The following is a comparison between Indonesia and Malaysia, two neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Let’s read.
Indonesia and Malaysia – country comparison
GDP
• Indonesia has a larger GDP, while Malaysia has a higher GDP per capita.
| 2025 (IMF) | Indonesia | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah | Malaysian Ringgit |
| GDP (nominal, USD) | $1.45 trillion | $472.19 billion |
| GDP per capita (nominal, USD) | $5.08 thousand | $13.95 thousand |
| GDP (PPP, international $) | $5.05 trillion | $1.49 trillion |
| GDP per capita (PPP, international $) | $17.75 thousand | $44.12 thousand |
Population
| 2025 estimate | Indonesia | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285.7 million | 36 million |
| Population aged 0-14 | 24% | 21% |
| Population aged 15-64 | 68% | 71% |
| Population aged 65 and older | 8% | 8% |
| Total fertility rate, per woman | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Life
| Indonesia | Malaysia | |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy at birth (2023/UN) | 71.15 | 76.66 |
| Human Development Index rank (2023) | 113th | 67th |
| Human Development Index value | 0.728 | 0.819 |
Overview
• Indonesia is the largest country in southeast Asia. It is more than 5.7 times larger than Malaysia.
• Indonesia is both more populous and more densely populated than Malaysia.
| Indonesia | Malaysia | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 1.9 million sq km | approximately 330,800 sq km |
| Population | 285.7 million (2025 estimate) | 36 million (2025 estimate) |
| Capital city | Jakarta | Kuala Lumpur |
| Largest city | Jakarta | Kuala Lumpur |
| Largest metropolitan area | Jakarta metropolitan area | Greater Kuala Lumpur |
| Most spoken language | Indonesian language | Malaysian Malay |
| Most popular sport | Football and Badminton | Football and Badminton |
Geography
| Indonesia | Malaysia | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Southeast Asia and Oceania | Southeast Asia |
| Forest cover (2023) | 47.7% | 57.7% |
| Total number of time zones | 3 | 1 |
| Highest mountain | Puncak Jaya (4,884 m/16,024 ft) | Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m/13,435 ft) |
| Number of islands | over 17,000 | around 900 |
| Major rivers | Kapuas, Solo, Musi, Mahakam, Barito, Mamberamo, etc. | Rajang, Kinabatangan, Pahang, Perak, Baram, Muar, etc. |
| National animal | Komodo dragon | Malayan tiger |
| National bird | Javan hawk-eagle | Rhino hornbills |
| National flower | Melati putih (Jasminum sambac) | Hibiscus rosa-sinesis |
(Also read: Japan and South Korea – country comparison)
Tourism
| Indonesia | Malaysia | |
|---|---|---|
| International tourist arrivals | 13.6 million (2024) | 25 million (2024) |
| Number of UNESCO world heritage sites | 10 | 6 |
| Popular places to visit | Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Raja Ampat Islands, Yogyakarta, Komodo Island, etc. | Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves, Langkawi, George Town, Cameron Highlands, Malacca, etc. |
| Busiest airport | Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (serves Jakarta metropolitan area) | Kuala Lumpur International Airport |
Read more