A land cover/land use classification is proposed covering most of the major features found in the Indonesian Archipelago. The classification is based on a complex set of criteria related to physiognomic, functional and ecological characteristics of the ecosystems. The open-ended, hierarchical classification is supplemented with the definitions of the classes. An attempt is then made to identify complexes of land use as an important step in the characterization of ecosystems. Spatial sequences or catena of land use types are recognized for Java and Sumatra.