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Customs
and Traditions. |
Facts for the Visitors
The rage and variety of cultural
and artistic expression in this
sprawling archipelago is
astounding, and it’s often
advisable to know the customs
and tradition when visiting
places.
Even total strangers often
exchange greeting and
pleasantries when they meet. A
friendly “hello” is often
appreciated –or “table” as they
say in maluku and other eastern
part of Indonesia. The north
Sumatran (Batak) equivalent is “horas”.
“terima kasih” ,or just a plain
“thank you” is understood
everywhere, and is certainly
appreciated as a gesture of
acknowledgment when receiving
any kind of favor.
Indonesian expression of welcome
vary greatly from place to
place, and can be quite
elaborate –to the point of
staging welcoming dances and
ceremonies-depending on the
local custom prevailing and
visitor ‘s perceived standing .
Ceremonies, in fact ,are an
important part of tradition in
most part of Indonesia. Besides
the casual ones such as that are
held to welcome visitors, there
are of course the important
rituals, many of which based on
the religious beliefs of people
or are held to mark particular
milestones In the human life
cycle. To this category belong
the more serious ceremonies such
as the ngaben cremations of
Bali, the kwangkay death rituals
of east Kalimantan of the toraja,
the royal r-burial rites of east
nusa tenggara.
Also of a religions nature but
different in mood and nature are
the tabut processions of west
Sumatra and Bengkulu and the
sekaten fairs in Yogyakarta,
both of which take place every
tenth day of the month muharam,
which is the first month of
moselem year. The Chinese
population of the west Kalimantan
still faithfully observe toa peh
kong and cap goh meh to
celebrate the new year, while
the tengger population on
mountain bromo in east java
their kasada offering feast,
which is held once in the lunar
year under full moon around the
volcano’s crater.
Many of Indonesia’ s traditional
dance are equally founder on
either regions of tradition.
Among them are the “seundati”
dance of aceh, the kecak dance
of Bali, the padoa dance which
is regularly held in sabu, east
Nusa Tenggara, and also the
bamboo gila dance of northern
Maluku. Old traditions obviously
live on strongest among the
isolated tribes, such as the
baduy of southern banten in west
java, the sakai of the riau
islands, the toala of central
Sulawesi, the anak dalam in
jambi, the bali Aga (“original
Balinese”) people around trunyan
in Bali, the people of mentawai
island in west Sumatra, the
dayak of Kalimantan.
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Exploring nature
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Nature has
blessed
Indonesia with
unparallel
wealth. However,
certain mater
must be kept in
mind when
visiting the
country’s
natural parks of
reserves, which
are usually
equipped with
adequate if
bare-to- the
bones visitors
facilities,
including
accommodation or
camping grounds.
First and
foremost, of
course, there
are the
considerations
of environmental
preservation and
personal safety.
it is important
to be well
prepared and to
heed the
regulations
prescribed by
the park
preserve
authorities.
Normally,
permits for
visits are
required.
Among the best
known parks and
reserves are
Ujung Kulon, on
Java’s western
tip, Gunung
Leisure in
northern Sumatr,
indonesia’s
biggest. More
easy accessible,
although
smaller, are
Baluran, Maru
Beriri and
Sukamde beach in
east Java, the
mount Gede –
Pangrango park
and the reserves
and “turtle
beaches” along
west Java’s
south coast.
More distant but
well worth a
visit is komodo
in east nusa
tenggara, home
of the
prehistoric
giant komodo
lizard.
No permits are
needed, however,
to enjoy the
many spectacular
views which the
Indonesian
landscape
offers. There
are, for
instance, the
Anai Gorge at
the rim of
Bukittinggi in
Wet Sumatra,
Mount Bromo in
East Java, the
colored lakes of
Kalimutu,
flores, and many
more.
Two sports which
have of late
gained many
followers in
Indonesia are
mountaineering
and spelunking,
pastimes for
which the
country is
exceedingly well
sited. Volcanoes
and mountains
abound in
Indonesia and
caves of all
kinds that are
worth exploring
can be found
almost in every
province. Again,
good preparation
and a through
knowledge of the
nature and
hazards of the
sport are
essential.
For the marine
sports and
recreation, the
seas surrounding
the thousands of
islands offer a
wealth of
opportunities.
Bunaken and some
of other islands
in the province
of north
Sulawesi are
world famous for
the un-spoilt
splendor of
their coral
reefs. But even
as close to
Jakarta as in
the seribu
islands group of
the Jakarta Bay,
wonderful reefs
can be found.
Most of those
sites have dive
centers where
trained and
certified guises
as well as
diving and
snorkeling
equipment can be
hired. Ask your
directions from
the experts.
Surfers from
many parts of
the word have
since long known
and marked the
best spots for
engaging in the
sport in
Indonesia. Among
those already
widely known are
Kuta and
Uluwatuin Bali,
and Lagundri
Beach on the
island of Nias.
Thera many more,
however, as
there is no
shortage of
beaches in this
country of more
that 13.000
islands.
Sights and moods
may drastically
change as one
moves from sea
and lowland
plains to the
alpine heights
of the country’s
tallest peaks.
Indonesian has a
plethora of
sights and
experiences to
offer the
visitor , and it
is impossible to
mention them
all.
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The
trail – of history
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Although of the
earlier episodes
of history not
much is left
today asides
from relics and
ruins it is true
to say that in a
spiritual sense
ancient history
often continues
to live among
many of the
peoples of this
country. Old
graves may be
hallowed and
ancient relics
revered. It is
wise, therefore,
to refrain fro
destructive or
irreverent
behavior when
visiting such
sites.
Jakarta’s
National Museum
offers a good
comprehensive
introduction
into the
country’s
history. So does
the Jakarta City
museum for the
Indonesian
capital city.
Other sites and
landmarks close
to tourist
center such as
Jakarta,
Surabaya or
Bukit Tinggi may
lend valueable
clues to the
course of
history in this
large
archipelago.
The area around
the Jakarta fish
market and the
old Sunda Kelapa
port are loaded
with mementos of
a tumultuous
past, when
European
maritime trading
power vied for
control of the
archipelago.
Old megaliths in
remote place
such as Sumba
and Flores
testify to the
presence of
early
civilizations on
those islands,
while grand old
traditional
houses in west
and north
Sumatra often
attest to great
past.
Java’s hindu
past is well
recorded in the
island’s many
magnificient
temples such as
Borobudur,
Prambanan,
Kalasan, Mendut,
Sewu and
Penataran.
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Immigration
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All travelers
visiting
Indonesia must
be in possession
of a passport,
valid for at
least one month
from the date of
arrival, as well
as proof of
onward passage
in the form of
tickets. Except
for citizens of
28 centuries
exempted from
the requirement,
tourist must
have visa, which
is valid for
one months.
Countries
exempted from
the visa
requirement are
: Australia,
Austria,
Belgium, Brunei,
Canada, Denmark,
Finland, France,
Greece, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy,
Japan,
Luxembourg,
Malaysia, the
Netherlands, new
Zealand, Norway,
the Philippines,
Singapore, the
republic of
south Korea,
Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland,
Thailand, great
Britain, the
united states of
America, and
west Germany.
The major
gateways for
entry and
departure are
the air and
seaports of
Bali, Jakarta,
medan, manado,
biak, ambon,
batam, Surabaya,
and pekanbaru.
Visas will be
required for
entry through
other points
than those
mentioned.
Delegates to
officially
approved
conferences and
meetings are
also allowed
free entry.
For those not
exempted from
the visa
requirement, the
document can be
obtained from
the Indonesian
embassy or
consulates in
the country
concerned.
Businessmen
interested in
visiting
Indonesia, have
since October
30, 1986 been
given the
opportunity to
obtain a special
business visa,
valid for
multiple entry
for the duration
of 12 months.
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Custom
regulations |
All visitors
entering
Indonesia are
allowed to carry
with them a
number of items,
such as
alcoholic
beverages to
maximum of two
liters, 200
cigarettes, 50
cigars, and 100
grams of
tobacco.
Personal
belongings such
as cameras,
typewriters and
radios should be
officially
declared upon
debarkation, and
must not be
offered for
sale.
Heavy sanctions
are imposed on
the unauthorized
carrying into
Indonesia of
weapons,
narcotic and
explosives. Also
prohibited are
pornography and
certain types of
electronic
equipment
already
manufactured in
Indonesia,
except for
personal use.
Also prohibited
is carrying of
traditional
medicines from
china, and
printed material
in Chinese.
Fruits,
vegetables and
pets are allowed
on condition
that they pass
the quarantine
office at the
harbor or
airport of
entry.
Travelers
checks, money
changers and
banks
Travelers checks
has can be
exchanged for
cash in many
places,
especially in
the big cities
and at most big
hotels,
restaurants,
store, shopping
centers, travel
bureaus, or in
any other place
where sign
indicate that
such checks are
accepted.
Money changers
can be found in
most cities and
around tourist
resorts, in
shopping
centers, at
airports and
certain offices.
Many banks also
act as money
changers.
Indonesian
currency
The currency of
the republic
Indonesia
consists of bank
notes and coins
in carious
denominations.
Notes are
available in
denomination of
Rp. 100.000; Rp.
50.000; Rp.
20.000;
Rp.10.000; Rp.
5.000; Rp.1.000;
coins come in Rp.
1.000; 500;
Rp.100; Rp.50;
Rp.25;
denominations.
Rp.100 and Rp.50
coins are handy
for making local
Telephone calls
from public
booths.
Tipping
Tipping has been
known for a long
time in
Indonesia. The
local term is
persen.
Traditionally,
however, such
tips were given
only as a token
of appreciation
for really
valuable
services
rendered, and on
an entirely
voluntary basis.
In its recent
development, the
custom of
tipping has
become
commercialized
in the sense
that it is often
considered
compulsory in
certain places.
Even so, there
is no standard
rule on tipping
as is practiced
today. The size
of the tip is
usually left to
the discretions
of the person
who gives it.
For small
services such as
carrying
baggage,
however, a
minimum amount
of the about Rp.
5.000 is
considered
appropriate.
The mass media
Television
broadcasts in
Indonesia (TVRI
and RCTI)
generally start
at 3.30 p.m. and
last until 11:00
p.m. or until
midnight on
weekends RCTI
star at 1:30
p.m.
The public
television
network TVRI and
RCTI have some
channels.
Channel 6 for
TVRI (Jakarta
and
surrounding),
and channel 8
and for RCTI;
and other
channel for the
rest of
Indonesia.
Viewers in
Jakarta can from
6:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. daily
watch a special
program in
English,
consisting of
news and short
documents or
entertainment. (
some other TV
channel are
TransTV/Trans7,
global TV, TPI,
etc ).
The government
runs two radio
networks, the
first and also
the oldest,
called radio
republic
Indonesia, or
RRI, broadcasts
entertainment,
education
programs and
news. The other
broadcast
various items of
information for
specific
audiences. In
addition there
are mostly
entertainment
and
advertisements
and relaying
RRI’s news
broadcasts,
around the
country’s
leading
Indonesian
language
newspaper
circulating on
nationwide scale
include the
dailies kompas,
suara
pembaharuan, and
business
Indonesia.
Major provincial
newspaper are
waspada in medan,
singgalang in
padang, genta in
pekanbaru,
pikiran rakyat
in bandung,
Surabaya pos in
Surabaya, and
bali post in
denpasar.
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Police
assistance |
Police are on
24- hours
standby to
assist travelers
in difficulty.
Do not hesitate
to call for
their assistance
whenever the
need arises.
Police escorts
can also be
requested by
individuals
carrying large
amounts of
money, such as
to and from
banks, free
charge.
Special police
officers are on
round-the clock
duty in the
major tourist
destination to
assist visitors.
To call the
police, dial the
number 110 in
most towns and
cities
throughout
Indonesia, or
510-110.
Braving the
weather
Temperatures and
humidity may
vary greatly
across
Indonesia,
depending ion
the season and
the prevailing
geographical
conditions.
In the most
tourist
destinations in
western
Indonesia, the
dry season lasts
from around may
October, and the
rainy season
from November to
April. In
between those
two seasons are
the transitions
periods of
unpredictable
and shifting
winds.
In Indonesia,
temperatures
seldom get
higher than 32
Celsius, even on
the lowland
plains, and
seldom lower
than 16 C,
except at very
high attitudes,
where it can
reach below
freezing point.
Sea breezes
blowing day and
night generally
bring coolness
to the coastal
towns.
In the mountains
its usually
sufficient to
wear a sweater
against the cold
and use a
blanket for
sleeping during
the night.
Elsewhere like
summer wear
gives the
greatest
comfort. In the
big hotels warm
and cold water
are usually
available.
Laundry
Laundry shops
are available
almost anywhere,
but patience is
often needed.
For the visitors
staying in the
big hotels,
laundry is
obviously not a
problem. Dry
cleaning
services are
found only in
the bigger towns
and cities.
Sport and
games
Play is an
important part
of life among
Indonesians.
Facilities for
sports and games
are commonly
found even in
small towns and
many villages
boast at least a
soccer field,
badminton or a
volley ball
court.
Badminton and
soccer are the
most most
popular sports
among
Indonesians and
never fail to
draw huge crowds
of spectators.
Instructors are
usually
available at the
better sports
centers, and
shops
specializing in
sporting
equipment can
easily be found
in the town and
cities.
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Manner
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Customs vary
widely from
place to place,
but good manners
are recognized
and appreciated
anywhere.
In most area the
greeting
assalamu’alaikum
(“may peace be
with you”),
common among
Moslems, is
understood. The
proper answer is
wa’ alaikum
salam(‘and may
peace be with
you, too”).
In some regions
, displays of
familiarity
between persons
of different
sexes are
frowned upon.
Men and women
who are neither
married to each
other nor family
are not supposed
to hold or even
touch each
other.
In many areas,
the handshake is
replaced by
bringing the
palms of the two
hands together,
finger tips
together, and
touching just
the tip of the
fingers of the
other person’s
similarity held
hands.
The friendly
hug, cheek to
cheek, is only
exchanged
between women or
very close
friends, and
only in certain
areas of the
country. In
social
intercourse, the
Javanese and the
Sudanese of west
java choose
their words
carefully in
order to prevent
the other person
from feeling
slighted or
insulted.
Its common
throughout
Indonesia to
address older
men or men in
respected
positions as
Bapak (father)
and women as a
Ibu (mother).
Young people
address slightly
older male peers
as either kakak,
abang or mas
(brother), and
females as kakak
or mbak
(sister). Bung
is suitable for
addressing
people of the
same age, while
younger
individuals are
usually
addressed as
adik.
Attire
The range of the
ethnic costumes
in Indonesia is
wide and
colorful. In
daily life,
however, the
,modern work
uniform is more
and more
becoming the
accepted mode of
dressing among
people in the
various
professions and
occupations.
The armed forces
aside, there are
the different
uniforms worn by
tax, customs,
immigration,
public health,
and office
security
personnel. Not
to mention Red
Cross, Hotel,
restaurant and
department store
and other
employees.
On Mondays and
important nation
days, member of
the Indonesian
civil servant
corps wear batik
uniform, while
their wives wear
the uniform of
the Dharma
wanita
organization.
Civil servant
generally wear
safari short
sleeved suits to
work, complete
with insignia
and emblem.
Modern Indonesia
designers are
making good use
of the very
diverse ethnic
textile motifs
and materials
available to
fashion modern
dress that have
not only local,
international
appeal.
In generally,
Indonesian are
very casual in
their daily
dressing tastes
and habits and,
bring formal
occasions, it is
perfectly
acceptable to
wear shirt
sleeves to go
dining or attend
shows or other
regular
gatherings.
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Health
services |
Doctors are
available in
almost any town
or city. All one
has to do when
they are needed
is ask at the
hotel
information
counter or any
other places one
happens to be
in.
Most big hotels
have the clock
their own
doctors, who are
on call around
the clock. In
the big cities,
in addition,
clinics and
hospitals run by
either the
government by
private parties
offer similar
services.
In city
neighborhoods
and district own
public health
centers, called
puskesmas, offer
basic health
service and
first aid at
very low fees.
In many areas of
Indonesia,
especially in
the remote
regions not yet
reached by the
public system,
the services of
the traditional
healer are still
indispensable.
Language
The bahasa
Indonesia – the
Indonesian
language- is the
official
language of the
indoensia. Based
on the Malay
language, it was
adopted during
the early
decades of the
nationalist
movement as the
language that
would unify all
the diverse
groups and forge
hem into one
single nation.
The date which
the historic
decision was
taken was
October 28 1928
in all Indonesia
youth conference
in Jakarta, at
that time still
called Batavia.
That event is
now commemorated
annually as
youth pledge
day.
In business and
international
communication,
however, the
English language
is also widely
used. English is
spoken in all
tourist class
hotels,
prestigious
restaurants and
at all travel
bureaus as well
as in government
offices dealing
with
international
businessmen and
visitors.
Tour operators
is in addition
employ guides
who also speak
Japanese,
French, Dutch,
German, Chinese
and Arabic.
Shopping
For many
visitors,
shopping is an
important part
of the travel
itinerary. For
those who like
the experience
or shopping or
simply browsing
in an Asian
market place but
have in the past
been discouraged
by the rubbish,
it will be good
to know that in
many town and
cities market
places have been
extensively
renovated and
cleaned up.
Much visited
markets in
Jakarta are
Pasar Ular in
Tanjung priok
port area, Pasar
Pagi and glodok
in the downtown
Chinese
neighborhood,
and the Pasar
ikan fish market
in the old sunda
kelapa harbor
area.
In Surabaya,
popular markets
are pasr
tunjungan, pasar
turi and blauran.
In medan, there
is pasar
Mercubuana
market, and in
Ujung pandang
the somba opu
market place.
Banjarmasin and
Pontianak on the
island
Kalimantan boast
floating
markets.
Yogyakarta has
its beringharjo
market, and
semarang its
pasar johar.
Tough bargaining
is the name of
the game when
shopping in
market places in
Indonesia.
Souvenirs
Indonesian
craftsman and
artisans are
highly skilled
in making good
use of the
abundance of
materials which
their tropical
natural
environment
provides.
Handcraft in a
bewildering
range of the
shapes, colors,
pattern, sizes
and modern
designs are on
sale in the art
shops and
shopping centers
that litter town
and cities
throughout the
country.
Hand-woven and
embroidered
textiles,
besides batik,
are in great
demand among
visitor, judging
by the sales
which the art
shops and
department
stores make.
Statues and
carved panels
and objects are
also much sought
after as
souvenirs, as
are
semi-precious
stones and plait
work.
Electricity
Electricity
power generation
in Indonesia is
mostly done by
water power,
steam or diesel
generator, and
is undertaken by
the government,
which runs PLN,
the state
electricity
company,
In most big
cities and in
rural areas near
the big cities,
the voltage is
200 volts.
Elsewhere it is
still 110 volts.
Many hotels,
however, have
outlets for both
220 and 110-volt
appliances.
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Public
transportation |
There
is a great
variety of
public
transportation
means available
to travelers in
Indonesia. Taxis
naturally offer
the most
personalized
service.
However, several
types of
mini-buses known
as oplet or
microlet offer
much lower
fares, albeit at
the cost of
comfort and
flexibility.
In Jakarta and
other big
cities,
comfortable
taxis, equipped
with meter and
air-conditioning
are easy
available.
For short
distances, the
locals prefer
the cheaper
bajaj, bemo,
ojek, or becak.
The first two
types of public
transport means
are small,
noisy, motorized
three-wheeled
vehicles that
operate like
taxis. Becak re
bicycle taxis
which are
available all
over Indonesia
except Jakarta,
where they are
illegal.
Ojek are usually
bicycle or
motor-bicycles
whose in
addition, there
are also still
the old
horse-driven
carts known as
andong, sado,
and delman. It
is good idea
when taking one
of these more
exotic means of
the transport to
agree on the
fare and the
destination
before taking
the ride.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications
facilities vary
in age and
quality from
place, but there
is hardly a town
in Indonesia at
present that is
not connected to
the national
telephone
network. In the
big cities, the
telephone system
employ the most
up-to-date
technology, and
the network is
comparatively
extensive.
Public telephone
booths are
usually
available near
markets, in
business and
commercial
neighborhoods
and in other
public places
such as
restaurant,
hotels, stores,
train and bus
stations,
hospitals and at
airports.
Roadside public
telephone booths
for local calls
are usually
activated by
putting a Rp. 50
coin into the
local telephone
office or from
privately run
booths.
Telegrams.
Prepaid
telegrams can be
sent from almost
any city or town
in Indonesia.
Telegrams are
among the
cheapest fast
means of
communicating of
long distances,
as long as
messages are
kept short.
Telex.telex
services are
available in the
big cities.
Large companies
usually have
their own telex
connection.
Rates are
determined on
the basis of
time rather than
word count.
Telephones.
Direct dialing
long distance
telephone
services are
available in
most cities. In
Jakarta,
telephone
numbers reach
seven digits. In
most other
cities the
number is five
digits. For long
distance calls,
cities are
assigned area
codes, which
listed in
telephone\
guides.
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Important telephone numbers
to remember are :
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For information
on:
- local
telephone
numbers 108
- long
distance calls
106
-
international
calls 102
- time
103
For bookings of
;
- local
distance calls
100
-
international
calls 101
-
recorded voice
transmission 109 |
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"...The expedition is exhausting, no doubt, but the sheer size
and beauty be seen to be believed. This was definitely a life
altering experience ..."
Gerrard Neve, Rinjani 2004
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