Uskad

Republic of Uskad Republik Uskad (Uskadian Malay) Haljamas Ueskad (Koleknio) Haljalma Uskad (Buleknik)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Prosperity, Unity and Diversity
Anthem: none, various
Capital	Panpinangan
Largest city	Sampunuwu
Official languages	English Uskadian Malay
Recognised languages	Javanese Sundanese Koleknio Buleknik Lonedba Polosni
Demonym(s)	Uskadian
Government	Unitary parliamentary republic
• President	S.R Martin
• Prime Minister	Peter Jasubulu
Legislature	Parliament (unicameral)
Independence from  the United Kingdom
• Christmas Uprising	25 December 1925
• Autonomy	12 February 1926
• Independence	3 March 1944
• Republic	18 May 1959
Population
• 2024 estimate	94,283,456 (17th)
• 2023 census	94,129,281
• Density	38/km2 (98.4/sq mi) (185th)
GDP (nominal)	2022 estimate
• Total	$2.91 trillion (8th)
• Per capita	$31,092 (37th)
HDI (2024)	0.810 very high (62nd)
Currency	stem (st) (STM)
Time zone	UTC+6 to UTC+8
Driving side	left
Calling code	+782
Internet TLD	.ud

Uskad, officially the Republic of Uskad, is a country straddling Southeast Asia and Oceania. It comprises the main island of Uskad, the Tapakrebon Islands, and other smaller islands in the Indian Ocean. It shares maritime borders with Indonesia to its northeast, and Australia to its southeast. The city of Panpinangan serves as the capital, while the large bustling city of Sampunuwu serves as the financial, commmercial and business centre of the country. With a population of 94 million people, it is one of most populous countries in the world.

The early population of Uskad began as Austronesian people migrating from modern-day Taiwan arrived in Uskad around 4,000 years ago. As the groups spread out around the island, they began to form distinct cultures and languages from each other as geographic conditions of the island allowed cultures to flourish. In around the year 500, the Native Uskadians began trading with the nearby Indonesian archipelago, and the Hindu and Buddhist religions began the spread to the island, although it was mostly confined to the northeastern parts of the island. After the collapse of the Majapahit Empire, Javanese and Sundanese Hindus began flocking to the island, and conflicts with native Uskadians in the interior began, known as the Interior Wars, which lasted 90 years.

The island was discovered by Europeans in around 1605, and was later colonised by Great Britain in 1750. Britain, seeing the conflicts between the Javanese settlers and the natives, exploited it using a divide and conquer strategy. The British saw Uskad as valuable as the extremely fertile land provided an almost unlimited source of income to the fledgling Empire. Stable British rule followed, until the 1925 Christmas Revolt, in which the United Kingdom began gradually providing Uskad with more autonomy, before granting it independence in 1944.

Uskad is a unitary parliamentary republic comprising of 11 provinces and territories. The capital is located in Panpinangan, while other major cities are Sampunuwu, Palangpalolu, Herrington. It is also one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, due to its unique geographical position.

Etymology

The name came from the Koleknio word "Uesa" which meant large, and the Bulenik word Pukad, which meant island. The word "Uskad" began to appear on Javanese inscriptions dating back to 1033, and after extensive trading, which resulted in the natives adopting the name themselves.

History

Prehistory (2000 BCE - 6th century)

The first Uskadians arrived in island at around 2000 BCE, as part of the Austronesian migration waves. It has been suspected that earlier prehistoric humans had a presence in Uskad, but this is mostly unconfirmed. Intially, the first people maintained a single cohesive language and culture, but as they spread out throughout the island, they began to develop separate cultures and languages.

Extensive trading and cultural influence (6th century to 16th century)

Contact was established with the nearby Indonesian archipelago, and a century long trade relationship began. The various Kingdoms of Uskad began sailing to the seas, and establishing trade contacts with many kingdoms. The trade made the Kingdoms of Uskad flourish, and this era is frequently referred to as the Golden Age of the country.

Javanese and Sundanese arrival and conflict (16th century to 1750)

After the collapse of the Majapahit empire and the spread of Islam in nearby Indonesia, Javanese and Sundanese Hindus began to arrive in Uskad in hopes of escaping persecution. Initially, the migrants and the natives lived in peace, but after cultural differences began to show, conflict emerged, known as the Settler Wars.

British rule and The World Wars (1750-1944)

The first documentation of Uskad in European maps was in 1232, and was known to the Europeans as an island of fertility. The British EIC, seeing this, exploited the conflicts between the migrants and the natives to conquer it, and eventually controlling the entire island by 1750.

Post-independence (1944-1964)

After the granting of Uskadian independence, newly elected Prime Minister Robert Susilman, spoke to the Uskadian Parliament about a program called "the Great Change". Great Change programs were the establishment of the Uskadian healthcare system, construction of the country's first motorways, development of the country's manufacturing industry, welfare programs, and others. The Great Change contributed to relative growth of the country, and also ensured dominance of the National Uskadian Party in general elections. After the resignation of Susilman in 1963, his successor, Gideon Pranoto was faced with a recession that caused his predecessor's resignation.

He first enacted austerity measures, which was very unpopular with the citizenry and caused a stop to the previously stable economic growth Uskad had. Two parties began campaigning for Pranoto's resignation, the Progressive Workers' Party, a then-socialist left wing party, and the Conservative National Party, a liberal-conservative party formed from the merger of the Conservative Party and the National Party, a split from Pranoto's own NUP. In the 1964 general elections, the NUP had its worst election results ever, relegated to a mere crossbencher party, while the CNP won the elections and entered government, while the PWP formed the official opposition.

Emergence of the two party system, continued stability (1964-1989)

The new leader of the CNP, Hendra Tirto, became the country's prime minister. He was also the first Native Uskadian prime minister in the country's history. He continued Great Change policies but pursued to make Uskad a manufacturing-based economy, and also large scale roadworks in the southern part of the country. His government also pursued an "aggressive neutrality" policy, which included withdrawing from defence agreements with both powers of the Cold War. One controversial policy of Tirto's government was the development of nuclear weapons, which led to Uskad's designation as a nuclear weapons state. The policy of nuclear weapons development led to the defeat of the CNP in the 1974 general election, in which the PWP was first elected to government. PWP leader and trade unionist Sutikno became prime minister. His government's policies were the passing of labour laws, increased funding for healthcare and transport, and the establishment of a proper welfare state. Sutikno reverted the previous "aggressive neutrality" policy, and making Uskad aligned to the West. Uskad's economic performance almost mimicked Japan and South Korea, but the mishandling of funds in the 1978 Wanderwell scandal led to poorer economic performance and the defeat of the PWP in the 1979 general elections, putting the CNP back to power.

Concurrent during this time was an insurgency in Tapakrebon, by the armed group Angkatan Bersenjata Nasional Republik Tapakrebon better known as the ABNRT. Newly elected PM Ithamar Purwolesmono commenced mobilisation of the Uskadian Defence Force for first time in history. The UDF commenced a full-scale operation in the islands, and the ABNRT's military capabilities were virtually destroyed within 14 days. Despite this, the UDF stayed in Tapakrebon, to fight apparent ABNRT insurgents. The government was criticised after it was found that the group's campaigns can be handled by the local police force. It was also found that the UDF has conducted excessive use of force against the locals, and protests in Panpinangan began, to withdraw UDF forces and investigate UDF actions. the CNP was later defeated in the 1984 general election by the PWP, which became the largest party, but did not have enough to form a government. The PWP eventually decided to form a coalition government with the NUP, and numerous smaller parties. As a compromise, Independent Member of Parliament, Leteno Sutana, became Prime Minister, with the party leaders becoming First and Second Deputy Prime Ministers. Sutana, led a premiership based on radical reforms. He established the Commission on Tapakrebon, which investigated UDF actions in Tapakrebon, and pursued peace negotiations with the ABNRT. On domestic policy, he enacted policies intended to eradicate poverty, pursued corporatist policies, and encouraged further unionisation. He also pursued neoliberal reforms, and the privatisation of public services.

Economic recession and contemporary history (1989-present)

In 1989, midway through Sutana's premiership, an economic recession ensued. Caused by excessive borrowing, speculative real estate bubbles and relatively weak government oversight. PM Sutana responded by introducing a stimulus package, and also pursued other actions to mend the effects of the recession. The actions include: tax reforms, loan resolutions, bank recapitalisation and engagement with organisations such as the IMF and World Bank to secure financial help for the country's situation. Economic growth recovered by 1990. Sutana's actions were praised, and led to the PWP and NUP/Initiative performing well at opinion polls. Shortly before the 1994 general election, Sutana announced his intention to retire from politics. This decreased the PWP and NUP potential vote share, with the CNP eventually winning that election. The CNP, led by Isaia Kalesono, implemented several controversial taxation policies, and rolled back some of the anti-recession measures of the previous Sutana government. The government also controversially privatised motorways and railways, assigning management of transport to various Uskadian multinational conglomerates. The CNP government also had the lowest approval rate in Uskadian history, reaching 17% by 1998.

After the eventual defeat of the CNP in the 1999 general election, the new PWP government led by then 40 year old Ruben Sasanta, promised a 10 year old plan to hugely improve the standards of living of Uskadians at the time. Sasanta's government increased investment in infrastructure, renationalised the railways and motorways, expanded social welfare programs, and reintroduced the progressive income tax. His policies made him very popular with the Uskadian populace, reaching the highest approval rates of any Prime Minister in Uskadian history, at 78% by 2004. In the 2004 general election, Sasanta was reelected for a second term. He unveiled phase two of his plans, which included the further prioritisation of education, consumer protection laws, more prudent banking regulations, and the legalisation of same sex marriage. His more controversial foreign policy, was reintroducing the assertive neutrality policy. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, the government cut interest rates, and encouraged more foreign investment. He was relected for a third term in the 2009 general elections.

Sasanta resigned in 2011, and deputy PM Talia Jemenak became Prime Minister. Jemenak was the first female prime minister in the country's history. Jemenak mostly continued Sasanta's policy, and was seen by observers as a mere puppet of Sasanta. After the PWP FSB controversy, in which several party officials were exposed as agents of the Russian government. This led the CNP to victory in the 2014 general election. CNP leader Theodore Lumunina became Prime Minister, and was later defeated in the 2019 general election, in which left-wing socialist William Sarbalsta was elected. Sarbalsta resigned due to poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and was replaced by current incumbent Peter Jasubulu.

Geography

Uskad consists of the main island of Uskad, The Taparebon archipelago, and numerous smaller islands. It borders Australia to the east, and Indonesia to its northeast. Uskad is entirely surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Uskad has one of the highest elevations in the continent of Oceania, in the inland Citapon mountain range. Uskad also is rich in natural resources, such as coal, ore, natural gases, forestry and most importantly, fertile soil.

Uskad has a variety of climates, with the northern part of the country and the Tapakrebon islands having a tropical climate, while the rest of the country has a subtropical climate.

Government and politics

The Parliament House in Panpinangan. It is one of the symbols of Uskadian parliamentary democracy.

Uskad is a unitary parliamentary democracy according to the Constitution of 1959 and heavily modeled on the Westminster parliamentary system. The highest ranking officer of the state is the President, and is vested with reserve powers. The President also makes formal appointments of ministers and government officials. (a carryover from the system of constitutional monarchy.)

Supreme power is held by the Parliament of Uskad, which promulgates legislation and approval of cabinet decisions. The Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the largest party in Parliament or leader of a government coalition. In order to appoint ministers of their cabinet, the Prime Minister must seek approval from the President, who can deny the Prime Minister's proposal.

Provinces and territories

Uskad consists of 11 provinces, 2 territories, and one autonomous entity. These first-level administrations are further divided into cities/metropolitan cities and districts/regions.

Military

The Uskadian Defence Force consists of three branches, the Uskadian Army, the Uskadian Navy, and the Uskadian Air Force. They are controlled by the Ministry of Defence and the President serves as commander-in-chief. Uskad has an extensive military history, dating back to the Settler Wars. Uskad also participated in the Napoleonic Wars, and the two World Wars while under British rule. The only major operation conducted by the modern-day UDF was the invasion of Tapakrebon.

Foreign affairs

After independence, Uskad maintained good relations with its former coloniser, and aligned with the West during the early stages of the Cold War. During the Tirto premiership, Uskad pursued an assertive "Aggressive Neutrality" policy, which included the development of nuclear weapons, a clear violation of the NPT. This was reversed by the Sutikno cabinet, who realigned the country with the West while maintaining parts of the Aggressive Neutrality policy. After Tapakrebon separatists were found to have been aided by the Soviet Union, the country underwent a full realignment with the West.

Uskad now maintains a humanitarian foreign policy, dedicating a significant portion of the GDP to foreign aid. This policy was implemented by the Suntana government, and later governments continued the policy. Uskad is a signatory to various international treaties. Uskad is a member of the PNSK, and the World Assembly.

Economy

Panpinangan is the capital and the primary economic centre of the country.

Uskad is a upper-middle income market economy, and also the largest in Oceania. Uskad has the largest population in Oceania and therefore the largest workforce in the continent. Uskad is the eighth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. The country has developed a large manufacturing sector, with manufacturing contributing to 56% of the total GDP. Mining, while declining in share, still contributes considerably to the Uskadian economy, making up 24% of the GDP. Uskad's current poverty rate is 7.2%, with poverty still a major issue in rural areas of country. Uskad's currency is the stem, introduced in 1990 to replace the hyperinflating Uskadian pound. It is the eleventh most traded currency in the world, and one of the most stable currencies. The Central Bank of Uskad, issues stem notes and coins.

Uskad is also one of the largest exporters and importers in the world. Main trading partners are the European Union, Indonesia, Australia and the United States. Uskad's extensive manufacturing industry consists of consumer electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications equipment, textiles and automotives.

Transport

Uskad has an extensive railway network, with 14,232 kilometres of track. High speed rail, is currently under construction, with the first line, connecting Panpinangan with Palangpalolu, nearing completion. If completed, it will be the first indigenous high speed rail system in the Southern Hemisphere. Uskad also has a dense system of roadways, totaling around 698,000km of roads. Uskad's motorway system is also extensive, totalling around 128,219km.

The largest and busiest airport in Uskad is in Panpinangan, Robert Susilman International Airport. handling most international flights from all around the world. Sampunuwu, despite being the country's largest city, due to planning restrictions, does not an international airport. Uskadian Airways is the national flag carrier, with AirPan being the largest airline in the country. The Port of Sampunuwu is the main port of the country and also the busiest, handling 44% of the country's maritime traffic.

Energy

In terms of energy, Uskad has mainly depended on coal for power, due to its extensive mining industry, but due to the slow decline and phase out of the mining industry, Uskad has began to switch to nuclear power, starting with the first nuclear power plants completed in 1986. Both the CNP and PWP has carried out nuclear power plant construction programs, and also pursued other sources of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and dams.

Today, nuclear makes up 49% of Uskad's energy source, followed by coal at 31%, wind at 11% and other renewable sources at 9%. Notable facilities include, SCTNPP in the Special Capital Territory, powers the capital and its surroundings. Netria Wind Farm in Sampunuwu province, one of the largest wind farms in the world.