Few Numbers(2003)...

-After short Portuguese domination all the way from Malacca(Malaysia), the Dutch took over in 1700, short british ruling between 1811 to 1816, handed back to the dutch, Japanese invasion during WWII, finally Independance in 1945.

-President Soekarno declared a "Democracy" in 1957, in fact backed with military army. The general Soeharto,leader of the indonesian army, pushed Soekarno out of power and took over presidency. 1975: Indonesian army took over portuguese East Timor. After Soeharto resignation in 1998, a democracy is proclamed in 1999. Not so old!

-2 million km2 scattered over 17 000 islands.

-It has one of the world's richest natural environments,with an incredible diversity of plants and animal species..

-Population: 210 million (the 4th most populous country in the world).60% live in Java.

-My impression: The interior of Bali and Lombok,unlike Kuta are still authentic. Bali people are extremely friendly and relaxed and preserve a harmonious indian culture. Ceremonies are full of flowers, colors and joy. Drawback is the constant tourists hackers, and in Lombok, men's behavior towards foreign women (alone or not), is extremely heavy.