Facts About Indonesia
Halo! That’s “hello” in Indonesian, the most commonly spoken language in Indonesia. This country in Southeast Asia is known for its beaches and volcanic islands. Learn more facts about Indonesia here.
5 Fun Facts About Indonesia
Here are some fun facts about Indonesia:
Where Is Indonesia?
Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia shares maritime borders with several other countries, including Thailand and the Philippines.
Key Challenges in Indonesia & Our Response
As you learned above, Indonesia is one of the most populous countries in the world. And out of the millions who call the country home, many live in poverty. In fact, many children face poverty’s devastating consequences, from lacking medical care to suffering violence.
Moms and Babies Lack Critical Care
Indonesia’s infant mortality rate is about 15.1 per 1,000 live births in 2025 (Macrotrends), down from 17.0 in 2023 (FRED). By comparison, the U.S. rate was 5.61 in 2023 (CDC), making Indonesia’s rate roughly 2.7 times higher.
Sadly, many moms in Indonesia can’t get medical care, quality nutrition or even birth attendants to give their babies the best chance at life. And even if babies survive birth, the same lack of care and nutrition threatens their lives as they grow.
Our Response: Providing Medical Care, Nutrition Support & More
The churches we serve in Indonesia have adopted Compassion’s Survival program. Through this program, we offer prenatal care, counseling and community support to pregnant moms. We also help moms care for their new babies through the first year of life, which is a critical time for establishing a child’s health.
Once babies celebrate their first birthday, they’re then eligible to be sponsored by someone like you. Through sponsorship, little ones receive medical care, nutrition support and more, helping them grow healthy and strong.
Violence Threatens the Lives of Children
Violence against children is prevalent throughout Indonesia. According to recent data, one in three women and girls experience violence in their lifetime. And more than a third of boys will suffer physical violence.
Violence of any kind hurts children, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Children often suffer trauma that lasts throughout their lifetime, stealing their hope.
Our Response: Protecting Children From Violence
The children in Compassion’s program are known, loved and protected. Staff and volunteers at Compassion centers are trained to see the signs of violence and intervene quickly.
We also help the children we serve understand their rights and use their voices to stand up for themselves and others around them.
Our Impact in Indonesia
Compassion has served impoverished children and families throughout Indonesia for almost six decades. In that time, we’ve released thousands of children from poverty in Jesus’ name through child sponsorship.
Data as of: September 16, 2026
154,878
children served (and counting)
747
church partners
58
years serving
Oka: From Outcast to Hope Giver
Oka grew up in a Christian household, making him an outcast within his community and subjecting him to poverty. Now, Oka runs a bed and breakfast in the same town, delivering hope to those in need.
Young Fencer Dreams of Helping Others
Girls in the Compassion program are reaching for their dreams through sports. Elsya, an aspiring fencer, is using the sport to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor or pharmacist, enabling her to rise above poverty.
How You Can Help Vulnerable Children in Indonesia
You can help Compassion fight back against child poverty in Indonesia in three key ways: