Fact Check: "Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands."
What We Know
Indonesia is recognized as the world's largest archipelagic state, comprising a vast number of islands. According to the Law No 9/1996 on Maritime Territory of Indonesia, there are officially 17,508 islands listed within the territory. However, various surveys have reported different figures: a geospatial survey conducted by the National Coordinating Agency for Survey and Mapping (Bakorsurtanal) between 2007 and 2010 identified 13,466 islands, while a 2002 survey by the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) suggested there were as many as 18,307 islands. As of 2023, the Geospatial Information Agency has named 17,024 islands, which aligns closely with the claim that Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands (Wikipedia).
The term "archipelago" refers specifically to a group of islands, and Indonesia's geographical makeup fits this definition perfectly. The country stretches from Sumatra in Asia to the western part of New Guinea in Oceania, encompassing a rich diversity of cultures and languages across its islands (17000 Islands).
Analysis
The claim that Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands is supported by multiple reliable sources. The Wikipedia entry on the list of islands in Indonesia provides a comprehensive overview of the varying counts of islands, highlighting the official figure of 17,508 and the more recent count of 17,024. This indicates a consensus among credible sources that the number of islands exceeds 17,000.
Additionally, the Indonesia Sentinel corroborates this information, stating that as of 2024, Indonesia comprises more than 17,000 islands, reinforcing the claim's validity. The variability in the number of islands reported can be attributed to differences in definitions, particularly regarding what constitutes an island (e.g., including tidal islands that are submerged at high tide).
While some sources, such as the CIA World Factbook, also support the claim with similar figures, it is essential to note that discrepancies exist due to the methods used in counting islands. Nevertheless, the predominant figures across multiple sources consistently affirm that Indonesia has over 17,000 islands.
Conclusion
The claim that "Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands" is True. The evidence from various credible sources consistently supports this assertion, with official counts and surveys aligning closely with the claim. The slight variations in island counts do not undermine the overall accuracy of the statement, as they all affirm that the number exceeds 17,000.
