BACKGROUND

Republic of Indonesia
Capital: Jakarta
Population 261 million
Area 1.9 million sq km (742,308 sq miles)
Major languages Indonesian, 300 regional languages
Major religion Islam
Life expectancy 67 years (men), 71 years (women)
Currency Rupiah UN, World Bank
Indonesia is a nation in Southeast Asia, located between the Pacific and Indian
oceans. Spread across a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and
Australia, Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population and Southeast
Asia's biggest economy. Ethnically it is highly diverse, with more than 300 local
languages. The people range from rural hunter-gatherers to a modern urban elite.

Sophisticated kingdoms existed before the arrival of the Dutch, who colonised the
archipelago but gave in to an independence struggle in 1949. In terms of
colonization, The Dutch arrived in approximately 1596 on the island of Java,
interested in commerce and not in the conquest of new territories. In 1602 the
years later the Dutch founded the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and became
the dominant European power by 1610. The era of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia
begins in the 19th century. They realized the enormous profits that it was obtaining
and began to be more effective its occupation through territorial conquests and
Under the Dutch Empire’s rule, Indonesia was considered the most valuable
European colony. Europeans were seeking to monopolize the sources of nutmeg,
cloves, and pepper. The colonial period of Indonesia did not immediately start
when the Dutch first arrived in the archipelago at the end of the 16th century.
Instead, it was a slow process of political expansion that took centuries to reach
the territorial boundaries of present-day Indonesia.
economy

The country is a major exporter of crude petroleum and natural gas. In addition,
Indonesia is one of the world’s main suppliers of rubber, coffee, cocoa, and palm
oil; it also produces a wide range of other commodities, such as sugar, tea,
tobacco, copra, and spices. Widespread exploration for deposits of oil and other
minerals has resulted in a number of large-scale projects that have contributed
substantially to general development funds.

MEDIA

Television is the main medium, but online media are catching up. Facebook is
hugely popular, and Indonesians are among the world's most active users of
Twitter.

LEADER

President: Joko Widodo won the elections of July 2014

Some key dates in Indonesia's history:

2004 - First-ever direct presidential elections.

The 2004 election was a separate history for the Indonesian government since it
was the the first time the people of Indonesia elect his president directly. It was
also proving a serious effort to realize Presidential government system adopted by
the Indonesian government.
CULTURAL NORMS

1. Respecting Elders

When a young Indonesian meet an older Their words and their mannerism must
show respect.

2.Being Late

It’s extremely common for Indonesians to come late. They see it as a normal thing.
That’s why most people would often told to come sooner than the actual time.

3. Eating with Bare Hands

Indonesians are perfectly fine eating with their bare hands. It’s enjoyable for
Indonesians to devour their meal with their hands. They may eat like this at
restaurants, homes or offices.

4. Serving Guests

Guests who come to house are always treated very generously. They are always
made sure to feel at home.

5. Lack of PDA

Indonesians rarely show public display of affection in public.. They don’t kiss, hold
hands or even hugs. Showing such affections in public may invite unwanted
attention.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID CULTURAL
MISUNDERTANDINGS

1. Using the Right Hand

In Indonesia, the right hand is the ‘good hand’ to give or receive something from
another person. Using the left hand must be avoided at all cost. Some people may
take it the wrong way.

2. Avoid Causing a Commotion in Public

Never cause someone’s public embarrassment., insulting or even criticize.

Indonesians are very serious about keeping harmony. They do not like public
arguments which can disturb the peace among people. These actions are also bad
behaviours.

3. Wearing Modest Clothing

Most people in Indonesia are still conservative and value modesty. So avoid to
wear something that is too revealing. Also, try not to wear clothes that are too tight
on the body.
 4. About Being Superstitious

Many Indonesians are still highly superstitious. It’s normal to see Indonesians
avoid doing certain things because they believe that it will invite bad luck. On the
contrary, they may do things that are quite unusual just because they believe that
they will receive good luck. So, never judge or tell them that they are wrong
because they may see that very rude.

Pre- departure and travel essentials

Indonesian Visa Requirements

You need a visa for Indonesia travel Scan Documents. Passport, ID

The the essential vaccines

make the exchange of your money to the indonesia's currency

you can bring your creditd card but they are rarely accepted outside of large hotels,
malls, and scuba diving centers

Blue Bird taxis. it is the safest and most recommended taxi company in Indonesia.

ESSENTIALS

Bottled of water

Mosquito Repellant..

Modest clothing. Keep in mind Indonesia is very religious. It is better to dress

modest and unrevealing. There are light clothes that absorb the heat well.
DURING RAINY SEASON febrary through march

Always bring an umbrella

Wear warmer clothing