WELCOME to INDONESIA

INDONESIA, a country lying across between two continents: Asia and Australia and between two oceans namely Pacific in the north and Indian in the south.

Indonesian archipelago is like a string of pearls strew across the tropical seas, consists of 17.508 islands with land surface of more than 5 million square kilometers among other Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, Irian (western part), the world famous Bali and Java.

The Indonesian people calls proudly its beautiful country, "Tanah Air" (land and water, Indonesia) Its seas are sparkling blue and most part of its land are covered with green color of forest and rice-fields where mountains and over 30 volcanoes mostly active, dominate the country.

It has all the facilities in accordance with international standard of conveniences and services: hotels, communications, business, travel-connection to all parts of the country and the world. It has modern facilities to cope with growing international demand but it also preserves its local culture proudly, where visitors could enjoy with excitement.

In the near future, in Solo or Surakarta, the existing airport should be developed into an international airport, thus it is believed to be very convenient for foreign visitors wishing to visit directly the magnetic place of tourist attraction : Yogyakarta and Central Java.

 The more famous volcanoes are Krakatau which the world has been shocked by its thunderous explosion in1883, the volcano itself vanished but ongoing eruptions "gave birth" to a new volcano called Anak Krakatau "The child of Krakatau".

Galunggung (West Java) The Galunggung with its continuous eruption in 1982 vomiting its debris and ash highly in the sky, blanketing many towns in West Java with thick ash.

Kelud (east Java), Agung (Bali) and Merapi "The fire mountain" in Central Java.

Among the Indonesia's more than 400 volcanoes, more than 30 volcanoes are very dangerous.

But many people lives their entire lives in the slope of volcanoes, whilst the eruption is very perilous to human life, but the lava spitted from its crater give tremendous fertility to the soil.

This country is also called by its people NUSANTARA (Archipelago) is indeed very rich with its mineral resources – oil, charcoal, tin, copper, gold, and has very fertile soil where various crops and vegetables grows abundantly.

The natural climate between 22-34 C or 78-94 F (cooler in the highland of mountainous area), divided to dry season (April – October) and wet season (October – April) where rain comes as tropical downpour, heaviest in January – February.

In these "Islands in the Sun" – Indonesia, live peacefully and harmoniously 200 millions inhabitant.

This country has more than 300 ethnics, speaking in several different dialects and languages. Although the Javanese is the largest ethnic group with about 100 millions people speaking in its own language, but the official language adopted by this nation is Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language) spoken and understood in the whole archipelago. The Basic of Bahasa Indonesia is Malay language and in the development enriched with words derived from other languages such as Javanese, Sundanese as well as from foreign languages such as Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, English etc. Thus become the modern Indonesian language.

The Indonesians enjoy the liberty to practice their belief to God Almighty in accordance with its own religion. The Muslims (majority) live peacefully side by side with communities of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. Local ancient beliefs, known as KEBATINAN – faith in one Supreme God – also still exist. The government protects the right of freedom of religion, which is enshrined in the state philosophy – PANCASILA.

The free state Indonesia with JAKARTA as the capital proclaimed its independence in August 17, 1945. The state philosophy Pancasila (Five Principles) and Undang-undang Dasar'45 (Constitution'45) which prevail up to now are the backbone of the Indonesian state and unity.

 The Indonesian Coat of Armed

Is Garuda (it's a kind of hawk) embracing the philosophy Pancasila and date of independence

It bears the motto "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" – Unity in Diversity. This motto was created by Mpu Prapanca centuries ago.

(Pancasila: 1. Star - Believe in God, 2. Chain - Humanity, 3. Banyan tree - Unity of Indonesia, 4. Bull head - Democracy, 5. Rice & Cotton - Social justice)

The Flag

The flag of Indonesia is red and white. The red is for courage and the white for purity.

Indonesia's Youth Pledge

In October 28, 1928, the youth pledge was announced:

One Country - One Nation - One Language: INDONESIA

Basic Political Structure

Based on the national ideology Pancasila and 1945 Constitution, the repository of people's sovereignty is the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which formulates broad outlines of state policy (GBHN) for the government to implement. The MPR elects the president and the vice president for five years term. It has 1000 members, consisting of: all 500 members from the House of Representative the other 500 are professional and regional representatives. The House of Representative: the members are 500. The 425 members are from political parties elected through general election, organized in every five years. The rest, 75 members are from the armed forces. The members of the arm forces they don't vote in general election, but by consensus they are entitled 15% of the seat in the parliament.

The arm-forces in Indonesia consist of: Army, Navy, Police, and Air Forces. The House of Representative draws up the laws and controls the governments' conducts which is headed directly by the president.

Besides political parties they are the mass – organizations and the NGOs (non-government organizations). It is worth to note that all political parties and organizations have to adopt the state ideology Pancasila in its statute.

Started with monetary crisis as from mid 1997, followed soon by crises of confidence, the circumstances have forced President H.M. Soeharto to step down on May 21, 1998. The new appointed President, B.J. Habibie, is assigned to organize a democratic election soonest, with the participation of many new parties. Meanwhile, sufficient supply of basic essential need is a must to avoid chaos.

The reformation in various fields, which is in nature shall be more democratic and transparent, free from malpractices such as corruption and oppressiveness, shall bring the country and the people in better condition of life, politically and economically.

May the just and prosperous society comes true.

Provinces

The country has 27 provinces. In Java they are 5 (five) provinces namely West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Jakarta & Jogyakarta with their special status equal to provinces.

The Economy

According to the constitution, the economic system is based on Pancasila philosophy therefore the people welfare features highly. Article 33 of the constitution stipulates that the economy is administrated as a collective endeavor based on the principle of Fraternity. Earth, water, and all the riches contained therein shall be controlled by the state and utilized for the people's maximum prosperity.

Nowadays, the states as well as the private enterprises are doing actively to boost the economic development. This chorus is also joined by a lot of international companies doing business in Indonesia, such as in industrial investment, trading, banking, mining etc.

The government opens the door for foreign investment, under the coordination of BKPM (National Board of Investment) the Nation is busy welcoming the era of information and globalization with professional measures to cope with. The main goal of the Indonesian people is to build a just and prosperous society based on Pancasila philosophy at home, along side with people of the whole world, who will also hopefully live in happiness and

Indonesia:A Necklace of Equatorial Emeralds

Indonesia is often referred to as the world's largest archipelago, a name which aptly represents its 17,000 or so islands which span more than 5000 km (around 3,200 miles) eastward from Sabang in northern Sumatra to Merauke in Irian Jaya. If you superimpose a map of Indonesia over one of Europe, you will find that it stretches from Ireland to Iran; compared to the United States, it covers the area from California to Bermuda.

There are eight major islands or island groups in this enormous chain. The largest landmasses consist of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes) and Irian Jaya (the western half of Papua New Guinea). The smaller islands fall into two main groups: the Molluccas to the northeast, and the lesser Sunda chain east of Bali. Bali is a unique island, which for a number of reasons can be put into a class of its own.

Mountain lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Indonesia. A great volcano chain, the Bukit Barisan, runs the entire length of Sumatra. On the West Coast, the mountains fall abruptly to the sea, while to the east they ease gradually down to plains in a broad fringe of coastal mangroves. Vegetation-clad volcanoes also rise dramatically from the sea at Banda, Ternate and Makian. Many of the volcanoes are still active, constantly smouldering and occasionally erupting violently, though geological stations monitor the active ones constantly and give warning if they are unsafe to climb. Mount Merapi in Central Java is a favourite for climbers, despite being one of the most active on the archipelago.

Mountain lakes are also abundant in dormant craters of many volcanoes, the most famous of these being lake Toba in the northern highlands of Sumatra. This mountain lake covers an area four times the size of Singapore. In Kalimantan, waterborne transportation moves cargo and passengers up and down the major rivers: Mahakam, Barito, Kahayan and Kapuas. The mountainous island of Flores is famous for its multi-coloured volcanic lakes, known as Keli Mutu. The three lakes are in a close group and range from dark red to turquoise.

Located between two distinct bio-geographic groups - Asia and Australia - the flora and fauna of the archipelago is also quite idiosyncratic. Species found nowhere else on earth have flourished in certain areas, including the famous Komodo dragon on the island of the same name. Also in abundance are rare flowers, including exotic orchids, unusual insects, birds of paradise and numerous indigenous spices such as cloves, nutmeg cinnamon, mace and many more.

Java

From Southeast Asia's busiest metropolises with delirious nightlife to the peak of volcanoes, many of which are still very evidently active, which the fertile slopes are dotted with glimmering rice fields and small villages. Java (Indonesian: Jawa) is the heartland of Indonesia. With more than 130 million people inhabiting an area as big as Greece, Java is one of the most populated places on this planet. No wonder that Java has become Indonesia's political and economic epicentre throughout the history.

West Java, which includes the world-class locations of Bogor, Merak, Pelabuhan Ratu and Rengasdengklok, has the greatest tourist potential in Asia.

Bogor's rivers, canals, red roofed houses, bougainvillea and friendly people, set against the backdrop of Mount Salak, remind one of Venice in a previous century.

Merak is the ultimate unspoilt fishing town, a dreamy paradise fit for kings.

Pelabuhan Ratu has the world's most idyllic bay, beloved of the famous queen.

Rengasdengklok is the epitome of friendly rural Asia, and of course Sukarno lived there.

All these places should be World Heritage Sites.

Java is Indonesia's fifth-largest island. Its 130 million people make up 65% of Indonesia's entire population, and makes Java the most populated island in the world. Covering an area of 127,569 sq. km (7% of Indonesia's area) and with a population density of 940 people/sq. km, Java is the world's most crowded major island as well.

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located on northwest region of Java. Surabaya (the second largest city in Indonesia), is located on East Java. Java acts as Indonesia's center of cultural and economic activity.

This is a quite remarkable island geographically with no less than 121 active volcanoes. Add to that a host of major national parks and, despite its very crowded nature, the island has lots to offer the visitor who appreciates outdoor attractions.

The main ethnic group in Java is Javanese, except for the West Java region where most people are Sundanese. In the province of East Java, 22% of the population is of Madurese descent. Half of them live on the island of Madura.

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. Population: 8 million (within city limits). The total population of Jakarta and its suburbs: 12 million people. The population of Jakarta is a mix of many ethnic groups. The group native to Jakarta is Betawi.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) is one of the main islands of Indonesia, and the 11th largest island in the world. With four spindly arms spinning outward, Sulawesi's spidery shape is easily recognizable.

This enormous island has much to offer the visitor from extraordinary unique cultures, to an under-explored mountainous hinterland, and several truly world class diving spots.

Southern Sulawesi (Makassar, Tana Toraja)

the provinces of South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi; the largest city on the island, the land of Bugis and the unique culture of

Tana Toraja

South East Sulawesi (Kendari, Wakatobi)

remote hinterland and truly world class diving offshore

Central Sulawesi (Palu, Lore Lindu National Park, Togian Islands)

a region sadly known for its ethnic strife; very off-the-beaten-path diving

Northern Sulawesi (Manado, Bitung, Gorontalo, Tomohon, Bunaken)

the land of the Minahasa and yet more world-class diving at perhaps Indonesia's best known dive spot

The area around Tana Toraja is a fascinating one and well worth a visit. The Torajans are Christians but still maintain strong connections to their Indigenous culture and religion. Locals welcome visitors to take part in their elaborate funeral ceremonies which are interesting but involve animal sacrifices and are not for the squeamish.

Bali

Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, with its varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides all providing a picturesque backdrop to its colourful, deeply spiritual and unique culture, stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth. With world-class surfing and diving, a large number of cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and an enormous range of accommodations, this is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young back-packers right through to the super-rich.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, the 3rd largest island in the world. The Indonesian part covers some 580.000 km2 (225.000 sq mi), the vast area is home to only 12 million people, so most of the provinces, especially the interior is very sparsely populated, and the vast rain forests here is some of the most bio-diverse areas in the world.

Central Kalimantan (Kalimantan Tengah)

East Kalimantan (Kalimantan Timur)

South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan)

West Kalimantan (Kalimantan Barat)

In 2012 the new province of North Kalimantan was formed. This new province was carved out from the province of East Kalimantan.

Flora and Fauna

The Borneo rainforest is 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforests in the world and 70 million years older than the Amazon rainforest. Borneo is very rich in biodiversity compared to many other areas. There are about 15,000 species of flowering plants with 3,000 species of trees, 221 species of mammals and 420 species of birds. Subject to mass deforestation, the remaining Borneo rainforest is one of the only remaining natural habitat for the endangered Bornean Orangutan. It is also an important refuge for many endemic forest species, as the Asian Elephant, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Bornean Clouded Leopard, and the Dayak Fruit Bat.

Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average temperature ranging between 23 and 31°C. The island has a high annual precipitation, around 300 mm per year, with a light rainy season between March and May, and a more intense one between November and January. Precipitation levels arehowever considerably lower than many other neighbouring parts of Indonesia

Papua

Papua, also known as Western New Guinea and formerly Irian Jaya, is the easternmost part of Indonesia. It comprises the western half of the island of New Guinea, the world's largest and highest tropical island, while the eastern half is the independent country of Papua New Guinea.

Papua retains many traditional cultures and is home to some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest protected area in the Asia-Pacific region, ranges from Papua's southwest coast to its central mountains.

History

Originally a Dutch colony like the rest of Indonesia, West Papua held elections in 1959 and the elected council took office in 1961, in preparation for full independence. However, the Dutch handed the area over to a UN temporary administration, who in turned gave it over to Indonesia in 1963. The controversial plebiscite known as the Act of Free Choice , held in 1969, resulted in an improbable 100% vote in favor of joining Indonesia. The region, renamed first as Irian Barat (West Irian) and then Irian Jaya (Glorious Irian) has been under heavy Indonesian military control ever since, with the outgunned Free Papua Movement (Operasi Papua Merdeka or OPM) fighting for independence.

The name Papua was restored in 2000 in a sop to the nationalists. The province was split into two in 2003 in a highly controversial move, with the Bird's Head Peninsula and surrounding islands becoming West Papua (Papua Barat). A further split, to create a third Central Papua province, was abandoned due to fierce opposition.

Culture

Comprising the western half of the island of New Guinea, the world's largest and highest tropical island, Papua is incredibly diverse and different from the rest of Indonesia (or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world). Despite of a population of under three million, Papua is home to over 250 languages and retains many traditional cultures that were until very recently "still in the Stone Age". Cannibalism and headhunting were practiced in some areas until the 1970s or later.

Terrain and ecology

A vital tropical rainforest with the tallest tropical trees and vast biodiversity, Papua's known forest fauna includes marsupials (including possums, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, cuscuses), other mammals (including the endangered Long-beaked Echidna), many bird species (including birds of paradise, cassowaries, parrots, cockatoos), the world's longest lizards (Papua monitor) and the world's largest butterflies. The island has an estimated 16,000 species of plant, 124 genera of which are endemic.

The extensive waterways and wetlands of Papua are also home to salt and freshwater crocodile

Large parts of the equatorial glacier fields in the highlands remain largely unexplored. Protected areas within Papua province include the Lorentz National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Wasur National Park, a RAMSAR wetland of international importance.