Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago nation, comprising over 17,000 islands; it is the most culturally diverse nation, containing an extraordinary melange of races, religions, languages and culture. Ian Burnet takes a journey across the archipelago. He intertwines the history and geography, the many races and languages and cultures that make up a country whose motto is "Unity in Diversity." Travelling by bus, train, plane and motorcycle from Java to Timor, he hops from island to island across the archipelago. He traces the history of the early Malay people, the influence of Indian religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. He discovers the heritage of the Indians, Chinese and Arabs trading in spice and sandalwood, and follows the rise of Islam, and the traces of the first Europeans to enter Asia - the early Portuguese and priests. He takes the reader on a personal journey through geographic space and historical time. He gives a rich and deep understanding of this complex nation and its culture and people. Illustrated with photographs and historical maps.
