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The name Indonesia
has its roots in two Greek words: "Indos" meaning Indian
and "Nesos" meaning islands. This is an excellent description
of the archipelago, as there are an estimated 17,508 islands, some
nothing more than tiny outcroppings of barren rock, others as big
as California or Spain and covered in dense tropical jungle. Approximately
6,000 of these islands are inhabited, with five main islands and
30 smaller archipelagos serving as home to the majority of the population.
The islands and people of Indonesia constitute the fourth most populated
nation in the world with about 210 million people.  Immigration
Introduced in 1983, the free visa facilities allow citizens from
48 countries to enter Indonesia without having to obtain a visa
prior to arrival. The 48 countries are: Argentina, Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong
Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein,
Luxemburg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi
Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom
(Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America,
Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports. The
facility also allows the eligible visitors to stay in Indonesia
for maximum of two months, to travel and to attend conventions and
seminars.
Climate
Although Indonesia is hot and humid throughout the year, the official
wet season runs from October to August and is marked by heavy, short
rainstorms after which the air is fresher. Temperatures range from
21 to 33°C in the lowlands. Higher altitudes enjoy cooler conditions. Airport Tax
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have
to pay Rp. 50,000 and Rp. 11,000 airport tax respectively. Customs
On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free
a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco. Cameras, video cameras, portable
radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted
provided they are taken out of the country on departure. They must
be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics, pornography,
Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones.
Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened
by the Censor Board. There is no restriction on the movement of
foreign currencies or travelers checks in and out of the country.
However, the import and export of Indonesian hard currency exceeding
Rp. 5 million is prohibited. Communications
Long-distance telephone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialing.
International Direct Dialing (IDD) is available in all 26 provincial
capitals and in more than 320 cities throughout the country. For
the business travellers, facsimile, telex and email services are
available in most hotels and at service outlets. Currency
Exchange facilities for the main foreign currencies are available
in banks or at authorized moneychangers in major cities of Indonesia.
Rupiah comes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000,
5000, 500 and 100 in bank notes, and 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10
and 5 coins.
Time
Indonesia is divided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time
(Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead
of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East Kalimantan,
Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead, and East Indonesia
Time (Maluku and Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead. Electricity
50Hz at either 110 or 220 volts. Office hours
Most government offices are open from 8 am to 3 pm. On Fridays,
they close at 11:30 am. On Saturdays, they are open until 2 or 3
pm. Business offices open from 8 am or 9 am to 4 pm or 5 pm. Some
work half day on Saturdays. Banks open from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays.
Banks are closed on Saturdays. Money-changers open longer hours
till the evening. |
