FACTS ABOUT INDONESIA


Indonesia Republic is the world’s largest archipelago as it belong to the 5th most populous country having about 17,700 islands that stretch to about 3,200 miles or 5,120 km sandwich between Asian mainland and Australia.


Population and Language

There are now about 200 million people that are scattered throughout Indonesia’s 27 provinces. About 55% of these locals are residing in Bali, Java and Madura while only about 7% for the rest of the area.

Climate

Indonesia is considered to be a tropical country and humidity between 69% ~ 95% with two distinct seasons: Wet Season from November to April; while the Dry Season is from May to October. Please note that there are occasional showers that occur during the dry season and that during ‘rainy’ days it is likely that tropical down – pours can also be interspersed with bright sunshine. The country’s average temperature would range from 20° to 30°C.

Transportation

Indonesia has an air – conditioned shuttle service that would transport its visitors from the airport to their respective hotels. This service runs frequently on scheduled trips to and from the country’s leading hotels. It would charge the commuter about Rp4,000 / person. Taxis would charge you much higher but there are also metered taxis that are scattered all across Jakarta, Solo, Bandung, Surabaya and Semarang.

For other areas, their mode of transportation would require a fixed fare in advance, these include ‘bemos’ or the small buses that cover all the regular routes, mini cars that can carry two passengers and ‘becaks’ that is powered by human energy. Trains also operate in Sumatra and Java.

Currency

Its local currency is called Rupiah. Bank notes and travelers’ check in foreign currencies can be easily exchanged at Indonesia’s money changers and banks that are scattered all across the country especially at those top tourist destinations. Most of the hotels and restaurants are now accepting credit cards. However, it is still advisable to carry enough amounts of Rupiah while traveling to Indonesia’s smaller towns and provinces.

Tipping

The country’s top hotels would already add an additional 10% service charge to your bills. If and when the extra 10% service charge is not included, you may tip between 5% - 10% of the total bill charge if the hotel service is satisfactory. There is airport porter charge of Rp500 for a small luggage or bag and Rp1,000 if you luggage would weight over than 20 kg already. Also in tipping for hire – cab and taxi drivers is only optional. Although, Rp500 would be enough for a taxi driver a higher tip is expected for a hire – car driver.

Clothing

Indonesia has an informal dress code, however, light fabric clothes are recommended because of its warm and humid climate. Jacket and tie is appropriate for men when on non – formal occasions or making official calls. Furthermore, it is also recommended to bring a light jacket or a sweater if you wish to travel to mountain areas. For beach and sports facilities, wearing of beach wear and shorts is considered appropriate but it is not suitable for visits to mosques, temples and other places of worship.

Government Office Hours:

Indonesia has an informal dress code, however, light fabric clothes are recommended because of its warm and humid climate. Jacket and tie is appropriate for men when on non – formal occasions or making official calls. Furthermore, it is also recommended to bring a light jacket or a sweater if you wish to travel to mountain areas. For beach and sports facilities, wearing of beach wear and shorts is considered appropriate but it is not suitable for visits to mosques, temples and other places of worship.

Monday to Thursday8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday8:00 am to 11:30 am
Saturday8:00 am to 2:00 pm

Business Offices Hours:

Monday to Thursday8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Note

Some business offices are open for half day on a Saturday.

Banks:

Monday to Friday8:00 am to 3:00 pm