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A group of extensive islands or archipelagos, Indonesia is a South East Asian country located between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Being the largest archipelago in the world, most of its cultural and traditional views are greatly dependent on this factor. As a matter of fact, the country is rich in diverse culture, tradition, languages and ethnicities.

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Indonesia seeking business relationships with the country, mainly keeping an eye on the rich spices of the country. Later in 1602, the Dutch landed in Indonesia and set up the Dutch East India Company. By 1610, they became the supreme governing European power in the country. Following severe bankruptcy  Dutch East India Company was dissolved in 1800. However, the Netherlands later formed Dutch East Indies completely under Government control. 

After being ruled by the Dutch (Netherlands) for over 150 years, Indonesia yearned for freedom from colonial rule. During world war II, after the Japanese troops surrendered, the Indonesian leader Sukarno, declared Indonesian Independence. Widely known as Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence, the event took place on August 17, 1945 leading to the freedom of the country. Even though the Netherlands wanted to reestablish colonial rule in the country, it was not easy. After bitter struggles that lasted up to 1949, the Netherlands finally accepted Indonesia’s independence.

UMAR