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Info Indonesia Archipelago |
The world’s largest Archipelago Arched gracefully between the two continents of Asia and Australia is a vast archipelago of 13.700 islands with the musical name of “Nusantara” better known as Indonesia. This garland of islands, stretched for 3,200 miles from East to West across the Pacific Ocean, has for centuries evoked a myriad of superlatives. The islands are blessed with spectacular natural beauty, including majestic volcanoes falling steeply to crystal- clear highland lakes, forested gorges, rocky highlands and golden beaches. Indonesia also is blessed with a large variety of plant and animal life, both terrestrial and aquatic. Among its rare species are the Orangutan primate, the Komodo dragon (giant lizard), the one- horned rhinoceros, the Babirusa pig, deer and Anoa dwarf buffalo, as well as many different species of monkey and birds. To protect such species from extinction, the Government has established nature reserves throughout the country. Another major asset of the territory is its people, rich in colorful cultures and traditions inherited from the dawn of civilization. The estimated population of 185 million in 1990 is predominantly youthful, with half under the age of 20. Basically of Malay heritage, Indonesians are divided into approximately 300 ethic groups, speaking about 365 languages and dialects. National characteristics of friendliness, politeness, and hospitality are readily apparent. Throughout the ages, the people have eagerly opened their doors and hearts to visitors. A handshake and a smile is customary for both men and women upon being introduced or when greeting someone. Traditional customs play an important part in both family and community life, and have greatly influenced national creativity. Indonesia’s wide variety of art forms have to a large extent, evolved from local cultural mores. Jakarta is the capital of the Republic of Indonesia and the center of government for its 27 provinces. The country’s coast of arms is GARUDA, the eagle of ancient Indonesian mithology, symbolizing creative energy. The country’s motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” means “Unity in Diversity”, signifying the solidarity of the people despite diversified ethnic and cultural origins. ImmigrationAll travellers to Indonesia must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months from date of arrival and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage. Visas are not required for nationals of : Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Brunai, Brazil, Canada, Chili, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Japan, Luxemburg, Lichtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Moroco, Mexico,Maroco, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Philiphines, South Korea, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA, Venezuela, Yugoslavia. For those not belonging to the above categories, tourist visas can be obtain from any Indonesian Embassy or consulate. HealthInternational health certificates for smallpox and cholera are not required, except from travellers coming from infected areas. CustomsCustoms allows on entry a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco and reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cars, Photographic equipment, typewriters recorders must be declared upon entry and re-exported. All movie films and video cassettes must be censored by the fil censor board. Fresh fruit, plants and animals must have quarantine permits. ExitAn exit permit is required only from residents or visitors staying for over six months. Time ZoneThe Indonesian Archipelago spreads over three time zones, Western Indonesia standard time is GMT plus 7 hours, Central Indonesia is GMT plus 8 hours and Eastern is GMT Plus 9 hours. ClimateIndonesia is distinctly tropical. The east monsoon from June to September brings dry weather while the west monsoon from December to March is moistened bringing rain. Temperature range from 21 degrees C to 33 degrees except at altitude which are much cooler. Heaviest rainfalls are recorded in December and January humidity is between 69 and 100 percent. LanguageThough there are 50 languages spoken throughout the country, Bahasa Indonesia is the national language which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all areas English is the number one foreign language fairly spoken and written, whereas some Dutch is still spoken and understood in bigger cities and French is increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants. ReligionThe majority of the population (About 85 %) is Moslem. Churches, Hindu temples are found throughout the country are countless mosques.
THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE
Indonesia offers endless options for travelers…from the snow-capped mountains of Irian Jaya to the jungles of Sumatra and Borneo, exotic adventures are guaranteed. The lure of Java's powerful volcanoes and the gracious traditions of the Balinese people take hold of the visitor, commanding a deep respect for the peoples and nature of Indonesia's islands.
The world's largest archipelago consisting of over 13,000 islands skirting 4,000 miles along the equator, Indonesia is home to a myriad of intriguing cultures and stunning landscapes. The Indonesian people often describe their country as Tanah Air Kita, "Our Land and Water", an expression of their love and respect for their powerful and diverse ecosystem. Within the Ring of Fire-a string of active volcanoes that extends throughout Southeast Asia into the South Pacific-Indonesia's major eruptions average 10 per year bringing destruction and renewal to the islands. Always hot and humid, Indonesia's equatorial climate can be simply characterized by two seasons: the wet (November-April) and the hot (May-October). However, even during the wet, the sun shines most days with perhaps a short afternoon deluge.
A turbulent geological history is obvious in a rugged landscape supporting a wide range and variety of eco-habitats at the crossroads of the Indo-Malay and Austral-Asian flora and fauna. As a result of this critical position during the shifting of the earth's plates and the breakup of Gondwannaland, this string of islands and volcanoes contains the richest mix of plant and animal species in the world. Moreover, these historic movements of earth and recent volcanic activity are reflected in the striking natural contrasts, from the alpine eco-systems of Irian Jaya to the volcanoes of Java and the lowland tropical rainforest covering most of the islands. Indonesia is also blessed with fertile marine eco-systems that harbor vibrant coral reefs, strange and colorful fish and the most extensive system of mangroves in the world. The world's only black orchid can be found in the jungles of Borneo, while the Glory of the Sea, a crab that climbs coconut trees, snips the stem of the nut and opens them on the beach, can only be found on these islands.
Although some of the oldest fossils of homo erectus have been found on the island of Java, most notably Java Man discovered in 1891; the people of Indonesia are the descendants of successive migrations of seafaring groups from all over the Middle East, South & East Asia and the Pacific beginning about 40,000 years ago. The earliest inhabitants developed close relationships with their surrounding environment and consider themselves guardians of the land and sea. Some theories suggest a number of land bridges existed during the separation of the continents that brought the smaller negritos or orang asli ("original peoples") to these lush oases of the sea. Most coastal zones are home to vibrant fishing villages and the descendants of the ancient seafarers, most notably are the Bugis and Makassarse of Sulawesi, which still craft boats and seaworthy crafts according to traditional techniques entirely from timber.
The majority of these seafaring ethnic groups evolved and flourished in relative isolation for centuries. The Hindu period, which began about the time of the Buddha, was influential up until the 16th century and the full advent of Islam. Hindu migrations brought a written language, healing techniques, textile dyeing, spiritual art and architecture as well as political and economic systems of governance.
The Majapahit Empire, considered the Golden Age of Indonesia, flourished during the 14th century with revitalized native folk arts and traditions dating back to their seafaring ancestors.
Hindu traditions faded quickly as Islam converted the masses island by island with only the Balinese refusing to give up their Indian beliefs. From Sumatra to Irian Jaya, Arab merchants began their conquest in the 4th century promoting egalitarian ideals and revolutionary zeal that appealed to the general population subjugated to vagaries of the feudal system. Arabic styles and language dominated the arts during the 15th and 16th centuries.
During the 17th, the Portuguese and then the British vied for control of the islands, either without much lasting influence. The Dutch colonial period characterized by the plantation economy and forced labor lasted for more than 100 years. However, in contrast to other colonial attitudes, the Dutch promoted an ethical policy designed in theory to provide equal access to all peoples in the archipelago. |
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