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120 Indonesia Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Indonesia? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Indonesia (Geography). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
Related Questions & Answers:   India    Japan   
1 The eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 caused the following year to be "A Year Without Summer". Where is Mount Tambora located?
Answer: Sumbawa

Sumbawa is one of the islands located in the middle of the Lesser Sunda archipelago. Mount Tambora is 2850 meters (9405 ft) in height. Indonesian volcanoes are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. There are about 150 volcanoes listed in Indonesia.
  From Quiz: Indonesia - Sleeping Giant of South East Asia
2 This is the most populous island in the world, and is home to Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, the Prambanan complex of Hindu temples, and the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
Answer: Java

The estimated population of Java in 2012 (World Bank estimate) was 146.9 million. To give this some perspective, the land area of Java is comparable to the state of North Carolina (pop. 9.22 million), the South Island of New Zealand (pop. 1.04 million), or the nation of Greece (pop. 11.28 million).

There are many memorable tourist destinations in Java. In addition to the religious buildings mentioned in the question, there are beautiful beaches at Carita, Pelabuhan Ratu and Prambanan, dramatic mountains and volcanoes, and the historic cities of Yogyakarta and Solo.
    Your options: [ Sumatra ] [ Java ] [ Borneo ] [ Bali ]
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
3 Ms Globe announces to her class that their destination is the island of Java and asks Plodd if she knows of which country Java belongs. Which answer will show that Plodd hasn't been daydreaming during class?
Answer: Indonesia

The country of Indonesia is actually an archipelago made up of over 17,000 islands. Indonesia ranks fourth as the world's most populous country. The Javanese are the largest ethnic group and have tended to politically dominate the country.
    Your options: [ Japan ] [ Philippines ] [ Malaysia ] [ Indonesia ]
  From Quiz: Journey to Java
4 How many major rivers flow through Jakarta?
Answer: 13

The most important river is named Ciliwung, which cuts Jakarta into two halves. Seven of the city's thirteen major rivers flow through West Jakarta.
  From Quiz: Around Indonesia in 10 Questions
5 There are many islands in Indonesia. Approximately how many are there?
Answer: 17,000

There are over 17,508 islands in Indonesia, approximately 6,000 of them inhabited. Most of Indonesia's population resides on the large major islands. These constitute the majority of the country's land area.
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
6 The world's largest island on a lake on an island is in Indonesia. Where is this?
Answer: Lake Toba

Lake Toba's area is 1,103 square kilometers/425.87 square miles. It contains the world's largest island in a lake on an island, Samosir (630 square kilometers/243 square miles). It is believed that Lake Toba was formed by the eruption of a super volcano, some 75,000 years ago.
  From Quiz: Across the Archipelago
7 Indonesia's motto is "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika". When it is translated to English, what does it mean?
Answer: Unity in Diversity

Indonesia is a nation with 17,508 islands. It has over 200 million people (2005), making itself the fourth most populous country in the world. It is also the most populous Muslim nation. It has a strong motto, when it is translated to English, it says "Unity in Diversity". This motto reflects the languages, cultures and ethnic groups that shape every aspect of the country.
  From Quiz: Indonesia, Emerald of the Equator
8 This large island is shared with two other countries, making it the only island in the world shared by three completely independent nations.
Answer: Borneo

Indonesia shares Borneo with Malaysia and Brunei. Borneo is the third largest island in the world. The Indonesian part of the island is known as Kalimantan, and is divided between four Indonesian provinces.

Another island which could be considered to have three countries is Britain, although England, Wales and Scotland, while maintaining identity as separate countries, are politically united.
    Your options: [ Timor ] [ Borneo ] [ New Guinea ] [ Bali ]
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
9 Ms Globe and her class have arrived and are standing on the southern coast of Java looking at an ocean. Ms Globe calls on Jennings to identify this ocean. Jennings knows how to impress the teacher by giving which answer?
Answer: Indian

The Java Trench, also called the Sunda Double Trench, is the deepest point in the Indian Ocean and is located about 190 miles from Java and neighboring Sumatra. Due to plate tectonic movement, the trench is an area of both volcanic and seismic activity. The ocean's beaches are popular tourist destinations.
    Your options: [ Atlantic ] [ Arctic ] [ Pacific ] [ Indian ]
  From Quiz: Journey to Java
10 How many time zones does Indonesia recognize?
Answer: 3

There are three recognized time zones: Waktu Indonesia Barat (WIB: Western Indonesian Time); Waktu Indonesia Tengah (WITA: Central Indonesian Time); and Waktu Indonesia Timur (WIT: Eastern Indonesian Time).
  From Quiz: Around Indonesia in 10 Questions
11 What is Indonesia's most populated island (2012 data)?
Answer: Java

Java contains the capital as well as major cities such as Yogyakarta and Bandung. Flores is another island in Indonesia, and Taiwan and Macau belong to China.
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
12 Around a ten-minute taxi ride from the airport (depending on the traffic) is Bali's most popular tourist area. With a name that sounds like scooter, what is this main tourist destination called?
Answer: Kuta

Kuta remains a preferred destination for tourists despite two bombings in the area in 2002 and 2005 by a non-Balinese terrorist group. The town's economy suffered for several years in the wake of the tragedies but has slowly been recovering. Kuta offers something for everyone. It's known for its plethora of hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and nightclubs which make Kuta attractive to family groups and young swingers alike. Kuta's long stretch of sandy beach is also very popular with surfers, swimmers and those that just like to lie in the sun (be careful of UV rays though).
  From Quiz: Beautiful Bali for Beginners
13 One of the biggest volcanic eruptions in recent times was that of Krakatoa (Krakatau in Indonesian) in 1883. Where was Krakatoa?
Answer: West of Java

Krakatoa was West of Java, in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Hollywood changed its position in the 1969 film, "Krakatoa, East of Java", thinking that East of Java sounded more exotic than West of Java. The 1883 eruption destroyed the island of Krakatoa, but a new volcanic island, Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatoa), appeared in the 1920s, and is still growing.
  From Quiz: Across the Archipelago
14 Finally, we're here, but you could have told me how HOT this place is. We need to find somewhere to stay. I'm thinking a few days of R & R in the mountains. Where would you recommend?
Answer: Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heartbeat of the Island. It is rich in music, art, drama and dance, arts and crafts. The surrounding hills have been carved into thousands of dark green rice terraces where you can still see farmers using bullock and hand plough. Legion, Nusa Dua and Kuta form a long tourist strip on the Southwest coast of the Island.
  From Quiz: I've Been To Bali Too
15 Indonesia was formerly known as what?
Answer: Dutch East Indies
  From Quiz: Indonesia
16 Lake Toba is the largest lake in Indonesia and also the largest volcanic lake in the world. In which island is it located?
Answer: Sumatra

Lake Toba was a super volcano which had erupted and developed into a big lake about 69000 to 76000 years ago. The lake is about 100 km (62.5 mi) long, 30 km (18.75 mi) wide, 505 meters (1650 ft) deep and elevated at 900 meters (2970 ft). It is located in the north central region of Sumatra. An island named Pulao Samosir can be found in the lake.
    Your options: [ Java ] [ Sulawesi ] [ Kalimantan ] [ Sumatra ]
  From Quiz: Indonesia - Sleeping Giant of South East Asia
17 One Indonesian island was the source of some interest in 2003, when an extinct kind of 3-foot-tall hominids, which the popular press referred to as "hobbits", were discovered. What was this island?
Answer: Flores

These hobbits of Flores have been given the name "Homo floriensis" and apparently disappeared about 12,000 years ago (probably due to a volcanic eruption). They most likely shared the island with modern humans, whose descendants tell legends today of the "little people", who they call "ebu gogo".
    Your options: [ Timor ] [ Flores ] [ Java ] [ Celebes ]
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
18 Originally called the Dutch East Indies, Indonesia's first football match was against Singapore in 1921. What was the result of the match?
Answer: Dutch East Indies won!

The match was played in Batavia. Dutch East Indies won 2-1 against Singapore.
  From Quiz: Around Indonesia in 10 Questions
19 What religion is mainly found on the island of Bali?
Answer: Hinduism

Hinduism and Buddhism were the primary religions in Indonesia before the arrival of Muslims. Driven out by Muslims, the majority of the Hindus fled to Bali and have remained there since. Today Indonesia is primarily Muslim, and its official religion is Islam.
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
20 Which Balinese town, located amongst rice paddies and jungle-clad ravines and famous as the island's centre of arts and culture, was featured in the Julia Roberts film "Eat, Pray, Love"?
Answer: Ubud

Ubud was once popular as a quiet retreat for rock musicians and film stars but has experienced a major influx of (for some reason mainly female) tourists since the release of the movie. Ubud also used to be a good place to find locally produced silver-, leather- and stone-crafts. You are now more likely to find tourist trinkets and brand outlets in the shops and markets. Sadly, in my humble opinion, the town even boasts a Starbucks although, fortunately, you can still purchase a cup of the superb, locally grown coffee in the excellent local cafés and restaurants.
    Your options: [ Sanur ] [ Tanah Lot ] [ Singaraja ] [ Ubud ]
  From Quiz: Beautiful Bali for Beginners
21 The volcano Tangkuban Perahu is visible from which city in Java?
Answer: Bandung

Tangkuban Perahu is Sundanese for Upturned Boat, and viewed from Bandung that's what it looks like. According to legend, Sangkuriang, a young prince was separated from his mother, Dayang Sumbi. Many years later they met and fell in love and got engaged, not knowing they were related. One day, Dayang Sumbi caught sight of a birthmark on Sangkuriang's leg and realised who he was. To get out of the marriage, she said she would only marry him if he dammed the local river and built a boat to sail across it all in one night. He had nearly succeeded when in desperation she asked the gods to send sunrise early. The gods granted her prayer and in a fit of pique, Sangkuriang broke the dam and knocked the boat upside down.
    Your options: [ Surabaya ] [ Jakarta ] [ Bandung ] [ Yogyakarta ]
  From Quiz: Across the Archipelago
22 Indonesia has thirty-three provinces and four provinces have special status. Special status means more privileges and more independence from the government. The four special provinces are Aceh, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and _______.
Answer: Papua

Aceh is located in the Sumatra island of Indonesia. Yogyakarta and Jakarta are located in the Java island of Indonesia while Papua is located in the Papua island of Indonesia. Papua is located in East Indonesia and its capital is Jayapura. Its population is around 2.8 million people (2005).
  From Quiz: Indonesia, Emerald of the Equator
23 What's the name of orange coloured Indian three-wheeler car, which is a very noisy car and only seen in Jakarta?
Answer: Bajaj

Bajaj (pronounced "baa- jay") is made in India, a very noisy form of transportation (some expats would say, "a lawnmower on three wheels" because of the sound), that is very similar to Tuk Tuk in Thailand. Becak is threecycle bike human powered (it was banned since 1991 in Jakarta, due to bad habits of the drivers), Bemo is Daihatsu's (Japan) three cylinder passenger motorcar. Metro Mini is also orange coloured, but they are kinds of local commuter bus.
    Your options: [ Metro Mini ] [ Bemo ] [ Bajaj ] [ Becak ]
  From Quiz: Indonesia Fun Facts
24 What's going on here? The concierge guy was called Wayan. Another chap called Wayan checked me in, and then ANOTHER Wayan, this time a girl, saw me to my room. Pinch me please. Why are so many Balinese called Wayan?
Answer: Wayan is a Balinese birth-order name given to first born children on Bali

It's a complex system that goes back to before the arrival of Hinduism on Bali, but which now also includes some elements of Hindu caste.
  From Quiz: I've Been To Bali Too
25 In the period 1942-1945, the country was occupied by what other country?
Answer: Japan
  From Quiz: Indonesia
26 What is the island located closest to the south of Singapore?
Answer: Batam Island

All the four islands are part of the Indonesian Riau Islands. Batam is the closest to Singapore at only 20 km (12.5 mi) away from the south of Singapore, easily accessible by ferry. Since 2006, Batam is part of the Special Economic Zone with Singapore. It is the third busiest port in Indonesia after Jakarta and Bali.
  From Quiz: Indonesia - Sleeping Giant of South East Asia
27 Indonesia shares the second largest island in the world with another country. This island is home to over 1000 languages. What is it?
Answer: New Guinea

The island of New Guinea is covered with swamps, thick rainforest and tall mountains, and the interior wasn't explored until the 20th century. Some societies with Stone Age technology are still being discovered, and parts of the island still remain to be explored. This hasn't prevented massive exploitation of natural resources in much of the island. Near Timika, a large mountain with huge stores of copper has been razed to the ground over the past forty years. Large gold deposits are also being exploited.
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
28 Ms Globe wants to see if her students have been paying attention and asks rbearusa to choose the answer that would best describe Java's climate. Which answer will move rbearusa to the head of the class?
Answer: a wet and a dry season

Java's wet season begins in October and ends in April. The western part of Java is wetter than the eastern, with some areas receiving as much as 157 inches (4000 mm) per year.
    Your options: [ four distinct seasons ] [ no seasonal changes ] [ a cold season and a hot season ] [ a wet and a dry season ]
  From Quiz: Journey to Java
29 The Balinese people are a religious minority in Indonesia. What is their religion?
Answer: Hinduism

Although the vast majority of Indonesians are Muslims, the Balinese people are mostly Hindus. Much of their culture derives from the Javanese Majapahit kingdom, which flourished before Islam was brought to Java by merchants and traders.
  From Quiz: Across the Archipelago
30 What is time difference between GMT and Denpasar, Bali?
Answer: 8 hours

Jakarta is 7 hours ahead and Denpasar is 8 hours ahead.
  From Quiz: Indonesia Fun Facts
31 Bali is paradise. Rice terraces, thatched roofs and baskets on heads. I sure know I'm in Southeast Asia, yet there's something with the design of some official buildings that looks foreign. Help me here, what is that influence?
Answer: Dutch

Bali's documented history is long and fascinating and I urge you to research it at your leisure. The Dutch first arrived in Bali around 1560 (Dutch East Indies) but didn't see the commercial value of the little island for another 250 years, concentrating their efforts on the rice crops of Java. Bali fell as part of the Dutch colonial expansion and remained until the Japanese wanted Bali as a launch pad into Java during WWII. After the war, Balinese militants using captured Japanese weapons defeated the remaining Dutch. (see info Q10)
  From Quiz: I've Been To Bali Too
32 In what year did Indonesia celebrate 60 years of independence?
Answer: 2005

In August 1945, immediately after the Japanese surrender, Sukarno proclaimed Indonesia an independent republic. Independence from The Netherlands was achieved four years later in 1949.
  From Quiz: Indonesia
33 What second largest city located in Java used to be an important trading center in the 18th and 19th century?
Answer: Surabaya

Surabaya is the capital of East Java, with an estimated population of six million (as of 2016) in the metropolitan area. During the 18th and 19th century, it was a very important trading port for Dutch East Indies, rivaling Hong Kong and Shanghai.
  From Quiz: Indonesia - Sleeping Giant of South East Asia
34 Possibly the best known island in Indonesia internationally is this popular tourist destination sometimes referred to as "Pulau Dewata" (Island of the Gods). What is it?
Answer: Bali

Bali, a small island just east of Java, is a popular tourist destination and is regarded as an island paradise. It features beautiful beaches with good surfing, mountains (and an active volcano) and friendly people with a unique Hindu culture. Sometimes people in other parts of the world do not realize that Bali is a part of Indonesia. The Indonesian Director General of Tourism once told me that he hosted a gathering of international travel agents in Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia) and they thanked him for meeting them in the "capital of Bali"!
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
35 Which statement is true about Indonesia's land area?
Answer: Its area is almost 2 million km2.

Indonesia is usually ranked the 15th largest country by land area. It is a country made up of islands.
    Your options: [ Its area is exactly 1 million km2. ] [ Its area is almost 2 million km2. ] [ Its area is almost 500,000 km2. ] [ Its area is a little less than 300,000 km2. ]
  From Quiz: Around Indonesia in 10 Questions
36 Indonesia's highest mountain lies on what island?
Answer: New Guinea

Puncak Jaya is on the eastern side of New Guinea. It is over 15,000 feet tall. Indonesia's easternmost land is on New Guinea.
  From Quiz: The Islands of Indonesia
37 What is the Wallace line?
Answer: The boundary between the range of Asian species and the range of Australian species

The Wallace line is named after the 19th century British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, who noticed that west of a line drawn between Bali and Lombok in the South and between Borneo and Sulawesi in the north, animal and plant species resembled those in Asia, while east of the line the animal and plant species resembled those of Australia.
  From Quiz: Across the Archipelago
38 Indonesia has the world's most populous island. What is the name of the island?
Answer: Java

The island Java of Jakarta has around 130 million people. The estimated annual growth of population is about +1.25%. In addition, it is one of the most densely populated areas of the world.
  From Quiz: Indonesia, Emerald of the Equator
39 Which countries have an official land boundary with Indonesia?
Answer: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste
    Your options: [ Malaysia, India and Philippines ] [ Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand ] [ Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste ] [ Malaysia, Australia and Brunei ]
  From Quiz: Indonesia
40 In which region in Java is Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, located?
Answer: Central Java

Borobudur (also known as Barabudur) Buddhist Temple, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, is situated at Magelang, Central Java. This temple was built in the 9th century. In 1835, it was restored by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore.
    Your options: [ West Java ] [ Yogyakarta ] [ East Java ] [ Central Java ]
  From Quiz: Indonesia - Sleeping Giant of South East Asia
The rest of the questions and answers can be found in our quizzes here:
Indonesia Quizzes