700

Trade routes are established with China and India.

1200’s-1300’s

Javanese Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms flourish.

1500’s

By the end of the century, Islam is the area's main religion.

1602-1800

The Dutch East India Company is formed to trade goods. The Dutch begin building an empire, often using violence.

1800

The Dutch East India Company goes bankrupt. The islands are known as the Dutch East Indies until Indonesia's independence 149 years later.

1949

Indonesia gains independence from the Dutch after four years of fighting.

1967

Suharto assumes title of President, and rules with an iron hand.

1998

Suharto resigns

1999

The first fully free parliamentary elections since 1955 take place.

2004

Indonesia holds its first direct presidential elections. In December, an undersea earthquake generates huge tidal waves. The waves hit Indonesia and surrounding countries. More than 200,000 people are killed.