Moving to Indonesia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

267,026,366

Population Growth Rate

0.99%

Urban Population

50.700000

Population in Major Urban Areas

• JAKARTA (capital) 9.769 million
• Surabaya 2.787 million
• Bandung 2.429 million
• Medan 2.118 million
• Semarang 1.573 million
• Palembang 1.455 million

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Age Structure

25.420000

Median Age

28.900000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

17

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.31

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.2

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

61.9%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

61.9%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

22.8

Mother's mean age at first birth

22.8

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-1.19

Ethnic Groups

Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%

Language Note

The official language is Indonesian (a variety of Malay).

However, some 300 other languages are also spoken in the country.

One of them, Javanese is the most common with more than 70 million speakers.

More than half the population speaks some Indonesian or Malay.

Because Dutch was the official language until 1942, some older adults still speak it.

English is the leading international language and is taught as a second language in the schools (after Indonesian).

Ethnic languages are taught in special classes.

Nationality Noun

Indonesian(s)

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Literacy - total population

90.4%

Literacy - male

92.5%

Literacy - female

83.4%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.8%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

13.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

71.900000

Infant Mortality Rate

26.060000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

26.060000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

220

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.2

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.6

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

2.7%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

93.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

71.400000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

18.6%

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Economic Overview

Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, has seen a slowdown in growth since 2012, mostly due to the end of the commodities export boom.

During the global financial crisis, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth.

Indonesia’s annual budget deficit is capped at 3% of GDP, and the Government of Indonesia lowered its debt-to-GDP ratio from a peak of 100% shortly after the Asian financial crisis in 1999 to 34% today.

In May 2017 Standard & Poor’s became the last major ratings agency to upgrade Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating to investment grade.

Poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among its regions are still part of Indonesia’s economic landscape.

President Joko WIDODO - elected in July 2014 – seeks to develop Indonesia’s maritime resources and pursue other infrastructure development, including significantly increasing its electrical power generation capacity.

Fuel subsidies were significantly reduced in early 2015, a move which has helped the government redirect its spending to development priorities.

Indonesia, with the nine other ASEAN members, will continue to move towards participation in the ASEAN Economic Community, though full implementation of economic integration has not yet materialized.

Industries

petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$11,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$3,130,470,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$11,300.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

4.7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$872,600,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 56.8% government
• consumption: 9.4% investment in fixed
• capital: 32.3% investment in
• inventories: 1.2% exports of goods and
• services: 21.7% imports of goods and
• services: -21.4%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

13.6%

GDP by Sector- Industry

42.8%

GDP by Sector- services

43.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

3.6%

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Inflation Rate

5.1%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Currency Name and Code

Rupiah (IDR)

Fiscal Year

calendar year; note - previously was 1 April - 31

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

12.1%

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate - note

note: these figures represent the average annualized rate on working capital loans

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Labor Force

116,500,000

Unemployment Rate

7.1%

Major Industries

petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food, tourism

Agriculture Products

rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra, poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Population Below Poverty Line

13.33%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

4,026,285

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

7%

Child Labor - note

note: data represents children ages 5-17

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

38.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

13.2%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

47.9%

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Annual Budget

$119,500,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

52.6%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

15.8%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Indonesia

Country Name

Indonesia

Local - Long

Republik Indonesia

Local - Short

Indonesia

Former Name

Netherlands East Indies (Dutch East Indies), Netherlands New Guinea

Etymology- history of name

the name is an 18th-century construct of two Greek words, "Indos" (India) and "nesoi" (islands), meaning "Indian islands"

Independence

17 August 1945 (declared independence from the Netherlands)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: drafted July to August 1945, effective 18 August 1945, abrogated by 1949 and 1950 constitutions; 1945 constitution restored 5 July 1959
• amendments: proposed by the People’s Consultative Assembly, with at least two thirds of its members present; passage requires simple majority vote by the Assembly membership; constitutional articles on the unitary form of the state cannot be amended; amended several times, last in 2002

Legal System:

civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (since 20 October 2024)
• head of government: President PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (since 20 October 2024)
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president and vice president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election
• date: 14 February 2024
• election results: 2024: PRABOWO Subianto elected president (assumes office 20 October 2024); percent of vote - PRABOWO Subianto (GERINDRA) 58.6%, Anies Rasyid BASWEDAN (Independent) 24.9%, GANJAR Pranowo (PDI-P) 16.5% 2019: Joko WIDODO reelected president; percent of vote - Joko WIDODO (PDI-P) 55.5%, PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo (GERINDRA) 44.5% expected date of next
• election: 2029
• note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral People's Consultative Assembly or Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat consists of: Regional Representative Council or Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (136 seats; non-partisan members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies - 4 each from the country's 34 electoral districts - by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms);
• Note: the Regional Representative Council has no legislative authority House of Representatives or Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (575 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by single non-transferable vote to serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: Regional Representative Council - last held on 17 April 2019 (next to be held in February 2024) House of Representatives - last held on 17 April 2019 (next to be held 14 February 2024)
• Election Results: Regional Representative Council - all seats elected on a non-partisan basis; composition as of January 2024 - men 102, women 34, percent of women 25% House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PDI-P 19.3%, Gerindra 12.6%, Golkar 12.3%, PKB 9.7%, Nasdem 9.1%, PKS 8.2%, PD 7.8%, PAN 6.8%, PPP 4.5%, other 9.6%; seats by party - PDI-P 128, Golkar 85, Gerindra 78, Nasdem 59, PKB 58, PD 54, PKS 50, PAN 44, PPP 19; composition as of January 2024 - men 449, women 126, percent of women 21.9%; total People's Consultative Assembly percent of women 22.5%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges nominated by Judicial Commission, appointed by president with concurrence of parliament; judges serve until retirement at age 65; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by president, 3 by Supreme Court, and 3 by parliament; judges appointed by the president; judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
• subordinate courts: High Courts of Appeal, district courts, religious courts

Regions or States:

35 provinces (provinsi-provinsi, singular - provinsi), 1 autonomous province*, 1 special region (daerah istimewa), and 1 national capital district* (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Banten, Bengkulu, Gorontalo, Jakarta*, Jambi, Jawa Barat (West Java), Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Jawa Timur (East Java), Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan), Kalimantan Selatan (South Kalimantan), Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan), Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan), Kalimantan Utara (North Kalimantan), Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Bangka Belitung Islands), Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Lampung, Maluku, Maluku Utara (North Maluku), Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), Nusa Tenggara Timur (East Nusa Tenggara), Papua, Papua Barat (West Papua), Papua Barat Daya (Southwest Papua), Papua Pegunungan (Papua Highlands), Papua Selatan (South Papua), Papua Tengah (Central Papua), Riau, Sulawesi Barat (West Sulawesi), Sulawesi Selatan (South Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tengah (Central Sulawesi), Sulawesi Tenggara (Southeast Sulawesi), Sulawesi Utara (North Sulawesi), Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Sumatera Selatan (South Sumatra), Sumatera Utara (North Sumatra), Yogyakarta note: following the implementation of decentralization beginning on 1 January 2001, regencies and municipalities have become the key administrative units responsible for providing most government services

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democrat Party or PD [Agus Harimurti YUDHOYONO]
• Functional Groups Party or GOLKAR [Airlangga HARTARTO]
• Great Indonesia Movement Party or GERINDRA [PRABOWO Subianto Djojohadikusumo]
• Indonesia Democratic Party-Struggle or PDI-P [MEGAWATI Sukarnoputri]
• National Awakening Party or PKB [Muhaiman ISKANDAR]
• National Democratic Party or NasDem [Surya PALOH]
• National Mandate Party or PAN [Zulkifli HASAN]
• Prosperous Justice Party or PKS [Ahmad SYAIKHU]
• United Development Party or PPP [Muhamad MARDIONO]
• Note: these parties are those represented in national and regional legislatures; additional parties are represented in only regional legislatures

Suffrage:

• 17 years of age
• universal
• married persons regardless of age

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Indonesia dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 continuous years

Capital Name

• Jakarta
• note - Indonesian lawmakers on 18 January 2022 approved the relocation of the country’s capital from Jakarta to a site on the island of Borneo between Samarinda City and the port city of Balikpapan
• Nusantara ("archipelago"), the name of the new capital, is expected to be established in August 2024

Capital - geographic coordinate

6 10 S, 106 49 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) note: Indonesia has three time zones

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• APEC
• ARF
• ASEAN
• BIS
• CD
• CICA (observer)
• CP
• D-8
• EAS
• EITI (compliant country)
• FAO
• G-11
• G-15
• G-20
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM (observer)
• IORA
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MINURSO
• MINUSTAH
• MONUSCO
• MSG (associate member)
• NAM
• OECD (enhanced engagement)
• OIC
• OPCW
• PIF (partner)
• UN
• UNAMID
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHRC
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• UNISFA
• UNMIL
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Sung Y. KIM (since 21 October 2020)
• Embassy: Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3-5, Jakarta 10110
• Mailing Address: 8200 Jakarta Place, Washington DC 20521-8200
• Telephone: [62] (21) 5083-1000
• FAX: [62] (21) 385-7189
• Email: jakartaacs@state.gov
• Website: https://id.usembassy.gov/
• Consulate(s) General: Surabaya

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Ida Bagus Made BIMANTARA (since 30 November 2023)
• Chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200
• FAX: [1] (202) 775-5236
• Email: washington.kbri@kemlu.go.id
• Website: https://www.kemlu.go.id/washington/en#!
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

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Geographic Location

Southeast Asia

Geographic Coordinates

5 00 S, 120 00 E

Total Area

735,354 Square Miles 1,904,569 Square Kilometers

Land Area

699,447 Square Miles 1,811,569 Square Kilometers

Water Area

35,907 Square Miles 93,000 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,758 Miles 2,830 Kilometers

Border Countries

East Timor 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Coastline

33,999 Miles 54,716 Kilometers

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Terrain

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Highest Point

5,030 Meters

Highest Point Location

Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Lowest Point Location

Indian Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silver

Irrigated Land

25,954 Square Miles 67,220 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) note: Indonesia has three time zones

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Climate

The tropical climate varies with location, season, and altitude.

Jakarta lies in the lowlands.

Spanning the Equator, Indonesia experiences no real seasons.

However, a wet season begins in November and lasts until March, followed by a dry season from April to October.

Days and nights each last 12 hours.

The tropical climate and rich soil support abundant flora and fauna.

Mangrove swamps and marshes flourish along the coast; tropical rain forests cover most of the terrain up to 3,000 feet; and abundant subtropical vegetation, such as oak, pine, and hardwoods, thrives at higher altitudes.

The abundant forest cover and favorable climate have stimulated a diverse animal life.

Many endangered and unique animals, such as single‑horn rhinoceroses, orangutans, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo "dragons," Sumatran tigers, giant monitor lizards, and anoa, the pygmy buffalo of Celebes, still find a home in Indonesia.

Many species of snakes, insects, and birds abound.

Terrain

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Location

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

Total Area

735,354 Square Miles 1,904,569 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

East Timor 228 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Environment - Current Issues

• deforestation
• water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage
• air pollution in urban areas
• smoke and haze from forest fires

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

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Exports

$146,300,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$111,100,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

oil and gas, electrical appliances, plywood, textiles, rubber

Major Imports

machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs

Top Export Partners

Japan 21.1%, US 13.2%, Singapore 9.4%, South Korea 7.2%, China 5.1%

Top Import Partners

Japan 14.1%, Singapore 13.1%, US 8.5%, China 7.8%, South Korea 5.3%, Australia 5.1%

Export Partners

Japan 21.1%, US 13.2%, Singapore 9.4%, South Korea 7.2%, China 5.1%

Import Partners

Japan 14.1%, Singapore 13.1%, US 8.5%, China 7.8%, South Korea 5.3%, Australia 5.1%

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Country Description

Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 17,500 islands spread over 3,400 miles along the Equator.

The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Bali, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi (Celebes), Papua, Halmahera, and Seram.

The capital city of Jakarta lies in the lowlands of West Java, the most populated island.

The country has approximately 246,000,000 people and more than 300 ethnic groups.

Indonesia's geographic location and topography make the country prone to natural disasters, especially seismic upheaval due to its location on the "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

Indonesia is a developing country with a growing economy and many infrastructure shortcomings, especially in rural areas.

Safety & Security

Since 2005, the Indonesian police and security forces have disrupted a number of terrorist cells, including Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a U.S. government-designated terrorist organization that carried out several bombings at various times from 2000 to 2012.

Indonesia suffered its worst terrorist attack in 2002, when more than 200 foreign tourists and Indonesian citizens were killed in Bali.

Deadly car bombs have exploded outside hotels and resorts frequented by Westerners in Jakarta and Bali in 2003 and 2005 and outside of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in 2004.

In July 2009, JI-affiliated elements bombed two Western hotels in Jakarta, killing nine Indonesians and foreigners and injuring over 50, including six U.S. citizens.

Since these attacks, Indonesia has effectively pursued counterterrorism efforts through legislation and law enforcement.

In 2010, security forces arrested more than 100 individuals on terrorism-related charges.

However, violent elements in Indonesia continue to demonstrate a willingness and ability to carry out violent attacks with little or no warning.

Regionally, terrorist cells and insurgents have targeted police stations and officers.

In October 2012, two police officers were found assassinated in Poso, Sulawesi.

In November 2012, there were various armed attacks on police stations and officers in Central Java, including a bomb found in Pasar Kliwon Police Precinct, Surakarta.

Fortunately, many of these attacks failed due to Indonesian National Police (INP) intervention.

Extremists may target both official and private interests, including hotels, nightclubs, shopping areas, and restaurants.

Whether at work, pursuing daily activities, and/or while traveling, you should be vigilant and prudent at all times.

Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times, and maintain a low profile.

Be sure to consider the security and safety preparedness of hotels, residences, restaurants, and entertainment or recreational venues that you frequent.

In November 2009, unknown assailants shot at foreigners in Banda Aceh, North Sumatra, an area that was devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the scene of a long-running separatist conflict that ended in 2005.

The gunfire wounded a European development worker.

In the same area, a house occupied by U.S. citizen teachers was targeted and hit by gunfire, but there were no U.S. citizen casualties.

Be aware that a real or even perceived offense may generate a negative or even violent response from local people.

For example, in June 2008, two U.S. citizens in western Sumatra were beaten after they reportedly accused a local man of theft.

In the same month, another U.S. citizen in Sumatra was threatened by members of a local mosque when he complained about being awakened from his sleep by the morning call to prayer.

Demonstrations are common in Jakarta and throughout Indonesia.

Common areas for protest activity in Jakarta include both the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and the U.S.

Embassy.

While these demonstrations are usually peaceful and police presence is normally sufficient to maintain order, demonstrations have occasionally become violent, particularly when involving issues related to religion.

In the past, anti-American demonstrations at the Embassy have been sparked by U.S. foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other issues related to the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

From September through November 2012, significant protest activity occurred throughout the region following the release of “Innocence of Muslims,” a video that depicted extremely anti-Islamic sentiment.

We advise that people avoid large crowds and other gatherings that could turn violent.

Localized political violence and civil unrest due to ethnic, sectarian, religious and separatist reasons is not uncommon in various parts of the country.

Religious and ethnic violence is common in Central Sulawesi.

Papua harbors a persistent separatist movement, which includes a small number of ar

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Crime

Crime can be a problem in some major metropolitan areas in Indonesia.

Crimes of opportunity such as pick-pocketing and theft occur throughout the country.

If you are in Jakarta and Surabaya, hire a taxi either at a major hotel or shopping center queue, or by calling or hailing a reputable taxi company, such as Silver Bird, Blue Bird or White Express.

If you are arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, use only these taxis obtained at a designated taxi queue or clearly marked taxi stand.

Politely decline all offers of help from touts or anyone who approaches you.

Major hotels have staff on duty to offer safe meet-and-greet service at airports and can also direct their hotel guests to a reliable taxi.

It is best to request meet and greet services from your hotel in advance.

Add about 25,000 Rupiah to the metered fare for required airport taxes and toll road fees.

Depending on traffic, a minimum metered fare is 150,000-200,000 Rupiah from Soekarno-Hatta airport to central Jakarta.

Criminals in Jakarta regularly rob customers in taxis painted to look like taxis from reputable companies; booking taxis by telephone directly from the company or through hotels is the best way to avoid falling victim to this scam.

Armed car-jacking, theft of vehicles and non-violent residential break-ins do occur in Indonesia.

Personal and "snatch-and-grab" robberies are the most common type of crime, and have occurred regularly, to include targeting expatriates and embassy personnel.

There continue to be crimes committed against people taking disreputable and freelance taxis.

These types of crimes usually involve the driver taking his passenger(s) - usually women - to a remote area where a group of armed men rob them of their jewelry, cell phones, money and any other items of value such as ATM cards and force the victim(s) to reveal his or her PIN codes so that the assailants could obtain cash.

In a few instances, the criminals drove with the victim in the taxi to an ATM machine and forced them to withdraw cash.

Visitors to Indonesia should use only reputable taxi companies and avoid public mass transit platforms such as buses and trains.

Pick pocketing is another crime that both locals and visitors fall victim to, with most pick pocketing occurring in crowded areas such as the mass transit system or in restaurants/bars.

Indonesian police have noted an upward trend in burglaries and armed robberies in Jakarta, an increase of 25 percent in 2010, particularly in wealthier areas where expatriates tend to live.

The best defense is to proactively take personal responsibility for your own security: know the layout of your dwelling, have someone at home at all times, discuss security procedures with your family and household staff, and know your neighborhood.

Claiming to act in the name of religious or moral standards, certain extremist groups have, on occasion, attacked nightspots and places of entertainment.

Most of these attacks have sought to destroy property rather than to injure individuals.

International news events can sometimes trigger anti-American or anti-Western demonstrations.

Credit card fraud and theft is a serious and growing problem in Indonesia, particularly for Westerners.

Travelers should minimize use of credit cards and instead use cash.

If used, credit card numbers should be closely safeguarded at all times.

Travelers should also avoid using credit cards for online transactions at Internet cafes and similar venues.

Travelers who decide to use credit cards should monitor their credit card activity carefully and immediately report any unauthorized use to their financial institution.

ATM cards have been skimmed and cloned, resulting in bank accounts being drained.

If you choose to use an ATM, exercise the same level of caution you would in the United States when using unfamiliar ATM machines and monitor your statements closely.

Selecting tour guides, hotels, and business partners based on their reputation, competence, a

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Indonesia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Persons violating Indonesian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States; for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

In Indonesia, you may be detained for questioning if you don't have your passport with you.

It is also illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, and driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

If you break local laws in Indonesia, your U.S. passport won't help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It's very important to know what's legal and what's not where you are going.

Certain areas of Indonesia are under Sharia law; see the section under Special Circumstances.

In March 2008, the Indonesian parliament passed a bill criminalizing the access of internet sites containing violent or pornographic material.

Anyone found guilty of the new offense could be jailed for up to three years or have to pay a heavy fine.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children, using, and/or disseminating child pornography is a crime prosecutable in the United States regardless of the country where the activity occurs.

The Indonesian child protection law imposes up to 15 years in prison for those convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a child, and the anti-trafficking in persons law imposes 15 years in prison for anyone engaging in sex with a victim of trafficking.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Indonesia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

A life sentence or the death penalty can be given in cases of drug trafficking; several foreigners have been sentenced to death in recent years.

One U.S. citizen was given a life sentence for drug trafficking.

Indonesian prisons are harsh and do not meet Western standards.

Many prisoners are required to supplement their prison diets and clothing with funds from relatives.

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Medical Facilities

The general level of sanitation and health care in Indonesia is far below U.S. standards.

Some routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for all but the simplest medical procedures.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited throughout Indonesia.

Medical procedures requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to locations with acceptable medical care, such as Singapore, Australia, or the United States can cost thousands of dollars.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment or sizable deposits before offering medical care.

A non-exhaustive list of English-speaking doctors and hospitals is accessible via the U.S.

Embassy Jakarta's website.

Many places in Indonesia are inaccessible to the physically handicapped.

Sidewalks tend to be uneven and difficult to navigate, and many buildings do not have elevators.

Ambulance services are individually run by hospitals and clinics.

Indonesian ambulance attendants lack paramedical training equivalent to U.S. standards, and there is no reliable emergency ambulance service in Indonesia.

If you are staying in Indonesia for an extended period, especially if you have known health problems, you are advised to investigate private ambulance services in your area, and to provide family and close contacts with the direct telephone number(s) of the preferred service.

Traffic congestion is a significant problem in urban Indonesia and roads are generally in poor condition in rural Indonesia, so ambulance transport, if it exists at all, even over short distances can take hours.

Community sanitation and public health programs are inadequate throughout Indonesia and subject to frequent breakdowns.

Water and air pollution and traffic congestion have rapidly increased with the unstructured growth of major cities.

Almost all maladies of the developing world are endemic to Indonesia, and immediate treatment is problematic.

Residents are subject to water- and food-borne illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis, cholera, worms, amebiasis, giardia, cyclospora, and bacterial dysentery.

Mosquito-borne dengue fever and tuberculosis exist throughout Indonesia and have been serious in Jakarta.

Indonesia has the highest incidence of dengue fever in Asia, which is caused by several species of mosquitoes biting during the day.

Multiple drug-resistant strains of malaria are endemic in some parts of Indonesia but not in metropolitan Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, and Bali; even short stays can be disastrous without malaria prophylaxis.

Precautions against being bitten – such as mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves, and sleeping under a bed net are all recommended.

Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended for travel to malaria-endemic areas outside major cities.

Travelers to Sulawesi should be tested for schistosomiasis.

Asthma and other respiratory difficulties are common and generally worse in Jakarta than in other areas, exacerbated by the high pollution levels.

Indonesia has one of the highest prevalence of tuberculosis, which is transmitted through the air, shared smoking devices, and particularly in densely crowded areas.

Precautions include wearing a face mask when in crowded areas, and having a PPD test after departure.

Skin allergies are also common.

Avian (H5N1), swine (H1N1) influenza, and seasonal influenza (H2N3) are endemic in Indonesia all year with peaks during the rainy season (November- April).

Influenza vaccination may be helpful to reduce instances of seasonal flu (H2N3).

High risk areas for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) are live-bird markets around the greater Jakarta area.

Current information about influenza in Indonesia can be found on Flu Net ( http://www.who.int/influenza/gisrs_laboratory/flunet/en/ ).

Rabies is endemic in Indonesia, but extensive dog vaccination has reduced cases in Bali by almost 80% with a possibility for elimination by the end of 2012; other islands in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and S

Traffic Safety

There has been a rapid rise in all manners of public and private transportation within Indonesia.

New private airlines have begun operations over the past several years, as have new bus and ferry lines.

Air, ferry, and road accidents resulting in fatalities, injuries, and significant damage are common.

Indonesia experienced several fatal plane crashes and non-fatal runway overruns in 2011.

Additionally, several ferry accidents and a train collision resulted in dozens of fatalities and even more injuries, due to over-crowding and unsafe conditions.

Indonesia continues to hold a category 2 safety rating after the Federal Aviation Administration lowered the rating in March 2007.

While all forms of transportation are ostensibly regulated in Indonesia, oversight is spotty, equipment tends to be less well maintained than that operated in the United States, amenities do not typically meet Western standards, and rescue/emergency response is notably lacking.

Travelers by boat or ferry should not board before confirming that adequate personal floatation devices are provided.

Ferries are frequently overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment, and there have been a number of ferry sinkings resulting in loss of life.

While in Indonesia, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

Traffic in Indonesia is highly dangerous, congested, and undisciplined.

Traffic signals are frequently ignored and often in disrepair.

The number and variety of vehicles on the road far exceed the capacity of existing roadways.

Road conditions vary from good (in the case of toll roads and major city roads) to dangerously poor.

Generally, road safety awareness is very low in Indonesia.

Buses and trucks are often dangerously overloaded and travel at high speeds.

Most roads outside major urban areas have a single lane of traffic in each direction, making passing dangerous.

Most Indonesian drivers do not maintain a safe-following distance in a manner familiar to U.S. drivers and tend to pass or maneuver with considerably less margin for error than in the United States.

Although traffic in Indonesia moves on the left side of the road, drivers tend to pass on both sides and may use the shoulder for this purpose.

It is common for drivers to create extra lanes regardless of the lane markings on the roads.

Nails are frequently sprinkled on roads to cause punctures and create business for tire-repair services.

Throughout Indonesia, there is an overabundance of motorcycles claiming the right of way.

Many motorcycle drivers weave recklessly in and out of traffic with complete disregard for traffic regulations and simple safety precautions.

Throughout the country, motor vehicles share the roads with other forms of transportation such as pedicabs, horse and ox carts, pushcarts, and domestic animals such as cows, sheep, and goats.

Indonesia requires the use of seat belts in front seats; most Indonesian automobiles do not have seat belts in the rear passenger seats.

The use of infant and child car seats is uncommon, and it can be very difficult to rent a car seat.

Helmets are required for all motorcycle passengers, the laws for which are inconsistently enforced.

Passengers often do not wear helmets.

Accidents on rented motorcycles constitute the largest cause of death and serious injury among foreign visitors to Indonesia.

Given the poor quality of emergency services, an injury considered to be minor in the United States might result in greater bodily harm in Indonesia.

Accidents between a car and a motorcycle are invariably viewed as the fault of the driver of the car.

Groups of motorcycle riders will sometimes threaten the driver of a car who is involved in an accident regardless of who is at fault.

Expatriates and affluent Indonesians often use professional drivers.

All car rental firms provide drivers for a nominal additional fee.

Travelers unfamiliar with Indonesian driving conditions are strongly encouraged to hire

8 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

673

Airports with Paved Runways

186

Heliports

76

Railways

3,133 Miles 5,042 Kilometers

Roadways- total

308,577 Miles 496,607 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

175,911 Miles 283,102 Kilometers

Waterways

13,409 Miles 21,579 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Makassar, Palembang, Semarang, Surabaya

7 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Condensate

661 Miles 1,064 Kilometers

Pipelines: Gas

7,271 Miles 11,702 Kilometers

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

74 Miles 119 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

4,826 Miles 7,767 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil/Gas/Water

48 Miles 77 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

452 Miles 728 Kilometers

Pipelines: Water

27 Miles 44 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

33,958,000

Cell Phones

81,835,000

Internet Users

13,000,000

Internet Country Code

.id

Internet Hosts

1,269,000

Broadcast Media

• mixture of about a dozen national TV networks - 2 public broadcasters, the remainder private broadcasters - each with multiple transmitters
• more than 100 local TV stations
• widespread use of satellite and cable TV systems
• public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as regional and local stations
• overall, more than 700 radio stations with more than 650 privately operated

Telephone System

• assessment: domestic service includes an interisland microwave system, an HF radio police net, and a domestic satellite communications system; international service good
• domestic: coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000 telephone kiosks many located in remote areas; mobile-cellular subscribership growing rapidly
• international: country code - 62; landing point for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks that provide links throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)

11 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

119,300,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

129,000,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

39,560,000,000

Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

38,670,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

76,250,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

3,069,000,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,322,000

Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

338,100

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

388,400

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,061,000

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

4,030,000,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

adopted 1945

Anthem Lyrics

INDONESIA RAYA Great Indonesia Indonesia Tanah Airku, Tanah Tumpah Darahku, Di sanalah aku berdiri, jadi pandu ibuku.

Indonesia kebangsaanku, bangsa dan tanah airku, Marilah kita berseru, Indonesia bersatu.

Hiduplah tanahku, hiduplah negeriku, Bangsaku, rakyatku, semuanya.

Bangunlah jiwanya, bangunlah badannya, Untuk Indonesia Raya.

Indonesia Raya, Merdeka, Merdeka Tanahku, negeriku yang kucinta.

Indonesia Raya, Merdeka, Merdeka Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.

Indonesia Raya, Merdeka, Merdeka Tanahku, negeriku yang kucinta.

Indonesia Raya, Merdeka, Merdeka Hiduplah Indonesia Raya.

Anthem Lyrics English

Indonesia, my native land, My place of birth, Where I stand guard Over my motherland Indonesia, my nationality, My people and my country Let us all cry For united Indonesia.

Long live my land, Long live my country, My nation and all my people.

Arouse their spirit, Arouse their bodies For Great Indonesia.

Great Indonesia, free and independent, The land, the country I love Great Indonesia, free and independent, Long live Indonesia.