General information Archipelago - Indonesia is an archipelago country consists of 13.677 of big and small islands located in South East Asia. The islands spread over from Sumatera to Irian Jaya. Area - 1.01 million square km Population - 220 million people Ethnic Group - Javanese, Sundanese, Malay, Madurese Language - Bahasa Indonesia, English, tribe languages Religion - Moslem 78%, Christian 20%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1% Major export - Crude oil, natural gas, timber, textiles, garments, rubber, etc. Major import - Machinery, chemicals, raw materials, etc. Trading partner - Republic of Korea, Japan, Taiwan, USA, Germany, Singapore Climate - Indonesia has only 2 seasons, rainy season and dry season. The rain falls from September to April, whereas the dry season from May to August. Temperature in coastal areas range from 240C to 280C, while in the mountains are cooler. Sights Resort - Bali island, Lombok island, Toba Lake, Bunaken, Jogjakarta, Borobudur Temple, etc. Shopping - Best buys: batik, silver work, wood carving, paintings, pottery and porcelain. Bargaining accepted in small shops and markets, start at about half of the asking price. Prices are fixed in the larger stores. What to Wear - Shirt and tie without jacket or a safari suit with long-sleeved batik shirt are acceptable as business wear. Women are expected to dress modestly. Light clothing is suitable except in the mountains. Eating Out and Night Life - Indonesia cuisine is known for its bold, rich flavours and hot spices. All major hotel restaurants serve Western dishes. International hotels have bars and discotheques, some with live entertainment. Jakarta has a good selection of pubs, lounges and supper clubs. Annual Celebration - Independence Day Parade The parade shows flower wreathed cars, marching band and marching kids with Indonesian traditional clothe. They walk around the main street of Jakarta to the National Monument. The parade is held on 17th August. - Jakarta Fair Held to celebrate the birthday of Jakarta city on 22nd June. The original ethnic group of Jakarta named Betawi show their traditional dance, music and parade. - Takbiran's Eve Takbiran's Eve is the celebration of Moslem people after completing 1 month fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan. They strike drum in mosques, and also on a truck while travelling around the city. Start at 7 p.m. - New Year's Eve It takes place in the National Monument, where many people of Jakarta gathered and watch big firecrackers and sparkler in the air to celebrate the New Year.