Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, consisting of more than 17,000 islands spread 5000 km along the equator between the Asian and Australian continents. A range of volcanoes throughout the islands created unique lands, some of which from the Paleozoic era (older than 248 million years) and Mesozoic era (between 65 and 248 million years), and then combined with most of the islands that emerged during the Cenozoic era (between 2 and 65 million years ago). 

The tectonic and volcanic activities from the Paleozoic era to the present had a major effect on the creation of the Indonesian archipelago and its topography. Land masses that formerly were under the sea rose up above sea level and became dry areas, so that the land then became the victim of the erosion caused by the rivers following heavy rainfall in the areas. The range of volcanoes that started from one end to the other end of Indonesia created mountainous ranged form by rock volcanic eruption that created tremendous sculptures on rocks and stones. Fragments of stones and rocks swept by the water of the rivers created countless stones and rocks. Some of these are high quality viewing stones. Considering the rich and varied geological conditions of Indonesia, I am quite sure that there are many more quality stones to be discovered.

Stone appreciation in Indonesia has its origins with the development and practice of bonsai and the founding of the Indonesian Bonsai Society in 1979. Mr. Seogito Sigit and some other members participated in the establishment of this society. The organization flourished with many members from all levels of society. It was quite common that bonsai lovers usually also knew the name of Japanese suiseki. In 1985, Mr. Ismail Saleh, the minister of Justice of Indonesia, joined the organization and was appointed as the patron. Four years later in 1989, Mr. Mak Paiman joined the organization. He was of Chinese descent and brought with him considerable knowledge in the stone art popular in Chinese culture. Paiman was soon appointed head of the stone section in the bonsai organization. The interest in stone appreciation grew considerably after trips to Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China to observe stones displayed in exhibitions. Paiman encouraged more people to enjoy stones by sharing his knowledge of stone appreciation with other members. Almost at the same time, large numbers of beautiful stones were discovered from Ciniru, Kabupaten Kuningan, Cirebon, and West Java. These stones are rich in shapes with layering, occasionally with some white materials in-between that creates a stream or river view. 

Stones started to be displayed together with bonsai in some exhibitions. The first stones-only exhibition, Suiseki Expo, was held in 1990 in the Hotel Indonesia, an international hotel in the center of Jakarta. Additional sources for high quality stones were found, including Jonggol in West Java, Purbalingga in Central Java, in East Java, and a few other areas. In 1991, The Asia Pacific Bonsai Convention was held in Bali and for the first time Indonesian suiseki were displayed in a major international event. 

The Indonesian Suiseki Association was founded in October 1992 with Mr. Paiman as the chairman and Ismail Saleh as the patron. Several chapters were established in Bogor, Bandung, Cirebon, West Sumatra, Aceh, and South Kalimantan.

By having many exhibitions in several cities, more people became interested in stone appreciation and looked for stones in different areas in Indonesia. High quality stones help to drive the prices higher, and became a source of income for some collectors. In 1997, Ismail Saleh publish the first book of Indonesian stones in the Indonesian language.

Jonggol, Bogor, West Java:

Stones of Jonggol were also popular in the beginning days of suiseki in Indonesia. These are harder stones with some cluster on the stone. Some are shaped like animals.

Central Java stones:

The most popular stones from Central Java originate in Gombong and Kebumen. The stones are very hard and have a brownish color.

West Sumatra stones:

The stones from West Sumatra are the most popular in Indonesia and are of two types. The first is the eroded, hard petrified wood from Muara Labuh with brown or gray color. The second is the jet black stones that are considered to be the best stones in Indonesia. Stone lovers from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan like this stone most.