INDONESIA – People & Culture
What are the different ethnic groups in Indonesia?
The Indonesian nation, which lives on more than 13,400 islands, now has about 200 million inhabitants, made up of over 200 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects, whose populations range from Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million) on Java to thousands of peoples on remote islands. After gaining independence in 1945, intermarriages between people of different ethnic groups have welded the population together into a more cohesive Indonesian nation.
What is the predominant religion practiced in Indonesia?
The majority of the population is Muslim, while the Hindu religion predominates in Bali. In areas such as the Minahasa in North Sulawesi, the Toraja Highlands in South Sulawesi, on the eastern Nusatenggara Islands and in large parts of Papua, in the Batak Highlands and on the island of Nias in North Sumatra, most are Catholics or Protestants. By and large, Indonesians are religious in nature.
What are the main beliefs of Indonesians?
And true to the Pancasila, the five principles of nationality, namely belief in the one and only God, a just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy through unanimous deliberations, and social justice for all, Indonesian societies are open and tolerant of each other’s religions, customs, and traditions while faithfully adhering to their own. The Indonesian coat of arms also bears the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, “Unity in Diversity”.
History
The history of Indonesia can be marked as the dawn of mankind since it is where the remains of the early man were unearthed. During the ancient age of kingdoms and empires, Indonesia saw the rise of the great empires that ruled over almost all of South-East Asia and regarded to play a key role in the history of the region. After gaining independence from foreign colonization and the wave of both World Wars, Indonesia emerged as one united country and continued to thrive amongst the top nations of the world to this very day.
Fossilized remains of Homo erectus and his tools, popularly known as the “Java Man” found in the archaeological site of Sangiran in Central Java, suggested that the Indonesian archipelago was already inhabited by “the early man” at least since 1.5 million years ago. Recently, the fossil of Homo floresiensis or nicknamed as ‘hobbit man’ was discovered in Liang Bua, Flores Island and also believed to be one of the ancestors of modern humans.
Chinese chronicles mention that trade between India, China and the islands within what today is the Indonesian Archipelago was already thriving since the first century AD. The powerful maritime empire of Srivijaya in southern Sumatra that ruled over the Sumatra seas and the Malacca Straits from the 7th to the 13th century was the centre for Buddhism learning and famous for its wealth. In the 8th- 9th century, the Sailendra Dynasty of the Mataram kingdom in Central Java built the magnificent Buddhist Borobudur temple in Central Java and followed by the construction of the Hindu Temple Prambanan.
From 1294 to the 15th century the powerful Majapahit Kingdom in East Java held suzerainty over a large part of this archipelago. Meanwhile, small and large sultanates thrived on many islands of the archipelago, from Sumatra to Java and Bali, to Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Ternate and the Moluccas, especially following the arrival of Islam in the 13th Century.
Following the arrival of Marco polo in Sumatra, successive waves of Europeans—the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and British—sought to dominate the spice trade at its sources which is at the Moluccas or Maluku Islands of Indonesia began in the 16th century. In 1596 the first Dutch vessels anchored at the shores of West Java. Over the next three centuries, the Dutch gradually colonized this archipelago until it became known as the Dutch East Indies.
Revolt against the oppressing colonizers soon built up throughout the country. The Indonesian youth, in their Youth Pledge of 1928 vowed together to build “One Country, One Nation and One Language: Indonesia”, regardless of race, religion, language or ethnic background in the territory then known as the Dutch East Indies.
Finally, on the 17th of August 1945, after the defeat of the Japanese in the Second World War, the Indonesian people declared their Independence through their leaders Soekarno and Hatta. Freedom, however, was not easily granted. Only after years of bloody fighting did the Dutch government finally relent, officially recognizing Indonesia’s Independence in 1950.
INDONESIA – Visas & Entry
Indonesia is fully preparing for a recovery in tourism in the near future as the government does everything it can to flatten the curve of the pandemic by accelerating vaccination programs and imposing restrictions on the community. Currently , Indonesia has decided to reopen Bali and the Riau Islands to visitors, taking into account the conditions in force. Before planning your trip to Indonesia, you should find out about the visa and entry requirements to Indonesia.
1 | E-Visa
To facilitate access, the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has developed an electronic visa application system (e-Visa). This e-Visa is designed to help foreign travelers who plan to visit Indonesia in the future and have a positive impact on the development of Indonesia’s tourism and creative industries.
The e-Visa application system allows foreigners to apply for a visa online without having to visit the Republic of Indonesia representative outside the country or the immigration office. You can find more information about the e-Visa in this article.
The government also launched the Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) program on November 10, 2022 , to provide an even easier entry process for foreign travelers.
According to the Circular of the Directorate-General for Immigration No. IMI-0794. GR.01.01 of 2022 regarding immigration policy regarding electronic visit visa services, visit visas on arrival and free visit visa to support sustainable tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic, as of December 1, 2022, the eVOA program is accessible to foreign nationals from 86 countries. The eVOA is available at 16 airports, 91 seaports, as well as 6 cross-border immigration checkpoints across Indonesia.
You can find the full list of eligible countries and entry points across Indonesia where the eVOA is available at this link. As for registration, you can go to this page to know more details about it.
2 | Type of visas
Before applying for a visa to Indonesia, you must specify your purpose of visit to know what type of visa you need. Based on the Decree of the Minister of Law and Human Rights (KEPMENKUMHAM) No. M.HH-03. GR.01.05 of 2021, here are the current types of visas you can apply for.
According to the Circular of the Directorate-General for Immigration No. IMI-0708. GR.01.01 of 2022 on Facilitating Immigration in Support of Sustainable Tourism During the COVID-19 Pandemic Effective September 23, 2022, the Government of Indonesia has implemented a visa exemption regime for 9 countries. See this link for the full list of countries eligible for a visa waiver.
In addition, on October 25, 2022, the General Directorate of Immigration (DGI) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights officially introduced the second residence visa, the details of which are listed in Circular No. IMI-0740. GR.01.01 of 2022 on the issuance of a second residence visa and a temporary residence permit.
Under this link you can find more information about the visa types applicable in Indonesia.
INDONESIA – Flora & Fauna
Indonesia’s mighty tropical rainforests and unique endangered wildlife
Indonesia’s landscape is dotted with large, dense tropical rainforests that ripple from mountain peaks to deep valleys and are home to some of the world’s most numerous and diverse plant and endemic animal species. These have been designated as protected national parks, which are scattered in the archipelago on Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi and Papua. These are also vital, as they are also home to human settlements and are home to endangered wildlife.
With global campaigns on climate change, rainforests are recognized as valuable lungs for life on earth that must be protected for future generations. Unfortunately, with the growing population and better economic conditions, large areas of rainforest are being felled for export goods, while conflicts arise between tigers, elephants and villagers.
Scientists say Sumatra is the only place in the world where tigers, orangutans, rhinos and elephants share a habitat. The jungles of Sulawesi hide some fascinating animals that can only be found on this island. And while Borneo is the orangutan’s habitat, the island of Papua has some of the most beautiful birds in the world, and the best is none other than the bird of paradise.
A number of Indonesia’s great national parks are open for visitors to get up close and personal with these unique animals in their own habitat. To help you out and venture into the wild, here’s a quick list to get you started:
1 | Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan
Welcome to the jungle! Tanjung Puting, one of the most popular travel destinations in Kalimantan. It’s like a realization of a fictional jungle book adventure. Here you can imagine an explorer going on a river boat into deep tropical rainforests to meet wild orangutans and other exotic animals. The area in Kalimantan Province was originally declared a game reserve in 1935 and declared a national park in 1982. Here, the orangutans are the main reason tourists and nature lovers immerse themselves in this park, known for the meticulous and strenuous work on orangutan carried out by the orangutan research and conservation program at Camp Leaky Research Station has been. Camp Leakey is an orangutan sanctuary and the site of the longest uninterrupted study of any wild animal in the history of science.
This park is also home to some of the strangest creatures on earth, such as the weird Smurf-like proboscis monkey and seven other species of primate, clouded leopards, civet cats, the wild banteng, and many other types of wild animals that roam freely around the land. It also features some of the most glamorous species in the air, such as colorful birds, butterflies, and moths.
2 | The Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi
The Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi is a haven for some of the most unique and rare animals and plants in the world. The most famous destination in this reserve is Batuputih Park, the only place where you can look back on lovable, far-sighted goblin lemurs in its natural habitat. Goblin monkeys are known to be the smallest species of monkey in the world, although they are not a monkey at all. This creature is actually a primate, no larger than the size of a grown man’s hand. Other equally adorable and unique animals that are endemic to Sulawesi and roam freely in their natural habitat in this reserve are the black macaques, maleo birds, cuscus, hornbills and white-bellied sea eagles, which are protected by majestic ficus trees .
3 | The Way Kambas National Park
Way Kambas National Park is located in Lampung at the southernmost end of the island of Sumatra, directly opposite the ominous Krakatau volcano and comprises no less than 1,300 km2 of land on the Way Kambas River. On the one hand, this park is particularly popular as a sanctuary for Sumatran elephants, but on the other hand, it is also a refuge for a multitude of rare and endangered species, where the Sumatran tigers are released and the Sumatran rhinoceros is also home. The Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, established in Way Kambas in 1995, is a breeding center for the only two-horned rhinoceros of the Asian species. A number of rhinos were born here, and in 1985 the Elephant Training Center was established to protect elephants while providing mutual benefit to the elephants and men.
Aside from the wildlife mentioned above, the park also holds several other attractive mammals, such as the tapir, coyote, gibbon and 406 species of forest birds, various types of reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.
4 | Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten Province
Ujung Kulon National Park is located on the southwestern tip of Java Island and across from Krakatau volcano on the Java side and is Indonesia’s first national park. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Although it is the most famous national park in the country, it is rarely visited. This can be very positive as the national park has a very well preserved ecosystem of flora and fauna due to human interference. However, there are a number of islands that surround the park, such as Umang Island and others that surround it, that have become popular ecotourism destinations. Ujung Kulon is best known as the final refuge of the Java one-horned rhinoceros, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. According to the official WWF website, there are only about 60 Java rhinos left in the world. These extraordinary mammals are nocturnal, extremely rare and rarely appear in front of humans. Some locals even consider the Java rhinoceros to be a closely sacred ancient creature.
Besides the Java rhinoceros, the park is also home to many other wonderful creatures, such as the Owa Jawa monkey, the red dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), Banteng, silvery gibbon, the black crested langur, long-tailed macaque, Java leopard Kleinkantschil, Mane Deer and many more. There are also over 72 species of reptiles and amphibians and 240 species of birds that make Ujung Kulon their home.
5 | The Alas Purwo National Park
Aside from the fact that it is considered home to some of Indonesia’s rare and threatened animal species, Alas Purwo National Park is much more than just a nature reserve. Located in the Banyuwangi District, East Java, the park is considered by locals to be the place where the earth first emerged from the ocean. The name Alas Purwo itself literally means “jungle or primordial forest”. Many in search of spiritual enlightenment and mysticism come here during the month of Suro, the Javanese New Year. For those who just want to enjoy the best of nature, Alas Purwo offers incredible beaches, amazing wildlife, as well as savannas, mangroves and monsoon forests. The park is considered to be the most natural tropical rainforest and one of the oldest in Indonesia. Thousands of migratory birds visit its pristine forests each year and turtles come to lay their eggs on the secluded beaches.
Before you venture out into the wild with confidence, please consider the following tips.
10 reasons to visit the magnificent Komodo National Park
The huge and impressive Komodo National Park lies between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in East Nusatenggara Province. In 1986 the park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Komodo National Park comprises a total of 29 volcanic islands (including the 3 main islands of Rinca, Padar, and Komodo) and is home to around 2,500 Komodo dragons and other land animals such as various species of reptiles, birds, and mammals. The park’s terrain is uniquely diverse and consists of mountain slopes, tropical rainforests, grassland savannas, and pristine white sand beaches that are home to an abundance of marine biodiversity. The marine environment in Komodo National Park is one of the world’s richest in flora and fauna and is still relatively undiscovered. The 2,000 square meter park (which also includes protected land and water) is recognized as a world priority nature reserve and offers a number of natural attractions.
For those new to travel to this wonderful piece of Indonesia, here are 10 tips to help you explore this great national park.
1 The Komodo-Dragons
The Komodo dragon (or Varanus komodoensis) is the largest lizard and reptile in the world. It is about 3 meters long and weighs over 70 kg. The dragons are characterized by their enormous size, flat heads, curved legs, long thick tails and forked tongues. Komodos can run and swim up to 20 km / h and have excellent visibility, allowing them to see objects from 300 m away. These reptiles are predators, carnivores and can eat 80% of their weight in one feed. The Komodo can consume very large prey such as water buffalo, deer, carrion, pigs and even humans. It has a unique way of killing by biting its prey – especially if it is a large water buffalo – surrounding it in a group, and then patiently waiting for the venom in its saliva to slowly kill its victim. Then the prey is completely shredded and devoured with bones and everything. If the prey escapes, it usually dies within 24 hours due to the poisoning of the blood from the toxic and bacteria-pollinated saliva.
These Jurassic and majestic creatures, only found in the world in Komodo National Park and the surrounding Flores Island, are the main attraction of the park. While this animal is fantastic to see, visitors are advised not to keep your distance and exercise caution. Try to always be accompanied by a ranger and follow all of the ranger’s instructions when around these dangerous lizards, although they can look pretty good-natured.
2 Climate & Geography
The climate in Komodo National Park is one of the driest in Indonesia. The national park receives little to no rainfall for about 8 months of the year and is heavily affected by monsoon rains. The daytime temperatures during the dry season from May to October are an average of 40 degrees. Because of this dry climate, the land is rough with rocky hills and plant species are limited to grass, shrubs, orchids and trees. In contrast, the marine area has a rich and colorful landscape. The national park belongs to the coral reef in the Asia-Pacific region and is full of seagrass meadows, colorful coral reefs and dense mangrove forests.
3 Land & marine wildlife
In addition to the magnificent Komodo dragon, the Komodo National Park is the habitat of various other land and sea inhabitants. Visitors can witness these fascinating animals roam freely in their natural grounds.
Terrestrial fauna that can be found here includes a wide variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds. These include 12 species of snakes, 9 species of lizards, various frogs, the Timor deer (the main prey of the Komodo), horses, water buffalo, wild boar, the endemic Rinca rat, fruit bats, the orange-footed scrub poultry and over 40 species of birds.
The marine fauna is amazingly diverse, including over 1,000 species of fish, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, dugongs, green turtles and different types of sharks, giant manta rays, stingrays, marine reptiles and and occasionally crustaceans migrating whales.
4 Dynamic dive sites
Komodo National Park is conveniently located in the heart of the coral triangle in the Asia-Pacific region and is home to one of the richest marine environments in the world. Divers, scientists and photographers from all over the world come to this national park to experience the amazing biodiversity found in one of the many dive sites – the larger islands of Rinca, Komodo and Padar, along with the smaller islands that surround them. make up at least 100 world class dive sites.
The area is famous for its violent currents, torrential tides and whirlpools that bring rich nutrients from the depths of the Indian Ocean to create ideal conditions for thousands of species of tropical fish and corals.
The dive sites offer excellent opportunities to observe manta rays, sharks and dugongs.
Diving in Komodo National Park puts you in the heart of the world’s most dynamic marine environment.
Due to the strong currents that can bring divers into the vast open Indian Ocean, as well as the huge marine mammals that pass here, visitors are strongly advised to seek advice from reputable and experienced divers and avoid those who lack basic safety measures.
5 Hiking on Padar Island
The breathtakingly beautiful landscape on Padar Island is second to none. This island is the perfect place for a scenic hike and spectacular photos. If you climb one of the many grassy hills, you will be amazed by the beautiful green, white, and blue hues that surround it. The lookout point from the highest peak gives you breathtaking views of four crescent-shaped glittering beaches and an abundance of photos that will make your family and friends green with envy. A hike to the top of this mountain takes about 2 to 3 hours. Prepare and bring comfortable shoes, clothes, water, and sunscreen as the sun can get hot.
6 Pink beach on Komodo island
This unique and charming beach got its name from the mining of red coral in combination with the pristine white sand. Also known as Pantai Merah, Pink Beach is one of seven in the world to have a bright, soft pink tint. The panoramic view of the lush green hills, pristine turquoise waters, bright pink sand and azure skies will take your breath away.
Pink Beach also has some spectacular snorkeling and diving spots. The pristine marine landscape is densely decorated with a multitude of biota. The underwater garden is home to hundreds of soft and hard corals and reefs that live with different species of marine fauna.
As Komodo Island is still inhabited by the Komodo dragons, visitors should exercise caution on the beach and in the water. It is highly recommended that you come here with an authorized guide or ranger.
7 The traditional village on Mesa Island
Mesa Island is the perfect destination for visitors to get a glimpse of the traditional life of the remarkable sea gypsies (also known as Bajau). The laid-back fishing village has a population of around 1,500 and visitors can witness how locals go about their daily chores such as drying cucumbers, processing shellfish, and preparing a variety of seafood. Mesa Islanders are very friendly, and children often flock to greet new faces. Visitors will also be able to see the charming traditional stilt houses that soar over the sand and shore.
8 Snorkel off Kanawa Island
Visitors come to Kanawa Island to relax, swim, and experience the fabulous snorkeling spots. The view of the water is crystal clear and it is even possible for visitors to see the fertile marine life above the water. Snorkelers can start their underwater adventure right from the jetty, as the sea is very calm and strong waves are protected by the surrounding coral reefs. Be enchanted by the colorful schools of tropical fish, mystical corals and unique marine fauna such as stingrays, dolphins and turtles.
The island has poor telephone and Internet reception and transactions on this island are strictly paid for in cash. Visitors to this island are encouraged to bring a reasonable amount of cash to cover all necessary expenses.
9 Sunset on Kalong Island
The name of this unique island, Kalong, comes from the local language for giant fly bats. The bats, which are the main attraction of this island, create a fascinating sunset spectacle like no other. As dusk approaches, visitors are invited to witness how thousands of these mystical creatures migrate from the island to the backdrop of breathtaking sunset tones. The overwhelming flutter and sound of these bats escaping the mangrove forest and soaring into the sunset will leave you with an unforgettable beautiful memory.
10 Komodo on the island of Rinca
Due to the undeveloped nature of this island and the sparse pedestrian traffic, Rinca Island is the perfect place for those who want to catch a glimpse of the exotic Komodo dragon. Visitors will disembark at Koh Kima jetty and take them to the Loh Buaya campsite, where Komodo dragons can sometimes be seen. A hike across the island will reveal that thick forest gives way to grassy fields and a few scattered waterholes where Komodo dragons hunt for prey. If you’re lucky, visitors may see other land animals such as white water buffalo, Timor deer, wild horses, and various types of tropical birds. Due to the wild nature of the Komodo kite, visitors who come here must hire the service of an experienced ranger. Prepare light clothing and sunscreen, as the climate on Rinca Island can be quite dry and very hot.
INDONESIA – General information
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
In this digital age, it’s a daily need to stay connected anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s business matters, connecting with loved ones, updates on current affairs, or travel pleasures, an accessible online connection is a necessity. In Indonesia, the Wi-Fi connection is available in many important public areas. Here is some useful information about Wi-Fi accessibility in public spaces in Indonesia.
Do Indonesian airports have Wi-Fi connections?
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the main airport serving the Jakarta metropolitan area on the island of Java in Indonesia. As reported by the Jakarta Post, the airport recently made Wi-Fi accessible to all visitors in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the airport with the Wi-Fi Corner facility. This Wi-Fi corner is provided in cooperation with the state-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom.
Most international airports in Indonesia offer a Wi-Fi connection. For Wi-Fi connections at other airports, please contact the local information desk at the airport upon arrival.
Do hotels in Indonesia have free Wi-Fi?
Most major hotels in Indonesian cities have a free Wi-Fi connection for their guests. Both are usually protected by passwords and the guest receives the password information when checking in at the hotel. Wi-Fi connections are also common for smaller hotels in small towns, but to be sure, check before booking.
Do Indonesian train stations have free Wi-Fi?
Currently, there are facilities that support Wi-Fi in some stations in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta. However, PT KAI, Indonesia’s state-owned railway company, announced in 2018 that it plans to gradually provide a free internet connection installed on all trains.
In February 2019, PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI), the public transport system on Jakarta’s commuter line, introduced free Wi-Fi for passengers in stations and on its trains in the Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi area. The service is available at 46 stations in Jakarta, followed by 37 stations in the Greater Jakarta area in March.
PT KAI will also extend the service to trains and stations outside the Greater Jakarta area, such as the Argo Parahyangan train on the Gambir – Bandung route.
Where can I find free Wi-Fi in public areas in Indonesian cities?
Most public places in Indonesia’s major cities have free hotspots for Wi-Fi such as shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, etc. However, public areas are not always secured networks, so you should be very careful and read the terms and conditions more thoroughly before signing up.
How can I stay connected all the time in Indonesia?
If finding a free Wi-Fi hotspot is less convenient for you, you should opt for a pocket Wi-Fi rental. This way, you can be sure to stay connected anywhere, anytime. There are many rentals on the internet where you can order the pocket-sized portable Wi-Fi online and have the device mailed to you or arrange a pickup when you arrive in your Indonesian city.
Staying in touch with the outside world is rarely a problem in Indonesia, as mobile phones are an everyday thing that almost everyone owns. Getting a local SIM card during your stay in Indonesia is a more economical and practical option.
How do I get a local SIM card?
You can find SIM cards at airports where there are a number of local carriers to choose from, such as Telkomsel, XL, Smartfren, 3/Tri, Axis, Indosat/IM3, etc. Prices vary depending on the provider, starting at 10,000 IDR.
How do I register an Indonesian SIM card?
All mobile phones, tablets and PDAs must be registered with customs authorities when entering Indonesia in order for these devices to be used with an Indonesian SIM card. The following steps are necessary for registration: Registration via: www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html.
Plugs & Power
A Guide to Electrical Outlets and Electricity in Indonesia
Charging your phone, laptop, and other essential devices is essential, especially when traveling like this one. For your trip to Indonesia, understand that electrical outlets and electricity in Indonesia may be different from those at home. So what do you need in Indonesia? An adapter? A voltage converter? Maybe both. Check it out below!
What is the standard voltage and current in Indonesia?
The standard voltage throughout Indonesia is usually 230V and has a standard frequency of 50Hz. If you’re from the UK, Europe, Australia, and most parts of Asia or Africa, most of your phones, laptops, and other devices can charge as usual. However, if you’re from countries like the United States, Canada, and most South American countries, the area of tension here in Indonesia is different.
Charging as usual is possible, but only for a short time and with some risks. So, you should consider buying a voltage converter instead, which is also available at Amazon or electronics stores in Indonesia.
How do the power plugs in Indonesia differ from those in my country?
Most power plugs and sockets in Indonesia are Type C and F. This plug is the 2-pin socket and plug design, which is the European standard plug. If you are from a country that does not use these types of sockets, you should buy an adapter. Amazon sells a lot, but you can also find them in many local mini-markets across Indonesia.
Where can I charge my gadgets in Indonesia?
You can find a power outlet in almost all restaurants in Indonesia, especially in a tourist attraction. All hotels and airports have electrical outlets and outlets that you can also use free of charge. On trains, there is a plug for all classes (economy and business) and in most shuttles, you can connect a USB cable to charge your phone.
Local Laws
When visiting other countries, it is customary to pay close attention to the applicable local laws, Indonesia is no exception. As a country of diversity with a plethora of different cultures, laws, and customs to honor, respect, and observe, travelers planning to visit Indonesia must follow these local laws and customs to avoid any problems or mishaps.
What is the penalty for drug possession and trafficking in Indonesia?
As in many countries, Indonesia also has the death penalty for the possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.
Possession is punishable by 4 to 12 years in prison. There are also fines ranging from IDR 800 billion to IDR 8 billion (US$89,600 to US$896,000). If the drugs exceed 1 kilogram (for raw drugs such as marijuana) or 5 grams (for processed drugs such as heroin and cocaine), a maximum sentence of life imprisonment can be imposed.
Human trafficking is punishable by 5 to 15 years in prison and fines ranging from one billion to ten billion IDR ($112,000 to $1.2 million). If the amount of drugs exceeds 1 kilogram (for raw drugs) or 5 grams (for processed drugs), the death penalty can be imposed.
Is smoking allowed in Indonesia?
Smoking is prohibited in public places such as health facilities, educational institutions and places of worship. Smoking is also prohibited on public transport. The outdoor or indoor facilities for children are also a smoke-free zone. Designated smoking areas are a must in other public places and office buildings.
How many cigarettes can I bring to Indonesia?
Travelers were allowed to bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult.
Is alcohol legal in Indonesia?
As a country with Muslims in the majority, alcohol consumption is prohibited and frowned upon by the laws of religion. However, since Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and religions, no alcohol bans are currently enforced in Indonesia, with the exception of Aceh.
Drinking is also prohibited in most public places such as places of worship, workplaces, schools, shopping malls, supermarkets, mini markets, outdoor public spaces and other places where there are many people/crowds in the area. Also forbidden to drive under the influence of alcohol. Don’t drink or drive!
What is the minimum drinking age in Indonesia?
The legal drinking age in Indonesia is 21 years old. Those caught drinking outside the legal age face severe penalties or charges from the authorities.
What happens if you stay in Indonesia for too long?
Indonesia’s immigration law for travelers who exceed the length of stay is no more than 60 days. Those who stay longer within the 60-day period will have to pay a daily fine of up to IDR 1 million per day. Those who stay longer than 60 days must expect deportation and a possible blacklist.
Can foreigners drive in Indonesia?
Foreigners can drive with an International Driver’s Permit issued in Indonesia, as well as a driver’s license from the person’s home country. Alternatively, foreigners can have the International Driver’s Permit issued in their home country before their departure, but this may need to be confirmed by the Indonesian Registration Office in Jakarta upon arrival.
What is the age limit for driving in Indonesia?
The age limit for driving in Indonesia after obtaining the Indonesian driver’s license issued by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is 17 years old.
What is the speed limit in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, people drive on the left side of the road, and the usual international traffic laws apply. The speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas in Indonesia and 100 km/h on a highway, but the only proper highways in the country are in Java.
GAMBLING
Is gambling legal in Indonesia?
Gambling is prohibited in Indonesia and is considered completely illegal for both locals and foreigners. There are no proper casinos in the country, and those who gamble can be severely punished and jailed by the authorities.
WHAT IS THE EMERGENCY HOTLINE IN INDONESIA?
Indonesia has different systems for landlines and mobile phones: landlines use area codes, mobile phones do not. In landline area codes, the digit “0” is prefixed for domestic long-distance calls from Indonesia, but is always omitted for calls from abroad. Here are some important numbers/hotlines for police assistance in case you need help with a matter:
Emergency numbers
Police/general emergencies: 110 or 112 (via satellite and mobile phones)
Ambulances and medical emergencies: 118 or 119
Firefighter: 113
Search and rescue (BASARNAS): 115
Assistance in the event of natural disasters: 129
Useful figures:
International Phone Number Information: 102
Local phone number information: 108
Domestic callers: 100 and 106
International switchboards: 101 and 107
Tourist information:
Department of Tourism Public Communications Office: +62 21 3838899
Important note for foreigners visiting Indonesia: As a precaution, always carry your passport with you as an ID. Chances are, you don’t need it, but there’s always a chance that you’ll be prompted to do so.
Opening hours & holidays
Opening hours and holidays in Indonesia
Even during our travels away from home, there will always be a need for post offices, banks and shops. It might be a bit confusing at first, as business hours may differ here. This rough guide to standard business hours will help you! Keep in mind that this is a rough estimate, as different businesses have slightly different hours of operation individually and in different areas. So, be sure to check out the respective websites to be sure.
So when will everything open?
The best time to continue your activities after 10 am, as that’s when most places open. There will always be restaurants and cafes that are open 24 hours or open early in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about getting hungry.
What are the national holidays in Indonesia?
There are some holidays in Indonesia when the offices are on vacation and most shops are not open for that long. On national holidays, most people choose to stay home and rest, but there is also a chance that shopping malls and shops will be crowded, especially if it falls like a long weekend.
The national public in Indonesia begins with the New Year on January 1. This holiday lasts only one day. The next holiday of the year would be the Chinese New Year, which celebrates the New Year of the Chinese calendar. This holiday falls on either January or February.
Labour Day is a public holiday on 1 May. Normally, workers take to the streets peacefully on this day to demand better working conditions and better wages. On June 1, Indonesia celebrates the birth of Pancasila, the country’s fundamental philosophical theory.
Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day on August 17. This is a very festive holiday because people gather with their neighbors or their colleagues for unique games such as races and friendly competitions. Many people wear the colors of the Indonesian flag: white and red. Join in on all the fun!
What about the religious holidays that Indonesia celebrates?
Indonesia has many religions and the holidays to celebrate important days of each of them. As a Muslim-majority country, Idul Fitri and Idul Adha are the most celebrated holidays. The dates differ and are celebrated according to the Islamic calendar. On Idul Fitri, the holidays would normally be extended by about 7 and up to 10 days of leave for a national holiday. This is because extended families usually come together in their hometowns.
It is also important to note that Indonesians celebrate Ramadan, during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. During this time, many restaurants and food stalls close to respect the fasting. Most fast food restaurants or large restaurants are still open, but the curtains are usually drawn so as not to be visible from the outside out of respect.
The collective holiday is also decided for Christmas on 25 December, but with a shorter period than the collective holiday during Idul Fitri. Sometimes companies decide to announce the holidays until New Year.
Another important holiday is the Day of Silence or Hari Raya Nyepi. It falls on March or April and is celebrated every year on Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu festival that is mainly celebrated in Bali. It is especially important for those of you who are going to visit Bali on this day, as the airport will be closed for 24 hours along with the whole island. People will turn off the electricity, not use their phones, not walk around or explore places, and dedicate a whole day to silence. A unique experience to immerse yourself in Bali’s culture.
Other public religious holidays:
Good Friday falls either in March or April.
Ascension of Jesus Christ usually in May or June
Buddha’s birthday also around May or June
The Islamic New Year differs depending on the Islamic calendar on the 1st of Muharram. In recent years, it has been around September and October.
The birth of the Prophet falls on the 12th of Rabi’al-awwal in the Islamic calendar (around October)
The Ascension of the Prophet is also a public holiday, but also differs according to the Islamic calendar.
The climate of Indonesia is almost entirely tropical. The uniformly warm waters that make up 81% of Indonesia’s area ensures that temperatures on land remain fairly constant, with the coastal plains averaging 28 °C, the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C, and the higher mountain regions, 23 °C. Temperature varies little from season to season, and Indonesia experiences relatively little change in the length of daylight hours from one season to the next.
The main variable of Indonesia’s climate is not temperature or air pressure, but rainfall. The area’s relative humidity ranges between 70% and 90%. Although air temperature changes little from season to season or from one region to the next, cooler temperatures prevail at higher elevations. In general, temperatures drop approximately 1°C per 90-meter increase in elevation from sea level with some high-altitude interior mountain regions experiencing night frosts.
Being a tropical country, Indonesia does not have spring, summer, autumn, or winter, instead of just the two seasons of Rainy and Dry, both of which are relative. While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March. However, global warming has made the seasons less predictable.
We would be happy to advise you personally, in order to get a better and faster insight into your wishes. Our travel examples can be designed in exactly the same way, combined, shorter, longer or according to your own wishes. Our travel specialists will (based on their own experience) present you with optimal travel routes and transparent prices for your planned dream trip.
After we know your wishes, the responsible travel specialists will send you a corresponding offer as soon as possible, of course non-binding and without obligation. We will then discuss this offer with you and will be happy to make changes according to your wishes. You decide when to start and how long you want to travel.
We concentrate 100% on your stay in your destination, receive you wherever and whenever you arrive, adapt the itinerary to your individual flight times and wishes, and are also available to you personally during the trip via email and WhatsApp 24 / 7 available for a smooth and relaxing trip. This enables us to respond promptly and personally to all eventualities, such as flight delays, extra requests on site, etc.
As an individual tour operator, we do not have fixed travel dates like many package tour operators.
With us, you as a customer decide when you want to fly and how long you want to stay, and therefore ideally you can also book the most cost-effective flight connection for yourself using the popular online search engines such as Kayak, Skyscanner, etc.
We will be happy to help you find the best international flight for you. Domestic flights are already included in our trips.
Only when you are 100% satisfied with our travel planning will your written booking be made with us and you can lean back and look forward to a dream trip according to your individual wishes. We will make all bookings for you in the destination and then send you our travel confirmation / invoice. Your deposit is 20% when booking, the balance is due 30 days before departure.
Owner & Managing Director
Meisara Tungga Dewi & Matthias Vogel
Sombomerten Demangan RT006/RW021
Maguwoharjo, Depok
Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55282
Yogyakarta
Indonesia
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