Indonesia
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People
The majority of Indonesians are of Malay extraction. The remainder of the “pribumi” (natives) are Melanesian (in Papua-Irian Jaya and the eastern islands). There are ethnic Chinese, Indians and Arabs concentrated mostly in urban areas throughout the archipelago. The major ethnic groups: Javanese - 45%, Sundanese - 14%, Madurese - 7.5%, Coastal Malays - 7.5%, and others - 26%.
There are some 300 ethnic groups, a result of both the country's unique geography and history. Many Indonesians may see themselves first by their ethnic and cultural group and secondly as Indonesians. The glue that binds the people together is the usage of the Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, and Pancasila, the national philosophy, which stresses the doctrine of unity and universal justice for all Indonesians.
Language
Bahasa is the official national language. It is very similar to Malay and written in the Roman alphabet. In total, there are an estimated 583 languages and dialects spoken in the archipelago. Several local languages are separated by special forms of address depending on social status, and all languages are spoken in a range of local dialects.
English is the most widely used foreign language for tourism and business, and people in the more remote areas have a basic command of English. The older generation still speak Dutch as a 2nd language and French is spoken at some of the major restaurants and hotels.
Population
240,000,000 (2009)
Food
Indonesian cuisine varies by region and is based on Chinese, European, Middle Eastern, and Indian precedents. Rice is the main staple food and is served with side dishes of meat and vegetables. Spices (notably chili), coconut milk, fish and chicken are fundamental ingredients.
Climate & When to go
Situated on the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly even climate year-round. Rather than four seasons, Indonesia has two – wet and dry – and there are no extremes of winter and summer.
In most parts of Indonesia, the wet season falls between October and April (low season), and the dry season between May and September (high season). Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours, but it can also rain for days on end. Though travel in the wet season is not usually a major problem in most parts of Indonesia, mud-clogged back roads can be a deterrent. The best time to visit is in the dry season.
Currency & Banking
Rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of Rp 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. Coins are in denominations of Rp 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 25.
There is no restriction on the import or export of foreign currency. The import and export of local currency is limited to Rp 5,000,000 and must be declared, and more than Rp 10,000,000 needs authorisation. Failure to declare amounts in excess of Rp 10,000,000 can consequence in heavy fines. Local currency can be exchanged on departure.
Electricity
Usually 220 volts AC, 50Hz, but 110 volts AC, 50Hz, in some rural areas.
Getting Around
There are over 378,000 kilometres of roads in the country, of which 28,500 kilometres or 17,670 miles are main or national roads and 200 kilometres or 125 miles are motorways. Nearly half of the network is paved and traffic drives on the left.
There are good roads within Java and to a smaller extent on Bali and Sumatra. Road tolls are present on some major city roads and need to be paid for by visitors if travelling by taxi.
Buses & taxis are available in various large cities and some smaller towns. Metered taxis are only found in the major tourist areas and main cities. Taxi drivers do not always know how to get to the required destination and passengers may have to tell them. Like all public transportation vehicles, taxis own yellow number plates. The government vehicles have red number plates, whilst the private and rented vehicles have black number plates.
Car hire is available from many companies and from taxi firms, which also provide a limousine service.
As an alternative form of transportation, there are 2tricycle rickshaws options available in Indonesia: the motorised version is called bajaj (pronounced ‘baj-eye’), is a bright orange colour and seats 2 passengers, with the driver in front. The becak (pronounced ‘be-chak’) is pedal-powered by a rider sitting behind with a maximum of 2 passengers. Fares should be dealt with in advance.
Rickshaws are an extremely popular and cheap form of transportation and can be hired almost everywhere. Becaks have now been prohibited from Jakarta city centre.
Motorcycles and bicycles areavailable and can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. For motorcycles, an International Driving Licence is needed and a helmet should be worn.
Tipping
All hotels services are inclusive of 21% tax. 11% is government tax and another 10% is service charge. Therefore, tipping is not mandatory. However, if you want to tip, give 5-10% of the total bill.
Departure Tax
Between Rp 8 and Rp 20,000 depending on airport of departure; infants under the age of 2 are exempt.