How many islands does Indonesia have? The answer

Or, if you're on Jeopardy..."What is the number of islands in Indonesia?"

That question has many answers, as most interesting questions do. According to the CIA factbook the answer is 17,000 (6,000 or so being inhabited). The Indonesian Embassy in Prague says, "The new figure for the total number of islands is 17,508 according to the Indonesian Naval Hydro-Oceanographic office. This figure is increased from the official figure so far known, that is 13,667." The INHO numbers are repeated around the web on many sites, so it is probably the authoritative number. But it ultimately depends on how you define an island.

4:20:32 PM     

How many islands does Indonesia have?

When kids (I'm assuming) ask Google this question I'm the first web site. So, I think I better answer it for them. Not now, but soon. This is the third or fourth time I've gotten a hit from the query.

12:31:36 PM     

Kids are back home

The kids got back from camp last night in Kaliurang, east Java. All four (from 9 - 16 years-old) had a great time. That is really amazing. Each made tons of new friends. They all went on a camp out one night and watched as Mt. Merapi erupted. They even survived the 7 hour train ride there and back!

7:14:37 AM