Background

Total population
Indonesia’s population is 241,973,879 (July 2005 est.). It is the 4th most populous country and the biggest Muslim country in the world.

Languages
Bahasa Indonesia (official language), English (in big cities and tourist destination cities), indigenous languages.

Location
Indonesia is located between two continents, Asia and Australia. The territory stretches along 3,997 miles between the Indian and Pacific Ocean. It is the largest archipelago in the world, with 17,508 islands in total. There are five major islands in Indonesia: Java, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.

Climate
Indonesia is generally warm and humid all year round with an average temperature ranging between 23° C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). It has a monsoon type climate with a dry season running from June to October and the rainy season from November to March

Traditional Festivals
Idul Fitri is the biggest and most important celebration of the year marked with a traditional "mudik" ritual, where most of the people in big cities go back to their home cities or villages, leaving the city empty. Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year are also modestly celebrated. In Bali, where most of the residents are Hindus, the important celebration is "Nyepi", it is the day of absolute silence throughout the island and marked with "four no": 1) No fire/light 2) No work 3) No travel 4) No entertainment.

Local Information

Transportation
In Jakarta, there are many options for public transportation. For major routes, Trans-Jakarta (known as busway) is available. Even though taxi is still the most convenient way to get around the city.

Banking hours
8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, and selective branches open on Saturdays. All the main credit cards and travelers cheques are accepted in major institutions and big cities or tourist destinations. For more information please visit www.hsbc.co.id

Electricity
220V AC 50Hz

Plug type
European CEE7 Standard VII (two round holes socket).

Health
There are many hospitals in Indonesia with varying quality. Private and international hospitals located in big cities provide comprehensive medical facilities and specialist services.

Educations
There are mainly four types of school in Indonesia: public, private, international and national “plus” school. The last two usually offers international curriculum and use English as their medium of instruction. International and national “plus” schools are mostly located in Jakarta with very few in other big cities.

Mosque
As a majority Muslim population country, Indonesia has many beautiful buildings and historic mosques scattered around the country. One of the largest mosque in the world are in Indonesia, just in Jakarta; the mosque Masjid Istiqlal or Independence Mosque. Stood above ground area of 9.5 hectares, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia in terms of building structures and land with capacity to accommodate about 200,000 pilgrims. Indonesia's national mosque was built to commemorate Indonesia's independence, as gratitude for the grace of God; Indonesia achieved independence. Therefore, Indonesia's national mosque is named "istiqlal", an Arabic word for "freedom".

Exchange Rate
Since August 1999, Indonesia has adopted the free-floating exchange rate, which means that the exchange rate is determined solely by the market. In order to maintain a stable exchange rate, Bank Indonesia performs sterilization in foreign exchange market at a certain period of time. For exchange rate information please visit www.hsbc.co.id

Taxation
Any increase in economic prosperity received or accrued by a resident taxpayer, whether originating from within or outside Indonesia, is taxable. The definition of resident taxpayer is an individual who has stayed in Indonesia for more than 183 days in any 12-month period or if the individual intends to reside in Indonesia. Expatriates are required to register at the local tax office situated in the area where you live. If you reside in Jakarta, you should register at the Badora (Foreign Bodies and Expatriates)

Tax Office
Kantor Pelayanan Pajak Badan Dan Orang Asing Kanwil Pajak Khusus Jakarta Raya, Direktorat Jenderal Pajak Jl. TMP Kalibata No. 1-2 Jakarta Selatan Jakarta 12750 – Indonesia

Visas

Prior to your departure to Indonesia, you are encouraged to obtain a visa in order to visit and stay in the country. A visa is a permit, which will be attached to your passport and is issued by the Embassy or Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, providing that you meet the application requirements.

Visa application will require the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A round trip or through-ticket to country of destination
• Two (2) passport size (4x6cm) photographs
• Proof or written guarantee of possession of sufficient funds for living expenses during entire period of stay in Indonesia
• Application form signed and completed by applicant
• Payment of the visa fee

Requirements for a 30-day visa is excepted for the visitors originated from the following countries:

• ThailandMalaysiaSingaporeBrunei DarussalamPhilipinesHong Kong SARMacao SARChiliMoroccoPeru
• Vietnam

This type of visa (visa that expires in 30 days) can be extended for certain cases such as natural disasters, accidents and illness (subject to Minister of Foreign Affairs’ approval) Visa application can be processed through the offices of the Embassy or Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia. Please visit this link for more information of Embassy/Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia. http://www.imigrasi.go.id/

Visitors wishing to stay after arriving in Indonesia can obtain Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport. Starting on 6th June 2006, the following list of countries may obtain VoA. These countries may obtain VoA: South Africa, US, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, UAE, Estonia, etc.

General visa requirements :
A valid passport at least 6 months at the date of entry to Indonesia A round trip or through-ticket to country of destination 2 (two) photographs, size 4 x 6 cm Proof or written guarantee of possession of sufficient funds for living expenses during entire stay in Indonesia Application form signed and completed by applicant

Visa on Arrival:
The government of Indonesia gives a Visa on Arrival (VoA) service. Starting in June 6th 2006 the list of countries that is included in the program is South Africa, The United States of America, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Estonia, Finland, Hungary, India, United Kingdom, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Egypt, Monaco, Norway, Oman, France, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, China, Russia, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan and Greece.

Visa on Arrival allows you to stay in Indonesia for 7 days ($10 fee) or 30 days ($25 fee). This type of visa cannot be converted, extended or used to obtain immigration permit.

Driver’s license:
If you already have a driver’s license from your country of origin or an international driver’s license, than you will only need to take the theory test. If not, than you will have to take both theory and a driving test. Ask your employer to help you to obtain a driver’s license.