after he was elected to take over power from Megawati Sukarnoputri. Susilo is part of the democratic party and is a four-star general. Indonesia's government is a republic and has been since independence in 1945. The government is made of three different branches: the executive, judicial, and legislative. In the executive branch, the main power is the president and presidents are elected by the popular-vote for five year terms. In the judicial branch, the main power is the Mahkamah Agung or the Supreme Court. In the legislative branch, the main power is Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR (People's Consultative Assembly). (6,13,29)
Here is just a little about the current president, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Susilo was born in East Java on September 9th, 1949. In 1973, Susilo graduated from a military academy as the valedictorian of his class. In the 27 years Susilo was in the military he held many positions. A few of the positions that Susilo held were troop and territorial commanders and staff trainer. For Susilo's outstanding service he has been awarded with 24 medals, one being Bintang Repulbik Indonesia Adipurna, which is the highest national medal that can be given for outstanding service beyond the call of duty. Before being elected president, Susilo held many government postitions such as the Minister of Mining and Energy and the Minister of Political, Social, and Security affairs under President Adburrahman and President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Both of those positions allowed for Susilo to be recognized as leading the counter-terrorism program. Susilo was elected the 6th President of Indonesia in 2004, winning with 60% of the popular vote. Susilo is an avid reader and is a devoted Muslim. Susilo is married to Maham Ani Herrawati and they have two sons together. (6,29)
In 2010 the economy grew 6.1% and the GDP was $707 billion. In 2010 natural resources brought in 11.2% of the GDP, agriculture brought in 15.3% of the GDP, and manufacturing brought in 24.8% of GDP. Trade exports brought in $158 billion of the $707 billion. The annual capita income is $4,394. Indonesia is ranked 16th in the world according to wealth and economy. (13,32)
Due to the severe earthquakes that have occured in recent years many of the homeless people of Indonesia have been killed. Also deforestation has been happening to make room for coastal companies, this is causing extreme pollution and many of the coral reef species are being destroyed and killed. This is making trading in the coastal ports hectic and sometimes impossible. With the rising population the amount of farming area is decreasing. This decrease of farming area is causing the available land to be overused and has also caused erosion. The soil is now flowing downstream into the sea. In 1982, Indonesia had to put a fishing restriction in place because of the scarce amounts of fish in the waters surrounding Indonesia, due to over-fishing by the Japanese and Americans. In the mountian areas of Indonesia there have been many devastating fires beause of all of the logs left over from deforestation. Another challenge Indonesia is suffering from is water shortages. With the rapid development in buildings and capacity growing, fresh, noncontaminated water is becoming more and more scarce. (1,5,34)
In Indonesia the right of religous freedom has brought up some serious controversy. Little is being done to address the harrassment and intimidation of the religous minority groups through out Indonesia and only select laws are being used to prevent the targetting of groups. After the Bali bombing in 2002, the President has set up laws that have had a huge affect on counterterrorism. These laws allow suspicous people to be detanied without a trial. And due to the numerous bombings the President and military have increased authority and punishment for terrorism. Also, another challenge Indonesia faces is a trade decline. With the world's decrease in market demands, Indonesia's economy didn't reach it's projection, but still grew from 5.1% increase in 2011 to 5.7% increase in 2012. (12,13,32)
Some challenges in Indonesia include curruption in the government. Corruption has occured in all parts of the government including immigration officers and members of parliament. The degree of corruption has grown or increased since 1998 when President Suharto stepped down and elections became free and fair. This corruption among the government has effected businessmen from all over the world that are in Indonesia. (27)
Here are some of the many Indonesian customs and behaviors which are as followed. Men and women are not allowed to have any physical contact in public. You should also arrive ontime to any business meetings even though meetings almost always start late. Remove your hat and sunglasses when entering indoors. Never stand with your back to an elderly person or a person of higher political rank. Always rise when your host enters the room. When you are eating, touching or handing anything to someone you must always use your right hand. You should never leave food on your plate as it is impolite and talking is extremely disrespectful while eating. According to Muslim custom you should never show the soles of your shoes or feet to anyone. Dogs are considered unclean and pictures of them should never be given as gifts.(30)