Indonesia History

The findings of the fossils of the Java man indicate that Indonesian archipelago was peopled from about two million to 500,000 years ago. Indonesia History dates back to   Idyllic farming conditions and excellent rice cultivation even in the beginning of eighth century made it possible for villages, towns, and small kingdoms to thrive by the first century. Indonesia's strategic sea-lane location promoted inter-island and global trade. For instance, trade links with both Indian kingdoms and China were set up much earlier.

In the late 13th century, The Hindu Majapahit Kingdom was established in eastern Java, and under reign of Gajah Mada, its influence extended all over Indonesia. In the history of Indonesia this phase is referred to as a "Golden Age". It was only in the 13th century that Islamic came into Indonesia. In the year 1512, the first Europeans arrived in Indonesia. This was also the time when Portuguese traders under Francisco Serrão, wanted to take over the supply of cloves, nutmeg, and cubeb pepper in Maluku. And then Dutch and British traders followed. In 1602 the Dutch established the Dutch East India Company and became the leading European power in Indonesia.

The Japanese break-in and following occupation during World War II wrecked Dutch rule, and led to the Indonesian independence movement. Two days subsequent to the surrender of Japan in August 1945, Sukarno, the dominant nationalist leader, affirmed independence and was chosen as the president. In the year 1949, the Netherlands tried to reestablish their rule but after much struggle, fight and international pressure, the Dutch officially accepted Indonesian independence.