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Indonesia
- An Introduction |
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The largest
archipelago in the world, Indonesia consists of five main island; Java,
Sumatra Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Irian Jaya and about 30 small
archipelagoes, a total of more than 17,508 islands. Stretching 3,200 miles
(5.120 km) from east to west, it straddles the equator between the
Australian and Asian Continents.
With the
fifth
largest
population
in the
world.
Indonesians
number
240
million and are basically of Malay and Polynesian stock comprising of 300
ethnic groups and subgroups having their own traditions. Early immigrants
from the Indian subcontinent, China, the Arab peninsula and Persia have
left their mark on culture and religion followed by influences of
Portuguese, Spanish, English and Dutch traders and colonials.
The Indonesian constitution allows freedom of religion in a predominantly
Moslem country and the state's "Unity in Diversity" motto is a
symbol of the co-existence of the many cultures unified in on nation.
These diverse cultures have given Indonesia a rich heritage of traditions
and art resulting in festivities throughout the year in different parts of
the country, which are also closely related to religion, particularly on
the island of Bali.
Bahasa Indonesia using Romanized script, is the national language and
English is spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. Indonesia has two
seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from
November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional
periods and the general maximum temperature is 33°C (62°F) and the
general minimum 21°C (41°F).
You will undoubtedly find that the Indonesians are extremely friendly and
welcoming to travelers, as they welcome you into their lives, pleased to
have a guest to entertain, smiles abounding.
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Statistics |
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