Objective
The goal of Indonesia, a strategic board game for 2-5 players, is to become the most powerful economic mogul in the Indonesian archipelago by amassing the greatest wealth. This is achieved by building and expanding businesses, as well as through mergers that create strategic alliances and monopolies.
Setup
- Setup: Each player selects a color and receives the corresponding game components. The banknotes are stacked as a bank, and the province cards are shuffled.
- Game Board: The board depicts a map of Indonesia, divided into different regions.
- Starting Order: Players decide randomly who starts.
Game Play
A game of Indonesia progresses through three eras, each consisting of several rounds. Each round is divided into five phases:
1. Research Phase
- Players can spend points on research to prepare for new technologies or mergers.
2. Acquisition Phase
- Companies are founded. Players can establish new firms by using the corresponding province card and the necessary capital.
3. Merger Phase
- Two companies can merge if they operate in the same region. Players bid on the merged entity, aiming to control larger, more efficient corporations.
4. Operations Phase
- Companies produce and deliver goods. Goods are sold on the market. Transport can be managed by ships or other means, which are also controlled by players.
5. Income Phase
- All players collect income based on the success of their businesses and the delivery of goods.
Key Strategies
- Control Mergers: Mergers are a central aspect of the game and can dramatically increase or decrease the value of companies. Carefully consider when and with whom to merge.
- Optimize Transport Network: Keep your transport routes short and efficient to minimize costs.
- Invest in Research: By developing research, you can acquire new technologies that provide a competitive edge.
End of the Game
The game ends after the income phase of the last round of the third era. Players tally up their total wealth in cash and company values. The player with the most money wins the game.
Indonesia offers deep strategic possibilities and is particularly suited for players who enjoy long-term planning and economic strategies.