Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic country, consisting of over 17,500 islands .
The Dutch established the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1602, exploiting the region's spices and labor for over 300 years.
Indonesia's independence story is more brutal than you think
The Majapahit Empire (13th–16th century) is often seen as the historical basis for modern Indonesia's borders.
Following a brutal Japanese occupation during WWII, Indonesia declared independence on August 17, 1945 , followed by a four-year revolution against returning Dutch forces. 🌏 Geography & People
The "Big Five" are Sumatra , Java , Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi , and Papua . 🎨 Culture & Life
