Geography and History of Indonesia

Study Notes

Geography

Indonesia is located along the equator and is situated southwest of the Philippines.
It is the largest archipelago globally, comprising thousands of islands that host various indigenous communities.
The five principal islands are Sumatra, Papua, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, and Java.
Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for having the highest number of active volcanoes worldwide.

History

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in 1500, seeking spices and new maritime routes.
In the 16th century, European powers including the British, Portuguese, and Dutch colonized Indonesia, exploiting its rich natural resources.
By the 17th century, the Dutch emerged as the dominant European power and referred to Indonesia as the "Dutch East Indies."

Culture

Indonesia ranks as the fourth most populated country in the world.
Jakarta serves as the nation's capital.
It has the largest Muslim population globally, with Islam as the predominant religion.

Music

Music is integral to Indonesian culture, particularly through the Gamelan, a traditional ensemble featuring various indigenous instruments.
The term "Gamelan" derives from the Javanese word for orchestra and encompasses diverse styles based on function and instrument arrangement.

Kinds of Gamelan

Javanese Gamelan: Characterized by its refined, mellow, and soft sound; often performed in palaces and temples.
Balinese Gamelan: Noted for its rhythmic and vigorous style, providing a contemporary musical experience.

Gamelan Instruments

Vertical hanging gongs: Essential for marking the beginning and end of musical pieces.
Gong ageng: The largest hanging gong in a Gamelan ensemble.
Gong siyem (Dong-suwukan): The medium-sized cylindrical gong.
Kempul: Small hanging gongs with pitches that align with the ensemble's scale.

Saran Family of Instruments

Saron demwing: The largest and deepest-sounding instrument in this family.
Gender slenthem: Consists of stringed tuned bamboo or metal tubes that act as resonators.
Gender barung: Plays notes an octave higher than the Gender slenthem.
Gambong kayu: A xylophone-like instrument with 17-23 keys resting on a wooden resonator.

Zithers in Gamelan

Celempung: An angled zither supported by four legs, featuring 20-26 metal strings.

Other Instruments in Gamelan

Siter: A small zither complementing the Celempung.
Redab: A two-stringed spike fiddle.
Percussion instruments: Typically maintain the timing or pace of compositions.
Kendhang gendhin: The largest hand-played drum.
Kendhang ciblon: A medium-sized, barrel-shaped drum.
Kendhang ketipung: The smallest drum in the collection.
Bedhug: A large drum constructed with heads on a cylindrical body, suspended within a wooden frame.

Description

Explore the fascinating geography and rich history of Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. Learn about its major islands, diverse indigenous communities, and the impact of its volcanic activities. This quiz covers essential facts and events that shaped Indonesia's identity.