Indonesia - IOR-ARC - Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation

Discover

Discover Indonesia:

Indonesia: The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world comprising 17,504 large and small tropical islands fringed with white sandy beaches, many still uninhabited and a number even still unnamed. Straddling the equator, situated between the continents of Asia and Australia and between the Pacific and the Indian Oceans, it is as wide as the United States from San Francisco to New York, equaling the distance between London and Moscow. Indonesia has a total population of more than 215 million people
from more than 200 ethnic groups. The national language is Bahasa Indonesia.

Among the most well known islands are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan (formerly
Borneo), Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), the Maluku Islands (or better known as Moluccas, the original Spice Islands) and Papua. Then, there is Bali "the world's best island resort" with its enchanting culture, beaches, dynamic dances and music. But Indonesia still has many unexplored islands with grand mountain views, green rainforests to trek through, rolling waves to surf and deep blue pristine seas to dive in where one can swim with dugongs, dolphins and large mantarays.

Because of her location, and geology, Indonesia is blessed with the most diverse landscape, from fertile ricelands on Java and Bali to the luxuriant rainforests of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, to the savannah grasslands of the Nusatenggara islands to snow-capped peaks of West Papua.

Her wildlife ranges from the prehistoric giant Komodo lizard to the Orang Utan and the Java rhino, to the Sulawesi anoa dwarf buffalos, to birds with exquisite plumage like the cockatoo and the bird of paradise. This is also the habitat of the Rafflesia the world's largest flower, wild orchids, an amazing variety of spices, and aromatic hardwood and a large variety of fruit trees. Underwater, scientists have found in North Sulawesi the prehistoric coelacanth fish, a "living fossil" fish, predating the dinosaurs living some 400 million years ago, while whales migrate yearly through these waters from the South Pole. Here are hundreds of species of colourful coral and tropical fish to admire.

Culturally, Indonesia fascinates with her rich diversity of ancient temples, music, ranging
from the traditional to modern pop, dances, rituals and ways of life, changing from island to island, from region to region. Yet everywhere the visitor feels welcomed with that warm, gracious innate friendliness of the Indonesian people that is not easily forgotten.

Facilities-wise Indonesia's hotels are second to none. In fact, many of our luxurious and unique hotels have constantly been listed as some of the best in the world, located on white sandy beaches, overlooking green river valleys, or situated in the heart of busy capital Jakarta. While Indonesia's cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, or Makassar are a hive of activities for business and leisure and a paradise for shoppers, offering upscale boutiques selling top brand names, to local goods at road-side stalls. Here gourmets can treat themselves to the many regions' delectable spicy cuisine or dine sumptuously at
international restaurants. And for sheer relaxation, Indonesia Spas are second
to none to reinvigorate both body and mind.

Convention centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, as many top international conferences and exhibitions are held in Jakarta, Bali to Manado, ranging from the Global Climate Change Conference in Bali to the World Ocean Conference in Manado, to trade and investment exhibitions and tourism trade shows in many provincial capital cities.

Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Padang, Bandung, Solo, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Makassar are connected by direct international flights, and many regular and low cost carriers fly passengers to Indonesia's towns or remote locations.

At a glance

The Arts and Celebrations

The Indonesian archipelago harbours many ancient cultures that are rooted here, while throughout its history through centuries until today the islands have been influenced by Indian, Chinese, Arabic and European cultures, and lately also by the global popular culture, international travel and internet. Foreign cultures and traditions, however, are absorbed and assimilated by the people producing unique "Indonesian" creations found nowhere else in the world.

On 2 October 2009, UNESCO recognized Indonesia's "Batik" as World Intangible Cultural Heritage, adding to the earlier recognized Indonesia's "Keris" (the wavy blade dagger), and the "Wayang" shadow puppets. Further being considered as World Heritage is the "Angklung" bamboo musical instrument from West Java, being uniquely "Indonesian".

Further information on Indonesia tourism, log into www.indonesia.travel; ww.budpar.go.id

TIME: +7 hours Greenwich Mean Time

Working Days:

Government Office:

Monday to Friday (08.00 am - 04.00 pm)

Private Sector: Monday to Friday , (some institutions : Monday to Saturday) (09.00 am - 05.00 pm)

Public Services: Monday to Saturday

Banking hours:

Monday to Friday: 08.30 am - 03.00 pm

Saturday: 09.00 am - 12.00 pm

Currency:

Currency name: Rupiah (Rp)

The unit of currency used in Indonesia is the rupiah (Rp). Denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 rupiah are in circulation in both the silver-coloured coins and gold-coloured coins. Notes come in 1000, 2000, 5000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000 rupiah denominations.

Import or export of foreign currencies and travelers' checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesia currency, exceeding 100 million Rupiah is prohibited.

For more information about Indonesian Currency, www.bankindonesia.go.id

Telecommunication:

Facilities in hotel or telecommunication centers enable the visitor to communicate with major cities in the world via telephone and Internet. Direct dialing telephone is available in many places.

International direct dialing code: 62

Internet services: widely available at all capital city of Indonesian provinces and all the business center in the hotels. Most of the five star hotels have provided free wi-fi in the lobby and rooms.

Climate:

Seasons Rainy Season Dry Season

Month Oct-April March-September

Temperature 23⁰c- 33⁰c 17⁰c-23⁰c

Annual Rainfall 900 mm on the coast

1500 mm on Central Plateau

Sea Temperature 22⁰c-27⁰c

Public Holidays

Public Holidays: (List)

International New Year's Day (1^ST January)

Lunar / Chinese New Year - 1st day of 1st month of lunar calendar

Mawlid / Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) - Birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad

Bali New Year - Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New Year

Good Friday - Date varies; this is the Friday before Easter Monday 2012

Vesak Day - Buddha's Birthday

Ascension Day

Ascension of the Prophet

Indonesian National Day - Celebrating the country's proclamation of independence

Eid al-Fitr - End of Ramadan

Eid al-Adha Feast of the Sacrifice / Kurban

Islamic New Year

Christmas Day

Capital City

Capital City: Jakarta

Jakarta (also Djakarta or DKI Jakarta, formerly known as Batavia) is the capital and the largest city of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of the island of Java, at 6°11' S 106°50' E. It has an area of 650 km² and a population of 8.792.000 (2004). The President's Palace, the Ministry Buildings, the Department Buildings and the Offices of the highest Organs of the State are found here. As a metropolitan city, it has its own Provincial Government, headed by Governor not by a Major. The capital city of Jakarta is a mirror of
Indonesia's unique diversivity of tribes, language, culture, customs and religion.

Jakarta has a warm tropical climate with the annual average temperature to 28° C at daytime and 26° C at night, with the dampness 80-90 %. The average humidity is 18%. Located near the equator and situated at the North Western Coast of the island on a bay, called 'Bay of Jakarta', the wind is affected by a seasonal wind. West Seasonal Wind blows between November and April while East seasonal wind blows between May and October. City Jakarta temperature is under influence of sea wind as it is located along the coastal lines. The average of raindrop is 2,000 mm. The biggest raindrop is around in January and the smallest one is in September.

Light clothes are most suitable for the climate. For formal occasions necktie and suits are a must for gents, but for less formal occasions a long sleeved batik shirt is acceptable.

Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

The ethnic Jakartan called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi, spoken as well in the surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. This language has two variations: the conventional Betawi and the modern Jakarta . While the first is spoken by the elder people, born and bred in Jakarta, the second is spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

Point of Interest

Jakarta, the capital and largest city, has changed immeasurably since the days of the Portuguese arrival in 1522. Wide highways have replaced dusty bullock tracks. Skyscrapers have grown where thatched huts once stood. But beautiful examples of the old colonial architecture have been preserved, and in quiet residential neighborhoods you can still see neat Dutch bungalows with their red-tiled roofs.

Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of outside influences which came and has remained in this vital seaport city. The Taman Fatahillah Restoration Project, begun in the early 1970s has restored one of the oldest sections of Jakarta also known as Old Batavia to approximately its original state.

The old Portuguese Church and warehouse have been rehabilitated into living museums. The old Supreme Court building is now a museum of fine arts which also houses part of the excellent Chinese porcelain collection of former Vice President Adam Malik. The old Town Hall has become the Jakarta Museum, displaying such rare items as Indonesia's old historical documents and Dutch period furniture.

Its tower clock was once returned to England to be repaired under its lifetime guarantee, which up to now has already lasted hundreds of years.

One of the most interesting tourist attractions is the "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park" popularly called "Taman Mini". Built to portray the variety of cultures found within the many islands contained in the Republic of Indonesia, this open-air museum comprises the many
architectural forms of arts and traditions of all 27 provinces. It is proof of the country's motto of Unity in Diversity as well as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses of worship built on the grounds.

Transportation

There are railways throughout Jakarta The railroad tracks connect Jakarta to its neighboring cities: Depok and Bogor to the south, Tangerang and Serpong to the west, and Bekasi, Karawang, and Cikampek to the east. The major rail stations are Gambir, Jatinegara, Manggarai, and Jakarta Kota.

Buses and transport cars (local language: Angkot, angkutan kota) are also popular. Like trains, they also become overloaded during peak hours. In 2003, the government formed
Busway; it serves the route from Jakarta Kota all the way to Blok M. The second phase of the busway constructed in 2005, serving the route from Pulogadung to Kalideres and until 2010, there are 6 (six) lines of busway.

Despite the presence of many large, wide boulevards, Jakarta suffers from heavy traffic
congestion, especially in the central business district. To reduce traffic jams, some major roads in Jakarta have a three in one rule during rush hours, prohibiting vehicles carrying less than three passengers on certain roads.

Jakarta's transportation also depends on tollroads. The major tollroad is the inner ring road from Tanjung Priok-Cawang-Grogol-Tanjung Priok. The outer ring road is now being constructed and is partly operational from Cilincing-Cakung-Pasar Rebo-Pondok Pinang-Daan Mogot-Cengkareng. The tollroads also connect Jakarta to the International airport of Soekarno-Hatta to the northwest, to the port of Merak and Tangerang to the west, to Serpong to the southwest, to Depok and Bogor to the south, and to Bekasi, Cibitung
and Karawang, Purwakarta and eventually to Bandung to the east.

Visit these sites for more information about Jakarta

www.jakarta.go.id , www.traveljakarta.com

Major Tourist Attractions

Other Major Tourist Attractions:

Around Jakarta, there are several places of interest that provide a relaxing change of atmosphere. Bogor, a cool haven 64 km outside Jakarta, houses the famous Botanical Garden which contains 11,000 different species of tropical plants and trees and 3,500
varieties of beautiful orchids. Puncak is a mountain resort on the road between Bogor and Bandung. Pretty bungalows and cottages, set amidst lush foliage, command a panoramic view.

The artistic capital of West Java, Bandung, affords a year-round cool climate. Its attractions
include the Bosscha Observatory, the largest swimming pool in Southeast Asia at 'Karangsetra', Maribaya Hot Springs and Tangkuban Perahu crater. Resort that provide swimming and boating facilities are Jatiluhur Lakeside Resort, Pulau Putri, Merak Beach and other island in Pulau Seribu.

At Jogjakarta, there is the magnificent temple complex of Borobudur and Prambanan in Central Java. If you have the time, a visit to the beautiful island of Bali is a must.

Further information on Indonesia tourism, log into www.indonesia.travel; www.budpar.go.id

UNESCO heritage:

On 2 October 2009, UNESCO recognized Indonesia's "Batik" as World Intangible Cultural Heritage, adding to the earlier recognized Indonesia's "Keris" (the wavy blade dagger), and the "Wayang" shadow puppets. Further being considered as World Heritage is the "Angklung" bamboo musical instrument from West Java, being uniquely "Indonesian".

Planning Your Visit

Customs formalities :

Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia:

1 liter of alcoholic beverages

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 100 grams of tobacco

Reasonable amount of perfume per adult, meaning if you arrive drenched in perfume the customs probably will not mind you carrying loads of bottles.

Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipments are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs.

You are prohibited to carry:

Firearms
Narcotics drugs
Pornography materials
Chinese printing and medicines
Transceivers and cordless telephone
Films, pre-recorded video tapes, laser discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by Censor Board.

Import or export of foreign currencies and travelers' checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesia currency, exceeding 100 million Rupiah is prohibited.

Further information on customs and taxes in Indonesia, log into www.beacukai.go.id

Credit cards:

Credit cards can be a convenient way to access money, Cash advances on Visa and MasterCard can be obtained over the counter at many banks (as well as from ATMs), though some charge transaction fees of around Rp. 5000- always ask first.

Master Card and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards. Amex is a distant third. Most hotels and Shopping Center in the Major Capital City of Provinces will also accept credit cards as a means of payments.

VAT:

Price of goods in the retail store already included VAT (value added taxes). Further information on customs and taxes in Indonesia, log into www.beacukai.go.id

Shopping hours + list shopping centres:

Most of shopping center shopping hours is 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

Shopping areas worth a visit in Jakarta include:

Taman Surapati: browse through the assortment of paintings displayed by sidewalk pedlars.

Kebayoran Lama: contains several batik factories where visitors can watch the making of batik before making their purchases.

Pasar Baru, Pasar Senen, Pasar Majestic, Pasar Cikini:concentrated in these areas are shopping centers selling a wide range of goods.

Kebayoran Baru: situated in the center of this area is Blok M, a major shopping complex offering a good collection of imported and local products.

Glodok & Pancoran: this is the shopping area in Jakarta's famous Chinatown. Prices are usually quite cheap. Glodok is noted for its many antique shops specializing in porcelains.

Jalan Surabaya: this is where you'll find many interesting street stalls offering antique furniture, old Dutch lamps and Chinese porcelains.

The most sophisticated and comprehensive shopping center is the government-operated
Sarinah Department Store at Jalan M.H. Thamrin. Souvenir shops like the Jakindra Foundation and Harris Art Gallery carry the widest choice of Indonesian arts and crafts.

Visit www.jakarta.go.id for more information of shopping centers

TV Channels :

Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) is national TV broadcast

Some provinces have local TV channel such as Bali TV in Bali and O Channel & Jak TV in
Jakarta. Those local TV only broadcast locally in the provinces and produces their own program

There are also private TV Channel such as RCTI, SCTV, Metro TV, TV One, Indosiar, Trans TV, Trans 7, Global TV and MNC TV.

Electricity :

voltage rate : 110-220 Volt

Types of Plugs/Sockets: two stand sockket

Visa Requirements

All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six
months from the date of arrival, and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage.

Visa-on-Arrival:

The Indonesian Government extends Visa on Arrival (VoA) to nationals of 63 countries which can be obtained at designated entry airports and sea ports. Visa-on-Arrival are
valid for 30 days and are extendable with another 30 days to be applied at Immigration offices in Indonesia.

Starting 26 January 2010, the 7-day Visa-on-Arrival has been discontinued.

Countries extended Visa-on-Arrival facility are:

1. Algeria 2. Australia, 3.Argentina, 4. Austria, 5. Bahrain, 6. Belgium, 7. Brazil,

8. Bulgaria, 9. Cambodia, 10. Canada, 11. Cyprus, 12. Denmark, 13. Egypt, 14. Estonia,

15.Fiji, 16. Finland, 17.France, 18. Germany, 19.Greece 20.Hungary,

21.Iceland, 22.India, 23.Iran, 24. Ireland, 25.Italy, 26. Japan,

27.Kuwait, 28. Laos PDR, 29.Latvia, 30.Libya, 31. Lithuania, 32.Liechtenstein,

33. Luxemburg, 34. Malta, 35. Maldives, 36.Monaco, 37. Mexico, 38. New Zealand,

39. the Netherlands, 40. Norway, 41. Oman, 42. Panama,

43. The People's Republic of China, 44.Poland, 45. Portugal, 46.Qatar, 47.Rumania,

48.Russia, 49.South Africa, 50.South Korea, 51.Switzerland, 52.Saudi Arabia,

53. South Africa, 54.Spain, 55.Suriname, 56.Sweden, 57.Slovakia, 58.Slovenia,

59.Taiwan, 60. Tunisia. 61.the United Arab Emirates, 62. the United Kingdom,

63. The United States of America.

Entry Ports Where Visa-on-Arrival May Be Issued are:

Airports:

Soekarno-Hatta, Jakarta

Ngurah Rai in Bali

Sultan Syarif Hasim, Pekanbaru

Minangkabau, Padang

Juanda, Surabaya

Sam Ratulangi, Manado

Polonia, Medan

Hang Nadim, Batam

Halim Perdana Kusuma, Jakarta

Adi Sucipto, Jogjakarta

Adi Sumarmo, Surakarta

Husein Sastranegara, Bandung

Ahmad Yani, Semarang

Selaparang, Mataram

Ei-Tari, Kupang

Hasanuddin, Makassar

Sam Ratulangi, Manado

Sepinggan,Balikpapan

Supadio, Pontianak

Authorized seaports are at Batam:

Sekupang, Batuampar, Nongsa, Marina, and Teluk Senimba, Bandar Bintan, Talani Lagoi, Tanjung Balai Karimun, and Bandar Sri Udana Labon in the Riau archipelago, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang; Belawan port and Sibolga in North Sumatra, Yos Sudarso Tanjung Perak in Surabaya; Teluk Bayur of Padang; Tanjung Priok harbor at Jakarta; Padang Bai and Benoa ports in Bali; the port of Jayapura; Bitung; Tanjung Mas in Semarang, Central Java; Tenua and Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara, Pare-Pare and Soekarno Hatta port in South Sulawesi.

Free Tourist Visa

Free Tourist short stay visas for 30 days are extended to tourists from 12 countries, namely from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand,
Vietnam, and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Chile, Equador, Morocco and Peru.

VISA Application at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates

Visitors from other countries must apply for visa at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates in their home country. In addition, the visa cannot be replaced with any other immigration letters. The visa shall then be administered by Visa Officer in the presence of the applicant concerned.

You may find information on Indonesia embassies and consulates contact details at the
Ministry of Foreign Affair website on the following direct link: www.deplu.go.id.

Free entry visa is also provided to delegates registered in a conference that is officially
convened. In addition, tourist visa can be obtained from every Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. You can visit Indonesia through certain means and gates, by air via Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Surabaya and Batam; by sea via Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Tanjung Pinang and Kupang. Maximum stay in Indonesia is two months.

Airport Tax

An airport tax of Rp150,000 is levied by airports on departing passengers on international
flights and Rp.25,000 for those on domestic routes.

Tipping

Most hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill on top of the 10% tax. In restaurants where service charge is not added, a tip of 5 to 10% on the bill will be appropriate
depending on the service and type of establishment.

Customs

Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia:

1 liter of alcoholic beverages

200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 100 grams of tobacco

Reasonable amount of perfume per adult, meaning if you arrive drenched in perfume the customs probably will not mind you carrying loads of bottles.

Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipments are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

To be updated soon ...

Accommodation

Accommodation, Airline and transport requirements visit:

Facilities-wise Indonesia's hotels are second to none. In fact, many of our luxurious and
unique hotels have constantly been listed as some of the best in the world, located on white sandy beaches, overlooking green river valleys, or situated in the heart of busy capital Jakarta.

Airline and Local Transport

To be updated soon ...