The province (provinsi or propinsi) is the highest tier of local government subnational entity in Indonesia. Each province has its own local government (Pemerintah Daerah Provinsi), headed by the governor (gubernur); and has its own legislative body (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah). The Governor and member of representatives are elected by popular vote for 5 years term.
Currently, Indonesia is divided into 33 provinces. Seven provinces were created since 2000 and the last province added is West Sulawesi in September 2004. Provinces are divided into regencies (kabupaten) and cities (kota).
Here is a list of provinces of Indonesia, grouped by island(s) region (Please note: region is not a subdivision of Indonesia). Name in Indonesian language is shown on italics.
4 of Indonesia's 33 provinces have special status (*): Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Yogyakarta Special Region, Papua, and Jakarta Special Capital Region.
A name change for West Irian Jaya (**) to West Papua has been approved in principle, but is awaiting final government approval and Presidential regulation to become official.
