Selajung

Republic of Selajung ᨑᨗᨄᨘᨅᨒᨗᨀᨕ ᨔᨙᨒᨕᨍᨘᨊᨁ (Alawese) Ripublika Selajung
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Maéga Appadang, Sé'di Ripublika" Many Peoples, One Republic"
Anthem: Male'bi' Selajung Great Esteemed Selajung
Capital and largest city	Kampeteng
Official languages	Alawese
Recognised regional languages	Kambese Tongkouan Sibalayese Butanese
Demonym(s)	Selajungese
Government	People's republic
• Executive Council of Selajung	Daeng Puanna Daéli (Arung Matoa) Renate Mallalengeng Andiq Mangkonaq La Tenrioddang La Mataesso Tomanurung Baine Wawo Palakka
• Chancellor	Karaeng Loe ri Sero
Legislature	Legislative Assembly
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	National Council
Independence
• Tibu Declaration	23 July 1941
• Treaty of Kampeteng	29 August 1948
Population
• 2019 census	39,381,836
GDP (nominal)	2019 estimate
• Total	$1.4 trillion
• Per capita	$35,561
HDI (2019)	0.787 high
Currency	Selajungese Tindang (SJT)
Internet TLD	.sj

Selajung, officially the Republic of Selajung (Alawese: ᨑᨗᨄᨘᨅᨒᨗᨀᨕ ᨔᨙᨒᨕᨍᨘᨊᨁ Ripublika Selajung), is a sovereign state in east Isuan bordered by Someone to the south and Bansunay to the west. A constitutionally unitary socialist state, Selajung is divided into sixteen provinces and one special economic territory, the Bukkang Special Economic Zone. The capital city of Selajung is Kampeteng, which with a population of 5 million is the largest city within the country.

Populated by Deutero-Isuan peoples since approximately 65,000 BP, Selajung saw an early blossoming of people groups across its modern day borders. A centre of chacolithic and neolithic cultural and civilisational development, Selajung is believed to be one of the cradles of Isuan civilisation and achieved a degree of importance in this period. Several significant city-states were established on the coasts, and for a time trade upon the Sea of Qes was dominated by Alawese ships which estabished minor trading settlements on distant shores. Thoughout the antique era, this thalassocratic importance would slowly diminish as the smaller states became corrupted and faded into lesser relevance. An Alawo-Kambese revival came in the 800s, when under the rule of King Daeng Mariok the northern city-states formed an alliance and began to spread their influence across the island and seas. This spread was accompanied by the spreading of Macakkanism, a religion based upon the scriptures of Aru, an Alawese priestess.Though Mariok's rule was cut short following his death in battle, Alawese cultural ascendancy would continue in the century that followed and imprint itself upon many Isuan cultures. Alawese and Kambese monarchs would remain dominant over much of eastern insular Isuan up until the advent of colonialism, though they often assimilated much of the cultures of those they ruled.

Auressian imperialism was swift to target Selajung, as its stategic location meant that controlling it was important to accessing trade within the Sea of Qes. Though this first took the form of protectoral agreements between Auressian powers and local rulers, by the 1800s this relationship was severed and Tyrnica invaded outright. Through the next century, there were attempts to enforce cultural and religious hegemony upon Selajung, with mixed successes. These actions bred discontent, leading to several major revolts against colonial rule. This failing, opposition became the pursuit of an educated native class, who organised themselves around the Selajung All-Peoples Congress to demand independence. The SAPC, proponents of Batarism named after theorist Elias Batara, launched an independence struggle in the aftermath of the Great War. The war would rage for 4 years, before domestic opposition led to a complete withdrawal of colonial forces. Selajungese independence was declared and the Sediang was established, an indigenous state type that mixed native administrative practices with socialism. In the years following independence, Batara held strongman powers as he rearranged the nation's economy and society towards his vision. He stood down in 1967, with poer remaining within the central committee of the SAPC. His successor, La Cincing Akil Ali, continued his hardline economic policies and opposition to Songhan influence. In 1979, following the death of Akil Ali, the central committee voted to embrace collective rule of the country and looked to reform the economy, opening up the Bukkang Special Economic Zone as an area of free trade. With initial reforms showing promise, they were expanded out to the rest of the country in 1986.

The modern Selajungese state is a mixed economy, having embraced some forms of economic reform while retaining the bulk of political control in the hands of the Selajung All-Peoples Congress. The economy is strong, especally in the fields of high-tech manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and tourism. Press freedom is moderately restricted, while the process for registring a new political party is long and subject to heavy ideological vetting. Within the political apparatus, there is a degree of tension between radicals and reformers, which has occasionally spilled out into street clashes between supporters of different party figures. The currently dominant faction are the reformists.

Geography

Selajung covers XXX square kilometers, making it one of the smaller states in insular Isuan. Despite this smaller size, Selajung is highly geographically diverse, containing many unique geographic features such as mountains, rivers, and dense jungle terrain. Selajung is typically divided into four major geographic regions.

Mangrove along the coastline of the Bukkang Peninsula.

Northern Selajung is dominated by the Bukkang Peninsula, a major promontory which forms the eastern boundary of the Sea of Qes. Historically linked to Palchae in the north, this land bridge was cut off as the sea level rose. Predominantly low-lying, the Bukkang Peninsula is highly fertile and its coastlines are marked by extensive mangrove coverage. The inland regions are dominated by thick tropical rainforest, though this region has seen significant deforestation due to its high population. This is visible in the Romang Highlands, which have seen significant terraced farming of rice and other crops. Land reclamation has increased in recent years due to the growth of Kampeteng and other major cities, and this region is at risk of sea level rise.

The northern terminus of the Ambulus, Putasi Province.

To the south, the landscape is dominated by the Ambulus, a chain of mountains along the faultline between the Isuan Plate and Demontean Plate. This mountain range spans insular Isuan, with its terminus in Selajung. It was formed by the collision between these two plates, with the oceanic crust of the Isuan plate subducting under the Demontean plate in the north. This has led to active volcanism within the Selajungese Ambulus, and as the plates are active the Ambulus are one of the fastest growing and youngest mountain ranges in the world. However, their location at the southern extremity of the Huber-Fuchs Current means that much of this growth is counterracted by erosion. The Ambulus effectively divide Selajung's southern regions into two geographic regions, and are a source of many of the nation's rivers. Their valleys are covered by jungle, with the tallest mountains also possessing cloud forests. The highest point in the Selajungese Ambulus is Mount Batulangi with an altitude of 3,002 metres above sea level. Central Selajung is home to some of the most dense undisturbed rainforest in the world.

North of the Ambulus in southern Selajung, the terrain consists primarily of rolling hills, with major forest coverage in many areas. This region's forest cover has been the subject of logging as well as slash and burn agricultural practices, as it is a major area of livestock farming and agriculture. Much of the region's coastline was originally covered by mangrove swamps, though many of these have since been cleared. The Buale Depression, formed by the terrestrial subduction of the Isuan plate, is a low-lying region which is rich in coal and other natural resources. Southern Selajung is comparatively flat, marked by significant volcanic plateaus. It too has major forest cover, and is known for its white sand beaches.

Hydrology

A view of the Leba river.

Both fresh water and salt water are abundant in Selajung. Selajung possesses XXX square kilometres of territorial waters, including part of the strategic Kalakala straight between the Bukkang Peninsula in Selajung and Palchae. Selajung's waters are known to be abundant in fish and include several notable beaches. In terms of fresh water, Selajung has large quantities. Rainfall alone contributes an estimated 299 million m³ of fresh water, which is more than enough for the nation's population and agriculture. Selajung also posesses reserves of both young and fossilised groundwater, which can be found around the country but especially within the structural basin of the Buale Depression, where tectonic forces have led to the creation of a major reservoir. Due to the quantity of fresh water generated by Selajung's high rainfall rates, this groundwater is of high quality and replenished readily. However, some areas have seen groundwater contamination due to intensive industrial activities.

Selajung is interspersed by hundreds of rivers and streams. The bulk of these originate within the Ambulus, then wind their way across the country towards the sea. Sources of income for many riverine fishermen and key parts of local folklore, Selajung's rivers provide key cultural services to the population and are very important in the daily life of most rural Selajungese. They are also used for transport, with the largest rivers being navigable by boat. Boat taxis called Bukebuke are widespread in the country. Rivers are also used for irrigation for agriculture and drinking water in urban areas. The most important rivers in Selajung are the Leba river, Gallang river, Ulara river and Iso river. Hydroelecrtic power is used by Selajung to make the most of its water richness. Lakes are another feature of Selajung's landscape, providing natural reservoirs of water as well as cultural value. The largest lake in Selajung is Lake Tappareng, located in the south of the country.

Climate

With its location close to the equator, Selajung is classified as having a equatorial climate. This means that the country experiences hot and humid weather year round. The climates to the north and south of the Ambulus differ, with the southern and eastern sides facing the Demontean Ocean while the northern and western sides face the smaller Sea of Qes and Isuan mainland. This means that the north is exposed to continental winds and is comparatively less maritime. One important factor within Selajung's climate is the Der Junge Southern Oscillation, a process that occurs every five to seven years on average and changes the circulation of winds and heat in the Demontean Ocean.

Selajung is strongly affected by monsoons, which bring high levels of precipitation and strong winds to the country. Outside of these events, climates are stable year around. Selajung is subject to a wet season/dry season cycle, but temperatures are consistently high and rarely drop below 25 °C. As most of the country is adjacent to relatively warm waters, the land temperatures are regulated. Humidity is high, averaging between 70 and 90%. Due to its location relevant to the Huber-Fuchs current, Selajung has extremely high average yearly precipitation. This occurs primarily in the wet season. The hottest temperature recorded in Selajung was 44.2 °C in Cellaleng, while the coldest was 7.3 °C near Mount Batulangi.

Biodiversity

Selajung is a highly biodiverse nation, boasting one of the highest numbers of species of any nation in the world. Many of these species are endemic to the country. This biodiversity is driven by Selajung's tropical location, as the greater amounts of ultraviolet energy recieved from the sun at tropic latitudes allow plant species to grow faster, resulting in a greater amount of biomass production and greater speciation. Selajung is also marked by major habitat heterogeniety provided by the Ambulus mountains and different ecoregions, which allows for a wider variety of environmental niches and forces species to adapt to these.

Nepenthes jamban pitcher plant, one of the many species in Selajung.

The diversity of flora in Selajung is one of the richest in the world. It is estimated that Selajung posesses over 10,000 species of plant, with at least half of these species being limited to Selajung. The bulk of these species are located within the mountainous heartland of the country, where the thick tropic rainforest biomes are separated by the terrain. This has allowed species divergence to occur even from one valley to the next. The cloud forests of the Ambulus are known for their wide array of pitcher plants, 17 species in total, while outside of the montane regions, the rainforests are renowned for their 2000 species of orchids and over 3000 species of trees. Another key floral ecosystem is the coastal mangrove forest, which plays a crucial role in regulating coastlines and managing flood risks. Selajung counts five species of mangrove, a diversity which has helped to support vibrant coastal ecosystems. Selajung also possesses a wide variety of native grasses, and is known as a major producer of fruits and spices. As well as vascular plants, fungi and lichens are widespread. Lichen especially play a key role in the upper cloud forests, given their ability to extract moisture from the air.

An Oranale in Selajung.

The fauna of Selajung is equally diverse. It is believed that up to 2,500 species of insect are present, particularly in the rainforest ecoregions where they play a major role in the functioning of the ecosystem. Selajung's crabs, which number an estimated 100 species, are widespread and include both freshwater and saltwater dwelling species. The mangrove forests of the Bukkang Peninsula are especially known for their wide range of crab species, which has informed local culture and cuisine. Selajung has over 400 species of birds, including colourful parrots, ducks, and eagles. The Selajungese eagle, which is the largest extant bird species by wingspan, is one of the most known species of bird due to its size and hunting monkeys and is the national animal of Selajung. With regards to mammals, Selajung is similarly endowed. Approximately 200 species of mammal are present in the country, including many which are endemic. This includes 10 species of primates, which are some of the most popular species in Selajung. The Oranale, the only species of the great apes in Isuan, is the most known primate and is heavily protected by the state after habitat destruction put it at risk. Selajung also possesses a wide range of bats, and a small and endangered number of elephants, rhinos and great cats. Its stock of lizards is also significant, including turtles and snakes, as well as amphibians such as frogs. Its fish stocks are plentiful and varied.

Politics and Government

Daeng Puanna Daéli, Arung Matoa of Selajung.

Since the declaration of independence in 1948, Selajung has been officially deignated as a Sediang state. The Sediang state is a domestic model of nation planning devised by Elias Batara, Selajung's first leader following independence, which is centred upon ideals of confederalism, communalism and direct democracy, the last of these three tenets having been established upon Batara's resignation from strongman rule in 1967. Selajung is a highly decentralised state, each of its seven Limpo having a broad level of autonomy in economic and political affairs. Though the Arung Matoa is often referred to as the head of state of Selajung, the position is a purely ceremonial one given to the oldest member of the Executive Council of Selajung which is a collective presidency composed of eight members who are elected indirectly in national elections. This ensures that the four largest political parties gain representation in the executive and places an emphasis on consensus decision-making in the political process.

The role of the legislative is comparatively small in Selajung compared to other nation states. This is because of the use of referenda to ratify most legislative decisions as opposed to a strong legislature. The Legislative Assembly is a bicameral legislature, composed of the Senate and National Council. The Senate is composed of 35 elected members who are elected based on a system of proportional representation by each Limpo, with each Limpo having 5 seats, and another 10 members who are selected from the nation's Macakkanist clergy and technocratic appointees within economic fields. The National Council is composed of 250 members, who are proportionally elected in a national election. These two bodies provide much of the public discussion on proposed bills, but all bills which are approved by the legislature must be ratified by the public.

Elections are held every four years and are generally perceived as being open and fair. Political parties are free to be registered at both the Limpo and National levels, requiring proof of 200 members for a Limpo-level party and 500 across at least three limpo for a national-level party. On the local level, most decisions are made in village or municipal assemblies through direct democracy, though in larger urban centers such as Kampeteng where this is less practical there are municipal councils which function in a similar manner to the national legislature.

Demographics

Religion

A local Macakkanist temple in rural Selajung.

The place of origin of Macakkanism, one of the world's great religions, Selajung has historically been a place of major religious exchange. The government of Selajung places no restriction upon worship for its citizens, with freedom of religion guaranteed in the constitution. Over 36 million of the nation's citizens are Macakkanists, being 92% of the total population. The majority (65%) of Macakkanists in Selajung follow the Lankung school, with the rest either following the Barukung school or various strands of Neo-Macakkanism. Another 6% follow Auressian religions, such as Perendism and Morism, results of the period of Tyrnican colonialisation. The rest of the population either follow other beliefs or atheism.

The peoples of Selajung traditionally followed localised forms of animistic dynamism, which stressed the importance of familial deities and worship of one's ancestors. Contact with Huran led to the profliteration of several schools of philosophy, which would have an influence on later religious developments. During the Alawokambese Thalassocratic Period, an increased prosperity of Alawese society allowed for the emergence of major religious institutions. It was in this setting of greater religious tolerance that the Sage Aru expounded the initial teachings of Macakkanism. This religious would spread quickly through the Alawokambese world, becoming the dominant religion. The Great Tribulation which marked the emergence of the Barukung school made major reverberations in Selajung, being the heart of the Macakkanist world, but the Lankung orthodoxy would remain dominant in the region despite the growth of a Barukung population.

A Perendist church in Kampeteng.

The arrival of Auressian traders had not brought with it much success with the conversion of natives, but when Tyrnican presence in the nation began to increase their faith began to make inroads. Apostolic Perendism faced a hostile local environment, as Selajungese society was deeply intertwined with its religion and concepts such as the Alawese conception of gender. The Selajungese Perendist community would eventually become a local elite primarily concentrated in the mercantile sector, though many still retain cultural asects of the Macakkanist faith.

Religious tensions in Selajung are minor, though historically there have been disputes between the Lankung and Barukung schools of Macakkanism these were ameliorated by the Compromise at Anshan. The Perendist community faced minor disturbances at the hands of nationalists during the Selajungese War of Independence and in the immediate aftermath of independence, but the official state ideology of Selajung recognised the rights of all people to follow their own religion. Selajung's opening to the world has helped to lower religious tension, and permitted communities of other global faiths to grow.