ABOUT INDONESIA

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, comprising over 17,000 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited. It is located in Southeast Asia, straddling the equator, and is known for its rich biodiversity, with lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and some of the most famous dive sites in the world.

The country is home to more than 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous nation globally, and its capital city is Jakarta. Indonesia is renowned for its cultural diversity, with over 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 languages spoken across the islands.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, and the majority of the population practises Islam, making it the largest Muslim-majority country. Indonesia's economy is one of the largest in Asia, driven by natural resources, agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing tourism sector. The islands of Bali, Java, and Sumatra are popular tourist destinations, each offering unique attractions such as ancient temples, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant cultural festivals. Indonesian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, known for dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (grilled skewers), and rendang (spicy beef stew).

The country faces environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change, but is also committed to conservation efforts. Indonesia's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitable people make it a captivating and multifaceted destination for travellers.

Mobile Services

SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards are widely available from major providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo. They can be purchased at the airport, convenience stores, and mobile shops.
Internet Access: 4G/LTE networks are common in urban areas, providing good coverage and internet speeds. In remote or rural areas, coverage may be limited.
Top-Up: Prepaid SIM cards can be recharged with credit or data packages, which are available at kiosks and online.

Entry Requirements

Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of many countries can enter Indonesia visa-free for short visits of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. This entry is not extendable.
Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available for eligible travellers at major airports and seaports for a fee, allowing a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended once for another 30 days.
Visa Requirements: Some nationalities may require a visa obtained in advance. Always check the latest requirements from the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Also, you may be required to show a return or onward ticket.

Currency

Currency: The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), symbolised as Rp.
Banknotes and Coins: Common denominations are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 IDR banknotes. Coins are available in smaller denominations.
Currency Exchange: Money can be exchanged at banks, authorised money changers, and airports. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
Credit Cards: Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, cash is preferred for small transactions and in rural areas.

Electricity

Voltage and Frequency: Indonesia uses 230V, 50Hz electricity.
Plug Type: The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, which have two round pins. Travellers should bring a universal adapter if their devices use a different plug type.

Important Emergency Numbers

Police: 110
Ambulance and Medical Assistance: 118 or 119
Fire Department: 113
Search and Rescue (SAR): 115
Tourist Police: +62 361 754599 (for Bali) – This number may vary by region, so check local contact numbers upon arrival.
General Emergency (Fire, Ambulance, Police): 112 (This is a universal emergency number in some areas, similar to 911 in the United States.)

Note that the dial country code is +62.

Additional Tips

Health: Consider vaccinations before travelling, and be aware of mosquito-borne diseases in certain areas. Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food.
Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance covering health, accidents, and lost property.
Language: While Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Indonesian can be helpful.

Interesting facts about Indonesia

Largest Archipelago in the World
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands, with approximately 6,000 of them inhabited. Major islands include Java, Sumatra, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), Sulawesi, and Papua.

Home to the World’s Largest Flower
Indonesia is home to the Rafflesia Arnoldii, the world's largest flower, which can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter. It is known for its distinct foul odour, which has earned it the nickname "corpse flower."

Diverse Language and Ethnic Groups
The country has over 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 spoken languages, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, serving as a unifying language across the archipelago.

Unique Wildlife
Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot with species found nowhere else on Earth. It is home to the critically endangered Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, and the endangered Sumatran tiger, orangutans, and Javan rhinoceros.

Java Island – One of the Most Populated Islands
Java, the island where the capital city Jakarta is located, is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, with over 145 million residents, making it the political, economic, and cultural heart of Indonesia.

Ring of Fire
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with a high frequency of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has about 130 active volcanoes, including Krakatoa and Mount Merapi, making it one of the most volcanically active regions on the planet.

Spice Islands
The Maluku Islands, part of Indonesia, were historically known as the "Spice Islands" due to their production of valuable spices like nutmeg, mace, and cloves, which were highly sought after by European traders in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Ancient Temples
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most impressive ancient temples, including Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and Prambanan, a massive Hindu temple complex, both located on the island of Java.

Largest Island Lake
Lake Toba, located on the island of Sumatra, is the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed by a supervolcanic eruption over 70,000 years ago. The lake is also home to Samosir Island, which is almost the size of Singapore.

Bali – A World-Famous Tourist Destination
The island of Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and Hindu temples. It attracts millions of tourists annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Many MotoGP fans also combine their holiday in Bali with a visit to a Grand Prix!