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Welcome to Indonesia
General Information
Weather Conditions People and Culture Local Customs
GENERAL INFORMATION
 Indonesia, the largest archipelago and the fifth most populous nation in the world, has a total of 17,508 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited. Indonesia extends 3,198 miles (5,150km) between the Australian and Asian continental mainlands and divides the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator. With a total land area of 767,777 square miles (1,919,443 sq. km), its 190 million inhabitants are made up of 300 ethnic groups who speak an estimated 583 different languages and dialects. There are five main islands in Indonesia. These are: Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya.
Sumatra is one of Indonesia's most important islands in just about every way: economically, politically and strategically. Sumatra accounts for a full 25% of the country's total land area. Bukit Barisan, an unbroken mountain wall varying in height, extends down the entire western side of the island. The range includes 93 volcano peaks, 15 of them still active. With 176 different species of mammals, 194 reptiles, 62 amphibians and 150 birds, the island is famous for its varied animal life. It has a greater variety of wildlife than any other island in the country.
The island of Kalimantan is shared with Malaysia. Many areas of the island are almost untouched by the Western world. For the more rough and ready traveler, this is the place to go, although tourist facilities are relatively undeveloped and visitors are few.
Irian Jaya occupies the western half of the island of New Guinea. The island has been a part of Indonesia politically since 1969 . Although it makes up 22% of Indonesia's total land area, only 1% of the country's people live there. Irian Jaya is also the least visited and most remote Indonesian province.
Java, the island where Indonesia's capital city lies, is one of the country's richest, lushest and most populated islands. It was on this island in the early 1800's that the Dutch East India Company established themselves in Indonesia. By the early 20th century, the Dutch had control over the entire country. Although Indonesia is no longer controlled by the Dutch, a great Dutch influence remains. Dutch food, architecture, and all around culture are evident throughout Indonesia.
In two decades, Indonesia has turned itself from rice importer to rice exporter and established itself as the fifth largest OPEC producer. Petrochemicals and oil production account for 70% of the country's foreign revenues, and Indonesia is now the world's leading exporter of liquid natural gas.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Stretching over 3,100 miles (5,000km) from east to west and almost 1,242 miles (2,000km) from north to south, Indonesia straddles the Equator and has a typical equatorial climate. The east monsoon from June to September brings dry weather, while the west monsoon from December to March brings rain. Occasional rain showers occur in between these two seasons as a transitional period.
Mean temperatures at sea level are uniform, varying by only a few degrees throughout the region, and throughout the year 78°- 82°F (25°- 28°C). Coastal areas are often pleasantly cool; however, it can get extremely cold in the mountains with temperature decreasing 2°F (1°C) for every 656 feet (200m) of altitude, which provides a cool pleasant climate in upland communities.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
 Indonesia, with over 190 million people, has the fifth largest population in the world. The country is an ethnological goldmine, with 336 ethnic groups joined together by a unifying language and through intermarriage. Indonesia can be considered a spectrum of all the Asian cultures, races and religions. Of the 190 million people in the country, 87% are Moslem. The Indonesian Constitution recognizes freedom of religion.
Many parts of Indonesia have remained isolated because of the archipelago's size, jungles, highlands and complex customs.
A journey through the country is a journey through time. You will find ways of life that are 5,000 years removed from the world we know. While some Indonesians wear rings and rats' ribs in their noses, yet others read "The Asian Wall Street Journal". If mingling among Indonesia's diverse populations has occurred at all, it has taken place near the sea.
Among Indonesia's diverse peoples, the Balinese are extraordinarily creative with a highly theatrical culture. They are lavish in their colors and decorations and less restrained in their music and dance. The Balinese believe that all natural phenomena have souls. Spirits dominate everything they do, and their lives revolve around offering fruits and flowers to appease the angry gods. Dayak is the collective name for the more than 200 different tribes that comprise Kalimantan's native people. The Javanese (the largest group) originally belonged to the Mongoloid race.
Indonesians in general are friendly, fun-loving people. They are artistic by nature and express themselves in canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone and in their dance and dramas.
Ethnic Groups: The majority is of Malay descent; 45% Javanese, 14% Sudanese, 7.5% Madurese, coastal Malays and other 26%.
Languages: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. There are many dialects. English is the most widely understood foreign language.
Religion: 87% Muslim, 6% Protestant, 3% Roman Catholic, 2% Hindu , 1% Buddhist and 1% other.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
General:
Indonesians are trained to cope with stressful, interpersonal situations differently than Westerners. They tend to be nonassertive and continue to smile and maintain a calm appearance as they withdraw from a quarrel. When they avoid your gaze, it doesn't mean that they are afraid of you. Under most circumstances, eye contact is avoided, particularly if it's prolonged.
Aggressive gestures and postures such as crossing your arms over your chest or standing with your hands on your hips while talking, particularly with older people, are regarded as insulting.
Scarves should be worn around the waist when entering Balinese temples. Never touch anyone's head. Indonesians regard the head as the seat of the soul, and it therefore is sacred.
When invited to eat or drink, watch your Indonesian host. A guest may not start if not invited to do so by the host. The left hand is considered unclean, so never use it to eat. Do not ask for salt, pepper or soy sauce; this request would be considered an insult to the cook. Many traditional Indonesian families do not talk during meals, conversation starts only after the meal. Cover your mouth when using a toothpick.
Unannounced visits early in the evening are an Indonesian tradition. It is considered a compliment if you are kept waiting by the host. He is usually changing his clothes before receiving you.
Never stand taller than a Buddha, and definitely never climb on a Buddha.
Never show the bottom of your feet or point your foot when it is off the ground in the direction of another person.
Business:
It is polite to introduce yourself when meeting strangers without waiting for someone else to do the introductions. Shake hands when greeting people; both men and women will extend their hands. Bowing from the waist is a sign of respect.
Business cards are exchanged immediately after introductions. At the end of the meeting, saying thank you in Indonesian will help build a warm relationship.
The left hand is considered unclean, so never use it to give or receive things. Pointing a finger is considered rude.
Usually, a shirt and tie are sufficient for most business meetings. Because of the heat, jackets are unnecessary. Safari-style leisure suits are comfortable and acceptable.
Because of Muslim tradition, Indonesian women tend to dress conservatively, and slacks are generally reserved for casual wear. Makeup and perfume are acceptable, if used moderately.
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