History of Indonesia 17th-19th century. Office hours of institutions. State structure of Indonesia

Indonesia is a country located on many tropical islands. Each Indonesian island has its own unique culture, architecture, people and traditions. Indonesia has it all - jungles, rainforests, lakes, active volcanoes and, of course, paradise beaches. In Indonesia, you will meet friendly people, and you will also be able to see the sunrise over the most beautiful Buddhist temples.

Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago that includes more than 17.5 thousand islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Kalimantan, Sumatra, Java, and New Guinea (only 6 thousand of them are inhabited). Indonesia shares borders with Malaysia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. Other nearby countries are Singapore, Philippines, Palau and Australia. The total area of ​​this country is 1,919,440 sq. km.

A significant part of the territory of the islands that make up Indonesia is occupied by mountains. The largest local peak is Mount Punchak Jaya on the island of New Guinea, which reaches a height of 4,884 meters.

The geographical position of Indonesia determines that this country has very strong seismic and volcanic activity. those. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, special services can already predict all these cataclysms. In general, there are now about 150 active volcanoes in Indonesia, including the "famous" Krakatau and Tambora.

On the island of Kalimantanu there are three largest rivers in Indonesia - Mahakam, Barito and Kapuas.

The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, which is now home to more than 9.7 million people. Archaeologists claim that a human settlement on the site of modern Jakarta existed already in the 1st century AD. However, the city itself was officially founded in 1527.

The official language in Indonesia is Indonesian, which belongs to the Austronesian language family.

More than 88% of Indonesia's population is Muslim (mostly Sunni Muslim). About 8% of the population of this country identify themselves as Christians.

Under the current Constitution of 1945, Indonesia is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 5 years.

The parliament in Indonesia is bicameral - the People's Consultative Congress, consisting of the Council of People's Representatives (560 deputies) and the Council of Representatives of the Regions (132 deputies). The country's parliament has the right to impeach the president.

The main political parties in Indonesia are the Democratic Party, the Golkar Party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the Justice and Welfare Party, and the National Mandate Party.

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial with elements of subequatorial. In general, Indonesia is very hot and humid. The average annual air temperature is +27.7C. The average annual rainfall is 1,755 mm. The rainy season in this country is from October to April. However, there are also rains in the so-called. "dry season".

Some travelers like to relax in Indonesia during the rainy season (October-April). At this time, it usually rains in Indonesia in the evening for no more than 2 hours. The rest of the time, Indonesia is very hospitable. During this season, as a rule, hotel prices in Indonesia are much lower than during the dry season.

In Sumatra and Java, the rainy season lasts from November to March (rain falls in the afternoon). Best time for a trip to Java or Sumatra - May-September.

In Bali, the rainy season is from October to March. However, in Bali, there is a lot of sun and bright blue skies between the rain shower. Therefore, in Bali you can relax in the rainy season. The best months to visit Bali are from May to August.

Sulawesi Island, an amazing place for a beach holiday, has two opposite climatic zones. In the southwest of this island, the monsoon period lasts from October to March, and in the north - from June to July. On the coast of Sulawesi, the air temperature can reach + 34C, and in the middle of the island, on a hill - + 24C.

Average air temperature in Bali:

January - +26C
- February - +26С
- March - +27C
- April - +27C
- May - +28C
- June - +27С
- July - +27С
- August - +27С
- September - +27C
- October - +27С
- November - +27С
- December - +27С

The shores of the Indonesian islands are washed by the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Average sea temperature near Bali island:

January - +29С
- February - +29C
- March - +29С
- April - +28C
- May - +28C
- June - +28C
- July - +27С
- August - +27С
- September - +27C
- October - +27С
- November - +27С
- December - +27С

Some of the Indonesian islands have many rivers. The largest rivers flow through the island of Kalimantan (these are the Mahakam, Barito and Kapuas rivers). The island of Sumatra is home to the largest volcanic lake on Earth - Lake Toba.

In Indonesia, the ancestors modern people lived already in the times of the Lower Paleolithic (Javanese ape-man and Floresian man). Approximately 45 thousand years ago, Homo sapiens appeared on the territory of modern Indonesia. Moreover, Indonesia was inhabited by representatives of the Negroid and Mongoloid races.

The first states in Indonesia already existed in the 4th century AD. - Kutai and Taruma, and later - Srivijaya. All these states were greatly influenced by India and Buddhism.

In the 13th century, the Majapahit empire reached its peak. At the same time, Islam began to spread in Indonesia.

Europeans arrived in Indonesia at the beginning of the 16th century. These were Portuguese sailors. Then the Dutch began to claim Indonesia, who formed the Netherlands East India Company in 1602. At that time, several states existed on the territory of modern Indonesia, among which the Sultanate of Mataram should be distinguished. Gradually, these states became colonies of the Netherlands.

Indonesia became a British colony in 1811. However, after the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Great Britain returned Indonesia to the Netherlands.

In the first half of the 20th century, Indonesians formed several political parties (for example, the Communist Party of Indonesia and the National Party).

In the spring of 1942, Indonesia (Netherlands East Indies) was captured by Japanese troops. The Japanese occupation of Indonesia continued until August 1945. It was in August 1945 that the independence of Indonesia was proclaimed. However, the Netherlands did not want to part with their colony, and unleashed hostilities. fighting ended only in 1950. Sukarno was elected president of the country.

In March 1968, the People's Consultative Congress elected Sukarto, who had previously commanded the ground forces, as president of Indonesia.

Since 2004, the President of Indonesia has been elected by direct universal suffrage.

The modern culture of Indonesia is the result of the interaction of the traditions of different peoples who live in this country. In addition, Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists had a noticeable impact on Indonesian culture.

IN Everyday life Indonesians are guided by the principles of mutual assistance ("gotong royong") and exchange of opinion ("musyawarah"), which helps to come to an agreement ("mufakat").

Indonesian art is under a very strong religious influence. The traditions of the famous dance dramas of Java and Bali date back to Hindu mythology (influence of the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen in them).

In Indonesia, we recommend that tourists definitely see the local festivals, which are held everywhere and almost every month. The largest of them are the Galungan festival in Bali, performances of the Ramayana ballet in Java, the Feast of Silence in Bali, the Vesak Buddhist festival in Borobudur, and the Easter Parade on Larantuka Island.

The staple food in Indonesia is rice, but potatoes, corn, sago and cassava are common in the eastern part of the country. Naturally, a very large part in Indonesian cuisine is occupied by fish and various seafood (oysters, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, squids). In addition, Indonesian cuisine cannot be imagined without coconut (oil is made from it, and the pulp is added to many dishes).

As for meat, beef and poultry are popular in Indonesia. Pork is only found in Chinese restaurants or in areas where few Muslims live.

Traditional Indonesian dishes are nasi goring (fried rice), mie goring (fried noodles), and gado-gado (vegetables with eggs in peanut sauce).

Indonesia has a wide variety of exotic fruits (jackfruit, durian, papaya, pineapple and mango).

The traditional alcoholic drink in Indonesia is tuak wine, which is made from palm red sugar. However, most Indonesians drink black tea because Islam forbids alcohol.

Rest assured that travelers in Indonesia are not bored. Of course, relaxing on the beaches under the Indonesian sky is a great pleasure. But sometimes you want to visit interesting places. There are a lot of such interesting sights in Indonesia. The top ten Indonesian attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Jine Yuan Temple in Jakarta
2. Museum of Puppets and Ritual Supplies Wayang in Jakarta
3. Botanical garden Kebun-Ray in Bogor
4. Sultan Kraton palace complex in Yogyakarta
5. Pura Besakih temple complex in Bali
6. Royal Tombs and Palace of Samosir Island
7. Istiklal Mosque in Jakarta
8. Orchid garden in Melak village, Kalimantan
9. The royal tomb of Gunung Kawi in Bali
10. Temple of a Thousand Buddhas in Yogyakarta

The largest Indonesian cities are Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, Palembang, Semarang, Makassar, and, of course, Jakarta.

Due to its geographical position, Indonesia has excellent conditions for recreation. Tourists have long appreciated such islands in Indonesia as, for example, Bali and Lombok. However, some other Indonesian islands offer opportunities for have a great holiday nothing worse. We advise you to pay attention to the islands of Papua, Lembongan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java.

Almost every hotel in Indonesia offers spa services. In general, many argue that the best spa treatments are done in Indonesia. Spa programs on the island of Bali are especially diverse.

Traditional Indonesian spa services include a milk bath ("Mandi susu"), which is considered the beauty bath of the princesses of Java, "Mandi luhur", "flower baths" (jasmine, gardenia, hibiscus, magnolia petals are added to warm water), which, as a rule, are the final stage of the spa session.

In addition, Indonesian spas include herbal wraps (used to remove impurities from the body and heal skin blemishes) as well as traditional massages.

Bamboo and coconut products (for example, baskets, rugs), wooden spoons, bowls, figurines, painted ceremonial masks, batik and ikat fabrics (as well as, for example, tablecloths made from these fabrics) are usually brought from Indonesia as souvenirs. , Wayang dolls, traditional Indonesian musical instruments ("gamelan", drums, bamboo flutes), tea.

Government agencies:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-16:00

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 08:00-14:30 Some bank branches are open longer.

Department stores and supermarkets in big cities:
Mon-Sat: 09:00-21:00 (shops close earlier on Sunday)
In small shops and markets, we recommend bargaining at the price of the product you like.

Indonesia is a country of contrasts, here modern buildings made of glass and concrete border on equatorial forests and villages of primitive tribes. Near the Catholic churches are Hindu temples. It is located on both sides of the equator and is the largest island state, for which it received the title of the country of a thousand islands. In fact, there are over 13,700 large and miniature pieces of sushi. Local guides proudly say that the island of Bali has long been the exclusive haven of the gods, and only recently they deigned to allow people to their lands.

Rest here, although it is quite an expensive pleasure, really resembles an excursion to paradise. Even sophisticated tourists will not be left indifferent by virgin nature with outlandish representatives of flora and fauna in combination with original culture and beliefs. In Indonesia, a comfortable beach holiday is combined with the study of spiritual culture and educational excursions.

Geographic characteristics

The area of ​​the Republic of Indonesia is 1,919.44 thousand square meters. km, its capital is located in Jakarta. The state is very densely populated, the number of inhabitants exceeds 228 million people. Therefore, the government is pursuing a strict demographic policy. The closest neighbors are Malaysia, East Timor, Brunei and Papua New Guinea.

The official language is Indonesian (Bahasa). More than 700 different dialects can be heard in different parts of the state. Islam is predominant in religion, which should be taken into account when choosing a wardrobe and demeanor. Christians, Buddhists and Hindus are also present.

Indonesia has a picturesque landscape. Volcanoes are located on large islands, often rocks or more gentle slopes rise directly from the water abyss. The foothills of the mountains are in the lowlands and are often flooded during high tide. The largest and famous islands are Java, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, Timor, Seram, Buru.

Mountains and volcanoes

One gets the impression that the islands consist entirely of mountains and plateaus. The average height of the massifs is about 3 km. The highest point is Jaya (5,029 km). The territory of the state is located at the junction tectonic plates, therefore, is often subject to seismic activity. It has more than 400 volcanoes, of which more than a hundred periodically erupt.

by the most strong eruptions Tambora Volcano (Sumbawa Island) is famous. No less famous are Krakatau, Gamkunoro, Kerinchi. The most "fire-breathing" is recognized Fr. Java, on which there are as many as 38 volcanoes. The volcanoes of Indonesia are infamous for tens of thousands of lost lives and many destroyed villages. Ash emissions have repeatedly led to climate change and significant cooling. But these same volcanoes give rise to new islands, so in 1929 about. Anak Krakatoa.

Major rivers and lakes

Due to the island structure, the rivers of Indonesia do not differ in length. These mountain streams start high among the hills and rapidly descend to the shores of the islands. The longest channels are:

• Kapuas (West Kalimantan) - 1040 km;
• Barito (South Kalimantan) - 880 km;
• Mahakam (East Kalimantan) - 715 km.

Numerous streams and channels gather in a dense network and abundantly feed the humid equatorial forests. Many major rivers serve transport routes on the banks of which large cities are formed.

Rich in land and lakes. Most of them arose as a result of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Freshwater reservoirs abound with fish and other inhabitants. The largest lake is located on about. Sumatra, its area with a small island inside is 1.145 square meters. km.

Climatic features

Almost all of Indonesia is in an equatorial climate. The only exception is the Lesser Sunda Islands, located in the subequatorial zone. The temperature here is stable at +27…+28°C. On hills from 1.5 km frosts periodically occur. Forests and plains are characterized by high humidity, up to 80%.

The area is subject to monsoons, which bring heavy rainfall. Although some months are rainier than others, there is no long period of drought. The average annual precipitation in different parts of the country ranges from 3 to 6 thousand mm.

National currency

The official currency is the Indonesian rupiah, the approximate exchange rate to the dollar is 1:13,000. You can exchange money at the airport or small exchange offices in the city center and tourist districts. The rate in them is not very profitable, so it is better to use the services of large banks, where they accept US dollars or euros. On the route of tourists in shops and even small shops, you can pay with a credit card or traveller's checks. In remote settlements, you will have to pay in rupees.

You should take care of cash in advance, since the working hours of banks are not convenient for everyone:

• Monday-Thursday - from 8:00 to 15:00;
• Friday - from 8:00 to 11:30;
• Saturday and Sunday are days off.

Historical facts

The ancient culture of Indonesia begins around the 3rd millennium BC. It is assumed that the first settlers were immigrants from China. By the I-II centuries. AD the first Indian merchants appeared here. With them, Buddhist and Hindu preachers went to the ancient tribes to spread their beliefs. A younger Islam penetrated the islands only in the XII-XIII centuries, but already after 2 centuries this religion took a dominant place.

From the beginning of the XVI century. European travelers begin to arrive in Indonesia. Initially, they were engaged in trade, but gradually an aggressive company unfolded in relation to the country. As a result, Indonesia became a Dutch colony in 1781. In this status, it was until the end of World War II, when the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was declared, in which a military dictatorship ruled. Unfortunately, all Indonesian rulers cared little about the well-being of the republic, so by the end of the 20th century. She found herself in a deep economic crisis. Not all citizens have coped with its consequences so far.

The economy is now much more stable than a few decades ago. Inflation and unemployment are practically reduced to zero. However, overpopulation remains a big problem, as well as Islamic extremism.

Multifaceted culture

The culture of Indonesia is very diverse, because its formation was influenced by neighboring states and former colonists. Local tribes, along with their own beliefs, adopted the customs of Indian and Chinese peoples as well as Islamic customs. by the most vivid examples are the majestic Buddhist and Hindu temples where the locals worship deities.

Here Arabic and traditions are closely intertwined with European customs. The mass of adverbs and local dialects created a serious problem in mutual understanding, so it was decided to choose one of the languages ​​as the main one. On the basis of Riau Malay (Malay dialect), with the addition of vocabulary from Javanese and Dutch, the modern Indonesian language arose.

How to get there?

In Denpasar on about. Bali is functioning international Airport. Most often, they get here by regular flights. Charters run only during the high season. Aeroflot offers direct flights from Moscow. There are also offers from other companies:

• Singapore Airlines (Moscow-Singapore-Denpasar);
• Turkish Airlines with transfers in Istanbul and Singapore;
• Qatar Airways with a transfer in Doha;
• HongKongAirlines - a flight with a connection in Hong Kong.

Visa application

Russian citizens can visit Indonesia only after obtaining a visa. You can issue it in advance in Moscow (50 USD) or upon arrival in Denpasar (25 USD). To obtain a visa, you must provide the following documents:

• international passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months after the end of the trip;
• 2 color photographs 3x4 cm;
• a questionnaire indicating the full name, place of work, address and contact details;
• hotel reservation for the entire period of the trip;
• air ticket booking.

For children, you must provide:

• birth certificate;
• 2 photographs 3x4 cm;
• questionnaire indicating the educational or educational institution.

If you are planning to visit Fr. Bintan, you should additionally obtain a Singapore visa.

The republic has been discriminated against more than once throughout its existence, so the history of Indonesia is not as simple as it seems. The country had to go through a difficult path to achieve justice and become a significant, independent member of the political world.

On the territory of the largest island state, many different peoples live, thanks to which, modern Indonesian culture became so rich and varied. A large role in the political and spiritual development of the country was played by a unique in its kind - history of indonesia. There is no data confirming the early development of the republic, most of the sources are presented in the form of folk tales, which are not confirmed by written evidence.

According to some scholars, the first civilizations were present here as early as the 2nd-1st centuries. BC e, records claim that only in the 5th c. n. e. On the vast territories of the islands, the endless formation of new principalities and small states was constantly taking place, the country acquired its final appearance only in the middle of 1945.

Capital of Indonesia

The country's largest metropolis is Jakarta, with a population of over 15 million. Capital of Indonesia rich in a lot architectural monuments However, for many tourists, the city is only a transit point during travel. Many people prefer not to linger in the city, going almost immediately to the island of Java or Bali.

Population of Indonesia

Over the past few years, this small state has been among the 5 most densely populated territories on Earth. Population of Indonesia consists of more than 250 million people, including about 300 nations.

State of Indonesia

Story country is not so simple and unambiguous, throughout its existence, it has been under the control of other, more powerful empires more than once. The territorial integrity of the country has repeatedly become the cause of political discussions. State of Indonesia received its long-awaited independence only in the middle of the last century, in 1945.

Politics of Indonesia

The modern foreign policy is aimed at strengthening friendly relations with neighboring and other large states in order to consolidate its significant position in the political world arena. Indonesia is directly involved in the work of the United Nations.

Indonesian language

The official language is Indonesian, and there are more than 700 different languages ​​and dialects in the country. The people also often use Chinese, Javanese and of course English.

An exotic country located near the equator. It is called the country of three thousand islands (in reality there are thirteen and a half thousand). Terraced rice fields, coconut palms, tropical horticultural crops - all this is Indonesia. Indonesia is a country of rich cultural and historical heritage, colorful ceremonies and festivals, a variety of arts and crafts. There are many interesting and charming places that can attract even the most demanding tourists. Usually Indonesia is called the Land of a Thousand Islands, wanting to emphasize that this is the world's largest island state. This is a chain of magnificent islands located near the coast of continental Asia, on the very border of two great oceans - the Pacific and the Indian.

Earth and water, smoking volcanoes and impenetrable jungles, rice terraces and tea plantations, ancient temples and palaces, a mixture of languages ​​and civilizations - this is what Indonesia is in the eyes of a tourist. Remaining a 100% year-round destination, the country of Indonesia still has pronounced "high" seasons: December-January and July-September. The main tourist center of Indonesia is the island of Bali, a kind of "state within a state" with its own way of life, traditions and customs. Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations, because you can relax here all year round. Each island of the archipelago is unique in its own way, but almost everywhere you are amazed by the most beautiful mountain landscapes, smoking volcanoes, tropical rainforests with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, and, of course, sandy beaches and always warm water. The history of this region has its roots far into the past - on some islands, the most ancient tribes have survived, which have not been affected by technological progress, and the temples and numerous museums of Indonesia keep priceless monuments of the past.

Geography

The Republic of Indonesia, an island state in Southeast Asia, which includes more than 13.6 thousand islands (according to some sources, more than 17.5 thousand), of which only approx. 1000 have a permanent population. Indonesia is separated from West Malaysia and Singapore by the Moluccas, the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas from the Philippines, and the Timor and Arafura Seas from Australia. On Kalimantan, Indonesia borders on East Malaysia, on about. New Guinea - with Papua New Guinea. In the 19th - first half of the 20th century. the territory of Indonesia was a Dutch colony, which was called the Netherlands (or Dutch) East Indies. On August 17, 1945, the forces of the national liberation movement of Indonesia proclaimed the independence of their country. Official transfer of sovereignty over for the most part The Dutch East Indies took place on December 27, 1949. The capital is Jakarta (Java). Administrative - territorial division - 27 provinces.

The archipelago consists of 5 main islands (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, part of the island of New Guinea and Java) and many small islands scattered between Asia and Australia. There are more than 18,000 of them and only 6,000 of them are inhabited. The total area of ​​the archipelago is 1904.5 thousand square meters. km., it is the largest island state. The region belongs to the Pacific Ring of Fire - out of 500 volcanoes located here, about 200 are active. Most famous volcanoes- Krakatau in the Sunda Strait and Tambora on the island of Sumbawa. In 1883, as a result of the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano, an entire island was destroyed and tens of thousands of people died. Now in its place is the island of Anak Krakatoa (son of Krakatoa). The eruption of Mount Tambor in 1815 is considered the most powerful on Earth in the last 500 years.

From the north, Indonesia is washed by the South China Sea, in the south and west - Indian Ocean, from the east - Pacific Ocean. The relief of the main islands is mostly mountainous, while the coastal areas are occupied by plains. In the west of the island of Sumatra, the Barisan Mountains are located, the highest point of which is the Kerinchi volcano (3800 m), while the eastern part is a swampy plain, where the largest tropical swamp in the world is located. Along the entire island of Java there are numerous volcanoes, the highest is Semeru (3676 m). The island of Kalimantan is flat on the outskirts, and in the center there are ancient mountains, with elevations up to 4000 m, in the south there is a swampy lowland. The island of Sulawesi is dominated by young mountains with steep slopes. On the island of New Guinea is the highest point in the country - Mount Jaya (5040 m). On small islands, Rinjani (3726 m) in the north of Lombok and Agun (3148 m) - on the island of Bali stand out from large volcanoes.

There are many rivers in Indonesia that are full of water throughout the year. On the island of Sumatra flow the rivers Hari (800 km), Musi, Kampar, Rokan and Siak, on the island of Kalimantan - Kapuas (1040 km), Mahakam, Martapura and Barito. Due to sufficient moisture in the country there are a large number of lakes and marshes. The largest lake is located in the north of the island of Sumatra - Lake Toba, with an area of ​​1775 square meters. km.

Time

2 hours ahead of Moscow.

Climate

The climate in Indonesia is equatorial (the equator crosses the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and the Moluccas) and subtropical monsoon. But these climatic characteristics are softened by the influence of the sea. The dry season is never dry in the full sense of the word. The exception is the territories located in the neighborhood of Australia. The rainy season is less regular and monotonous than in India. When the east monsoon blows (April - October), the dry season begins, which is most loved by tourists. Western monsoon (November - March) brings rain. But everything is relative: there are almost as many types of climate in Indonesia as there are islands. On the same island, on one slope there may be a rainy season, on another at the same time a dry season. The situation may change if the wind changes direction. The ideal time to visit Indonesia is our northern summer, but, for example, the Mollukki Islands have the worst weather (storms and storms) at this time of the year. In addition, the amount of rainfall depends on the forests. How more area forests, as in Sumatra and Borneo, the more often it rains. 4 m of precipitation per year - this is the record for Pontianak and Padang.

Language

The official language of Indonesia is "Bahasa Indonesia" or simply Indonesian, which was formed on the basis of the Malay language. IN different corners more than 700 dialects are used in the archipelago. English is widely spoken in the resorts.

Religion

Indonesia is called the maritime crossroads of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Almost 90% of the population are Muslims. The remaining 10% is distributed between Christians and Buddhists. The overwhelming majority of Muslims are Sunnis of the Shafi'i persuasion (madhhab). Islam is spread mainly among the large peoples of Java, Madura and Sumatra. There is a wide network of Muslim religious institutions, a developed system of Sharia legal proceedings. The Council of Ulams operates under the Ministry of Religion. Even though Islam is the most widely practiced religion, it has not become the state religion in Indonesia. The Pancasila National Philosophy presupposes a single God and guarantees freedom to practice any religion. And do not be surprised by the fact that in the center of Muslim Indonesia is the Hindu island of Bali, where, on the contrary, 90% of the population professes Hinduism, and 10% is distributed between Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. A feature of the religious situation is the syncretic nature of the main religious confessions, which include elements of each other, as well as attributes of local traditional beliefs.

Population

97% of Indonesians are more than 150 close peoples who speak more than 1000 different languages ​​and dialects (Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Bataks, Malays, Balinese, etc.). Many tribes still do not know agriculture and live mainly by hunting (for example, the Papuans of New Guinea). There are also Chinese, Arabs, immigrants from South Asia. Indonesia is the largest Islamic state in the world. The majority of believers are Muslims, ch. arr. Sunnis (87.2%), there are Christians (9.6%), Hindus (mainly in Bali), Buddhists, Confucians; preserved traditional local beliefs. 2/3 of the population lives on the islands of Java and Madura. In some areas of the island of Java, the density rural population reaches 2,500 people per 1 sq. km (the highest value in the world for rural areas). 78% of the population lives in rural areas.

Electricity

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 118
Police - 110
Fire Department - 118
Help Desk - 108

Connection

The most common cellular communication standards are GSM-900\1341800\1341900. International roaming covers almost all resort areas of the country. You can use both local and foreign SIM cards (you need to check with your operator for coverage and rates before traveling). Country code - 62, Jakarta - 6221, Bali and Denpasar - 361. The communication system in the country is quite modern and continues to develop rapidly. International calls can be made from a hotel room (prices vary greatly) or from specialized telephones at call centers. Internal calls are made from pay phones that work with phone cards (sold in supermarkets, post offices and newsstands). To call the country, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 62 - area code - subscriber number.

Currency exchange

The official currency of Indonesia is the rupiah, which is equal to 100 sen. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 rupees. Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, airports and major shopping malls. When exchanging US dollars, there may be problems with banknotes issued before 2000. When exchanging banknotes in denominations of 50 and 100 US dollars, the exchange rate is higher than for smaller denominations. Credit cards are accepted for payment in large stores, and in Bali they are accepted everywhere, even in small shops. Rate: 10000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) = 1.1 USD (31.10.2006).

Visa

For citizens Russian Federation entry into the country visa. The term for processing documents is 5 working days. Required documents: OZP signed by the owner (passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the intended trip); personal data (maiden name for women, place of work, position, work address and phone number, home address, home phone number); 2 identical color photographs 3x4; hotel reservation; air ticket booking. For children: 2 identical color photographs; a copy of the birth certificate; personal data: (number of the school or other children's institution).

An Indonesian visa for citizens of the Russian Federation can be obtained upon arrival in the country. To obtain a visa, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months from the end of the trip. The cost of a visa upon registration in Moscow is 50 US dollars, upon registration of a visa upon arrival in Denpasar 25 US dollars. To enter the Indonesian island of Bintan, a Singapore visa is required.

Customs regulations

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, the export of national currency is not more than 50,000 IDR, a declaration is required. It is allowed to import duty-free up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 g of tobacco, 2 liters of alcoholic beverages. It is forbidden to import medicines, plants, animals, drugs, weapons, military ammunition, fruits, pornographic products, printed publications in Chinese medicine. It is forbidden to export rare animals and birds, objects and things of historical and artistic value (unless there is a special permit). Professional photo, video and audio equipment must be registered with the authorities when entering and leaving Indonesia.

Holidays and non-working days

Only official and National holidays: January 1 - New Year
April 21 - Kartini Day
August 17 - Independence Day
October 1 - Defense Day
October 5 - Armed Forces Day
October 28 - Youth Pledge Day
November 10 - Heroes Day
December 25 - Christmas
The remaining holidays are religious, their dates are determined according to the lunar calendars: Muslim - according to the Hijri, and Hindu-Buddhist - according to the Shaka and Vuku calendars.
January-February - Ramadan (Buluan Puasa)
March-April - Nyepi holiday
March-April - commemoration of the death of the prophet Isa
April-May - Ascension of Isa
April-May - Muslim New Year, Muharram
April-May - Idul Adha
May - Vesak
July - Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed
December - Isra Miraj Nabi Mahammed, ascension of the Prophet Mohammed, etc.

Transport

There are many airlines in Indonesia, but the smaller they are, the more unreliable. Even the main national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, often postpones, cancels or merges its domestic flights. The second place in the domestic transportation market is occupied by Merpati Nusantara Airlines, which also operates international flights. Other important Indonesian carriers are Bouraq Airlines, Sempati Air, Mandala Airlines. Despite a certain unreliability - air travel is still the most acceptable way to travel within Indonesia. Moreover, air transport is often the only way to get from one part of Indonesia to another.

Trains are available on the islands of Java and Sumatra. The bus is comfortable and relatively cheap way movement. Most buses are air-conditioned. Jakarta is the only city in Indonesia with an established standard bus service of any size. In other cities in Indonesia, you can use the services of rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and minibuses. There is a bus station in Denpasar (Bali), from where shuttle minibuses, called “bemo” in Indonesia, depart to all parts of the island. Renting such a bemo for the whole day will cost about $30. You can buy a bus tour very popular with the Japanese on the route Jakarta - Bali. There are trains on the islands of Java and Sumatra. You can travel around Indonesia on your own, enjoying its extraordinary beauty. All you need to do is rent a bike. Finding a good bike is not difficult, because this is the most popular transport in the country.

Indonesia is a country living by the laws of the sea. Boats and traditional boats ply between the islands. The main waterways link Malaysia and Sumatra, where sea roads meet. A high-speed ferry will take you from Indonesia to Malaysia. Ferry routes connect other points of the archipelago. You will be able to explore Indonesia from the water, looking into its most beautiful corners, without significant travel expenses. Indonesia is the capital of yacht clubs. There are countless of them here. The warm sea with a steady wind seems to have been created so that white sails bathe in its expanses. It is quite possible to sail to Indonesia on a yacht, even without being its owner, but as a simple passenger. Two of the island's four ports host international cruise ships and yachts. "Benoa" is a small port located next to Nusa Dua. "Padang bai" (Padang) - used by the courts bigger size. There is a ferry service twice a day between Padang Port in Bali and Lembar Port in Lombok. In addition, a high-speed catamaran runs from the port of Benoa to the port of Lembar. In the north of the island, in the town of Singaraja, there is a port that serves regular passenger schooners - bugis - for sailing on which you need to be a very unpretentious traveler. Through the port of Gilimanuk in the west of Bali, there is a 24-hour ferry crossing with east Java (Banyuwanji port).

Taxi in Indonesia is a very convenient way to travel. In Jakarta and big resort towns Taxi drivers understand English. In small provincial towns to find a taxi driver who speaks English, as, in fact, the taxi itself, you are unlikely to succeed. When getting into a taxi, make sure that the meter is turned on, otherwise upon arrival at end point route, you will be greatly surprised by the amount that you will have to pay for the fare. It is best to pay for the fare in Indonesian currency. If you pay in dollars, the bill is rounded not in your favor. In Jakarta, it is better not to use taxi services: as in any city with a population of about 12 million people, many hours of traffic jams are not uncommon here. Approximate taxi fare from the airport in Denpasar to the resorts is between $2 and $5.

Tips

In restaurants and hotels, tips are usually included in the bill. At the airport, the porter is given from 2,000 to 5,000 rupees.

The shops

Shopping in Indonesia is a pleasure! Everything from souvenirs to clothes of very high quality. Handicrafts: bone and wood carving, batik, puppets, pottery, as well as exotic paintings by local artists will amaze you. The traditions of their creation are passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, there will be no problems with the choice of gifts and souvenirs, and their low cost will pleasantly surprise you. Shops in Indonesia are open from 10.00 to 18.00, large shops until 21.00 from Monday to Saturday, Sunday until lunch. In Muslim areas, some shops are closed on Friday afternoon. Tourists are very impressed by the local market stalls, where you will find exotic fruits, vegetables, seasonings for various dishes, spices, etc. It is customary to bargain in markets, shops and small shops.

Best buys in Indonesia: batik, silver, fabrics, porcelain, pewter, paintings, wood and leather goods. The exact list varies depending on your location. Batik has become very fashionable in recent years, top designers have even opened their stores in Jakarta. Even in Jakarta, look for leather goods, handbags made from sisal or other fibers, silver, puppets. In Lombok, Sumbawa and Sumba, look for baskets and ikat - handmade fabric. The island of Java is famous for its figurines, which are carved from wood, and Surabaya is famous for its handmade fabric - ikat. For inexpensive and unusual gifts, buy delicious Indonesian honey, Javanese jasmine tea and Indonesian coffee.

National cuisine

Indonesian cuisine is generally very spicy, with many specific flavors not known in Europe, or spices used in a special way. An amazing inflorescence of aromas and spices creates the character of this cuisine. The derivatives of all the main national dishes are seafood, traditional rice, spices, corn, sweet potatoes, breadfruit. The cuisines of India, Japan, and China are very common. Often there are Mexican restaurants, grill bars. Indonesian cuisine is in many ways reminiscent of Chinese, although purely Indonesian dishes are also found here. Salads are widespread. It should be noted rice wine - one of the national drinks - and, of course, real black coffee. The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are rightly called the islands of spices. Black and white pepper, tamarind, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, hot red or green peppers, peanuts, ginger, soybeans, garlic are essential components of hot spices that locals use in their cuisine. The most common crop is, of course, rice. Rice ("nasi") is prepared in many ways: fried, steamed, with the addition of coconut milk and spices, or without salt and oil. Rice is the basis for other dishes, of which the most famous is fried rice seasoned with vegetables, small pieces of meat, fish, shrimp. It is worth noting that for an Indonesian, meat, fish, fruits and other products are just additions to rice.

Traditionally, food is served on a banana leaf and is eaten only right hand. Before and after eating, the hand is washed in a special vessel with water and a piece of lemon. For Europeans, they can serve a spoon and fork, but not a knife. In any case, despite some inconvenience, it is worth a try. Among meat dishes, the most popular are satay (sate) made from chicken, pork or beef. Other popular dishes are fried chicken or fish baked in a banana leaf. A wide variety of dishes are also prepared from fish and seafood (lobsters, crabs, cuttlefish, squid).

Each province and each region has its own cuisine. West Sumatra, for example, is well known throughout Indonesia for its Padang restaurants, which serve "spicy" dishes with a variety of spices. Duck breast salad with mango sauce (Kafe Warisan), lamb skewers (Kafe Warisan) and chocolate cake (Papa's Cafe) were recognized as the best Balinese dishes.

Attractions

Jakarta- the capital of the fourth largest nation in the world. Great Victory City is the largest city in Indonesia. More than 10 million people live in it. From the city emanates some kind of charm, the charm of contrasts: excessive wealth coexists with completely miserable poverty, modern skyscrapers and porters straining at hard work in the port of Sundakelapa, sewage mud and regal luxury of hotels. Despite the oppressive heat and erratic traffic, the city still boasts good museums, famous residential areas, interesting examples of majestic colonial architecture, as well as many excellent shops, antique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. One of the centers of old Batavia is the stone-paved Taman Fatahila Square in the Kota area, surrounded by old buildings overlooking the canal. Nearby are located Historical Museum Jakarta in the building of the former city hall (1627), old cannon "Sea Yago", Museum of Puppets and Ritual Supplies Wayang, drawbridge Chicken Market Bridge (XVII century), the Bahari Museum with an observation tower, the ancient port of Sunda Kelapa and the Chinese district of Glodak with the oldest temple in the city - Jine Yuan(XVII century). The second recognized center of the capital - Medan-Merdeka Square(Liberty Square) with a 132-meter National Monument (Monas), National Museum Indonesia with unique historical and ethnological collections, Museum national history and the Museum of the Institute of Indonesian Culture. Also worth a visit Willelme Church(1835), Indonesian Maritime Museum, presidential palace, Penang Gate (1671), Portuguese Church(1695), one of the largest in Southeast Asia Istiklal Mosque, Churches of St. Mary (1630), Tugu (1725) and St. Immanuel(1835-1839), etc.

Bangli located high in the hills, so local climate refreshingly cool. This is a quiet market town. Main attraction - very highly revered Temple Pura Keneh. Large and imposing, it rises in terraces on a steep slope above the road. intricately decorated main entrance leads to an outer courtyard with a massive banyan tree, in whose branches a kulkul tower nestles. Here, in a small protected vessel under an almond tree, there is a stone, which, according to legend, was engulfed in a bright flame, at the moment of choosing a place for laying the temple. At the opposite end of the city is Temple of the Dead, Pura Dalem Pengungekan, the outer walls of which are decorated with scenes of the adventures of the souls of the dead in hell and paradise. The carving embodies a riot of fire, pleading victims and decapitated bodies.

The most remarkable detail of the city Gianyar- a massive white statue on the main road depicting Arjuna in a chariot drawn by three horses and his divine charioteer Krishna (completed in 1994). Puri Gianyar Royal Palace was built in 1771, but the earthquake of 1917 destroyed it, and most of it had to be reconstructed. Gyanyar is famous for the production of elegant endek fabrics, which are sold directly from factories in the western part of the city. The Cap Cili and Cap Togog factories are almost entirely focused on serving tourists, where you can watch the entire process of making fabric from start to finish and purchase the fabric itself or finished products (clothes, souvenir bags and wallets).

Denpasar- the passionate southern heart of Bali. From here all the roads to the mysterious and romantic world of the island begin. The city is inhabited by 370,000 people. They are mostly wealthy Indonesians. Most recently, in 1992, the city blossomed, as all local flowers bloom - quickly and magnificently, becoming a self-governing municipal center. It is constantly growing, giving shelter to immigrants from all over the Pacific East, who, like during the gold rush, want to find a chance to get rich in its squares and streets. The city expands, crushing the surrounding rice fields and villages. This is a city that breathes tourism, created for tourism, waiting for tourists. The name of the city itself means "located next to the market", and the main market is called "Pasar Budung". They say that it is the largest and noisiest on the island. This is a real treasure trove of Asia with crowds of Chinese, Arab and Indian traders. Denpasar has a huge number of shops, an arts center and the famous Bali Museum- a wonderful architectural ensemble, consisting of groups of individual buildings, some of which belong to the architecture of the palace type, striking the imagination with the subtlety of forms and the sophistication of details, generally characteristic of the East. The museum's exposition includes samples of both modern and classical art, paintings, elements of folk art and even tools - everything that will help you understand the way and mentality of Indonesian life. Your attention will be drawn to the wooden and reed products that Bali is famous for. The museum exhibits delightful stone sculptures, sculptures of figures of the ancient shadow and puppet theater "Wayang". A bright exhibition of dance costumes and masks will reveal to you the colorful images of the past. A truly great treasure are samples of unique weaving techniques. Temple "Pura Jagatnatha" located near the museum. This relatively new temple was erected in honor of the main god Sanyang Vidi. And this is truly a marvel of art! The sanctuary of the god and his throne are carved from white coral. The throne is a symbol of paradise, which, according to local belief, rises on a giant tortoise. The Arts Center is a huge complex on Jl Nusa Idah Street (the southeastern outskirts of Denpasar). It was established in 1973 as an academy and exhibition of Bali's cultural achievements. There is an exhibition of traditional and modern paintings, a stage for performing folk dances, a national restaurant and a shop selling folk crafts.

Resorts

Island Bali, lying between the islands of Java and Lombok, is considered the most developed tourist area in Indonesia. The length of the island is 150 km. from east to west and 80 km. from North to South. Height up to 3142 m (Agung volcano). Total area - 5561 sq. km. The population is 2.9 million people. Many small buildings of traditional architecture, ethnographic museum "Negen-Propinsi", Art Center Taman-Vedi-Budaiya, quiet cozy streets, constantly shining sun - all this gives the city a special charm. Nearby is the Ngurah Rai International Airport - the main transport hub of the island. The main attractions of the island are located on the slope of the sacred mountain Gunung Agung ( active volcano!), 85 km. from Nusa Dua Pura Besakih temple complex(Temple of the Mother), towering on the seaside rock of Tanan Lot ("Temple of the Sea"), sacred "forest of monkeys" Alas-Kedaton surrounded by water "Royal Temple" Taman-Ayun in Mengwi, "temple in the middle of the lake" Uyun-Danu, famous handicraft and ethnographic center with a museum "Puri Lukisan" in ubud, rock temples in Pejeng, Yeh Pulu and Pura Samuan Tiga, Turtle Island Serangan etc.

In the west of the island of Java, the most interesting Bandun mountain resortG, famous for its many museums, the Dago Falls, the picturesque surroundings of the Tangkuban Praya volcano and the well-known Jeans Street, which houses the offices and shops of the largest textile companies. In the vicinity of the city, the prestigious beaches of Anyer and Karang Bolong attract attention, as well as national park Kulon and hot springs of Maribaya, surrounded by majestic volcanic landscapes, considered the best place for trekking in the country. In nearby Bogor, which has long been considered one of the best mountain climatic resorts in the country, the summer presidential palace of Sokarno with the Zoological Museum, the former residence of the Governor General of the Netherlands East Indies and the world famous botanical garden Kebun Raya (80 hectares) are of interest.

Sumatra is the fifth largest island in the world. Volcanic activity "gave" the island hundreds of kilometers of dark sand beaches and dozens of the purest mountain lakes, and a turbulent historical past - the ruins of ancient temple complexes and palaces. The most interesting are the fashionable Parapat resort on the shores of the magnificent volcanic lake Toba, the royal graves and the palace of the island of Samosir, the Istana Maimun Palace, the Mesjid Raya mosque and the Bukit Barisan Military Museum in Medan, a crocodile farm near Medan, an orangutan rehabilitation center in Bohorok, picturesque canals Palembang, the largest volcanic lake in Southeast Asia - Toba, green mountain valleys Kerinchi and Danau Ranau, the amazing and legendary capital of the mengkabau people - Bukittinggi (Fort de Kok), the "killer volcano" Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, as well as numerous villages of local residents, as if transferred to the 21st century from the deep Middle Ages.

Almost all of the western and northern coasts Lombok islands are occupied by comfortable resort complexes. The most interesting here are the Jili Islands, famous for their dazzling white beaches, the majestic Rinjani volcano (3726 m) with a crater lake, Otakokok and Sendang Jila waterfalls, a huge rock-viewing platform in Pantai Segar, Bounty Bay, as well as traditional silk and pottery workshops in the Senggigi area. , Mataram and Ampenan.

The third largest island in the world, divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The equator line passes through the city of Pontianake, dividing the island in half. Guests can take a souvenir photo at the Equator sign. In addition, the Abdurrahman Mosque of the 18th century, the Sultan's Kadriah Palace, the City Museum with collections of ceramics and Chinese porcelain are located in Pontianak.

In the west of the island, primitive Dayak tribes live, rejecting civilization and preserving the way of the Stone Age. Tourists have the opportunity to take part in an excursion to the Dayak settlement, spend the night in a traditional hut and admire the original Aboriginal dances.

A rehabilitation center for orangutans has been established. The island is the habitat of the touching tarsier - the smallest monkey in the world with large round eyes.

In the city of Banjarmasin, floating markets and the Sabilal-Mukhtadin mosque are worthy of attention. Kinabalu National Park is famous for its hot springs, magnificent Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls, as well as the world's largest flower - rafflesia.

Every guest of the capital of Indonesia strives to visit the Orchid Garden, famous for its collection of exotic flowers, the most beautiful and rare of which is the black orchid. The Istiklal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, was built in 1945 in honor of the country's independence from the Netherlands. During prayer, tourists are strictly prohibited from entering the mosque. The 17th century Vihara Dharma Bhakti Buddhist Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin.

The Sea World Jakarta Oceanarium, with a water volume of 500 million liters, introduces visitors to 4,000 species of fish, which can be admired while walking through an 80-meter tunnel. There are 120 volcanoes in Java, 30 of which are active.

All sights Indonesia

culture

The culture of the people is a history embodied in stone, feelings expressed by music and dance, thoughts and images that lay on the canvas and pages of books.

The culture of Indonesia is colorful and discordant like bird chirping in the jungle. Its "creators" are Buddhism, Hinduism, Christian influences brought from Europe, Muslim traders and preachers, as well as local beliefs and ideas about beauty.

Traditional architecture is receding under the onslaught of glass and concrete, but the feast of its forms can still be observed today.

The wooden houses of the Batak and Minang Kabao, with high saddle roofs, decorated with buffalo horns, are puzzling. Maybe there, among the rafters and columns going into the sky, spirits gather?

The temple complexes erected at the dawn of the Middle Ages are amazing. Borobudur and Prambanan in Java, Besaki in Bali, Padang Levas in Sumatra - it seems that the gods themselves erected these monuments to glorify man, decorated them with carvings and sculptures.

Colonial buildings and entire neighborhoods built by Europeans make you get lost in space and time. Dutch forts in Bukittinggi and Bengkulu, magnificent Empire-style palaces in Jakarta and Bogor, modern buildings of the Institute of Technology in Bandung and the Stavia School in Jakarta - you are in Europe, but why is it so hot and palm trees around ?!

Strict domes of mosques and spiers of minarets pacify and subdue. All of them, from the oldest wooden one in De Makak to the gigantic size of the Istiklal mosque in the center of Jakarta, make the motley public bow their heads in reverence, because 94% of the locals are Muslims. Bow your head and you before the majestic walls of "Raya Baturrahman" in the city of Banda Ache, and may Allah forgive you your sins.

But what are stone and wood before the inexorability of millennia? Only music is eternal, and the leisurely tune of the traditional gamelan orchestra will outlive the most enduring strongholds. Its numerous bodangs, baluzhans, rebabs, blindems and chelempungs induce trance with their names alone, so what can we say about hearing? Often performances are accompanied by kris and kechak dances, especially popular in Bali, which depict stories from the Indian epic Ramayana and fights between all kinds of evil spirits. By the way, "Ramayana" and another epic, "Mahabharata", became the basis of national literature and the famous shadow theater Wayang kulit. The performances of this theater last all night, serve not only as entertainment, but also as a kind of ritual. The puppeteer, called "dalang", skillfully manipulates puppets made of buffalo skin, the shadows from them fall on a white screen illuminated by a lamp. A good dalang makes one believe that there are at least a few people involved in the performance. This art is especially developed in Bali and Yogyakarta.

And yet the most recognizable and sought-after hypostasis of the national cultural heritage has been and remains painting, including batik, and wood carving. Not without reason, in the 50-60s of the last century, higher educational institutions were opened in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, graduating famous abstract and realist artists, and in Ubud (Bali) there is a whole academy of painting and carving. The results of her creations can be appreciated and purchased in the countless art shops of this artist's village.

Batik painting as an art object arose in the second half of the 20th century and reached special heights in Jokyakarta, where there are galleries and exhibitions dedicated exclusively to it. The growing demand from foreign tourists only spurs the painting and carving industry, although it makes it more standardized and primitive. But even among the countless amount of outright consumer goods offered for sale, you can, if you wish, find real pearls at a completely bargain price - this is what makes the search process fascinating.

Speaking of local culture and customs, it is impossible not to mention the kris daggers, occupying special place in the life of every man in Java and Bali. Their history goes back 2,000 years. The dagger protects its owner and his family from evil spirits and has magical powers.

The process of making real kris takes from several years to a whole human life. There were masters who made only one dagger, and its cost exceeded all reasonable limits. The blade was forged from meteoric iron in several layers and could hit the enemy even at a distance. Of course, the vast majority of kris are deprived of such strength and are made of ordinary steel, but they enjoy no less love and respect from their masters. At the entrance to the house there is always a shelf with a scabbard, where a wave-shaped blade with a carved handle carries out its honorable service.

Calendars

In Indonesia, calendars of various systems and eras are used. The most widespread is the modern solar Gregorian calendar.

Along with it, the lunar hijra is used, the month in which is the period between two new moons. There are twelve months in the Muslim calendar, as in the European one. Their names are the same as in the ancient solar-lunar Arabic calendar. Duration of the months: Muharram - 29 days, Safar - 30 days, Rabi Awwal - 29 days, Rabi Sani - 29 days, Jumada Awwal - 29 days, Jumada Sani - 30 days, Rajab - 29 days, Shaban - 30 days, Ramadan - 30 days, Shawwal - 30 days, Dhul-Qa'ada - 29 days, Dhul-Hijjah - 30 days. 12 months form a lunar year (354 days). Every third year is a leap year (355 days). 33 Hijri years are approximately equal to 32 solar years. There are special tables for converting Hijri dates to the European solar calendar.

Among the Javanese, the lunisolar Javanese calendar, created on the basis of the lunisolar calendar of ancient India of the Shaka era (chronology from 78 AD) retains its significance, especially in ritual practice, with a correlation with the Hijra. This calendar was introduced by Sultan Agung in 1633. The beginning of the year coincides with the beginning of the Hijri year. The months received the following names: suro/sura, sapar, mulud, bakdomulud, jumadil aval, jumadil akhir, rejeb, ruvah, pasa, saveal, hapit, rayagung, and the days of the week - minggu (Sunday), senin (Monday), selasa (Tuesday). ), rebo (Wednesday), kemis (Thursday), jamuah (Friday), setu (Saturday). The usual names of the days of the week are combined with the "bazaar" ones: klivon, legs, paing, pon, vage. These combinations (neptu) have great importance, because they determine favorable or unfavorable days. For example, the following are considered bad for traveling: Sunday-Paing, Saturday-Mon, Friday-Wage, Tuesday-Clivon, Monday-Leg, Thursday-Wage. Eight years form the Windu calendar cycle.

In addition to astronomical, there are priestly calendars based on observations of the cycles of natural phenomena. These include, for example, the Javanese wuku calendar. The year in it consists of 30 seven-day weeks, or 210 days. Years are combined into cycles of 7, 8, 12 and 32 years. The years of the 12-year cycle bear the names of animals borrowed from the Hindu calendar, and the 7-year cycle bears the names of the day on which the year begins. The priests count the days, alternating in parallel weeks of a different number of days.

The Balinese also have a similar calendar called pavukon. With its help, the dates of temple holidays, other celebrations, various works, as well as days favorable or unfavorable for any undertakings are determined. The year consists of 30 weeks (wuku) of 7 days each. There are 6 special seven-day cycles (ingkel) in a year, repeating every 54 days. Along with the seven-day week, weeks are used in calculations, consisting of a different number of days (from one to ten). Dates are flexible and are set depending on the intersection of these weeks. A day is considered auspicious when, for example, the day "kliwon" from the five-day week coincides with the day "kajeng" from the week of the three-day cycle. But the most successful day is the one that is at the intersection of favorable days of three different weeks. Mastering the calendar with its favorable and unfavorable intersections requires special knowledge, which, as a rule, only priests possess.

Official holidays

Only three have a fixed date in Indonesia official holidays:

• New Year (January 1),
• Independence Day (August 17),
• Christmas (December 25).

The remaining holidays in Indonesia are religious, and their dates are determined according to the lunar calendars: Muslim - according to the Hijri, and Hindu-Buddhist - according to the Shaka calendar. These include:

• Night of the miraculous ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to Allah, Mikraj (27 Rajab);
• Nyepi is one of the main festivals in Balinese Hinduism (agama tirtha). It is celebrated on the island of Bali annually in March for two days and falls on the New Year according to the Shaka calendar;
• Death of the Prophet Isa - Good Friday (March-April);
• Idul Fitri, or Lebaran - a holiday of breaking the fast after the end of the fast (Turkic - Eid al-Fitr) (1 Shavval);
• Vesak - Thrice Holy Day, the celebration of the anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. It falls on the full moon of the 6th lunar month (May). It is celebrated by the followers of Buddhism by making a pilgrimage to the temple of Borobudur;
• Ascension of Isa (April - May);
• Idul Adha - the feast of sacrifice (Turkic - kurban-bairam) in memory of the sacrifice of Ibrahim (10 dhul-hijja);
• Muslim New Year (1 Muharram) coinciding with Javanese New Year (1 Suro);
• The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is Mawlid al-Nabi (12 Rabi Avwal).

The Muslim fast (puasa) falls on the month of Ramadan. During this month, during the daytime, before dark, eating and smoking are not allowed, as well as gambling, all kinds of entertainment and intimate relationships between spouses. The fast of Ramadan is established as a reminder that it was in this month that Muhammad was first overshadowed by Divine Revelation. He heard sayings, the meaning of which is the greatness of Allah.

In addition, national holidays (working days) are widely celebrated:

• Kartini Day - Enlightener, National Hero of Indonesia (April 21),
• Pancasil Day (October 1),
• Armed Forces Day (October 5),
• Youth Pledge Day (October 28),
• Heroes Day (November 10), etc.

Among the traditional holidays:

• Diwali (Deepavali) is the festival of lights. One of the most important holidays of the Indian community. It personifies the triumph of good and light over evil, darkness and ignorance.
• Galungan is one of the main festivals in Balinese Hinduism. It is celebrated on the island of Bali annually - every 210 days, lasts ten days. It personifies the victory of virtue "dharma" over evil "adharma", the glorification of the main deity Sanghyang Vidi Vasa. The last day of the holiday is called kuningan - from kuning - yellow, because. the main treat on this day is yellow, saffron rice.
• Chinese New Year (Tahun Baru Imlek) is a holiday of the Chinese community (January - February).
• Mantran - the ceremony of welcoming the New Year according to the Javanese calendar on the eve of the first day of the month of Suro in Yogyakarta.
• Sadrapan is a traditional festival of Javanese fishermen. It is held at the end of the year and aims to "propitiate" the guardian of the seas baurekso. The head of a buffalo is offered as a sacrifice to the sea monster.
• Saparan is a traditional ceremony in Java in the Yogyakarta region, designed to ward off misfortunes and misfortunes from people. Dolls made of rice and stuffed with coconut molasses (“blood”), representing a married couple (bekakak), are sacrificed.

Kitchen

The national cuisine combines the variety of regional traditions of the numerous peoples of Indonesia. Local cuisine has a specific taste, unfamiliar to Europeans. Local fragrant spices make the dishes unusual: tamarind, pepper (black, red, white and green), nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, garlic.

Rice occupies an honorable place in the diet of Indonesians, there are many cooking options for it here - cereals are boiled, fried, mixed with vegetables, seafood, eggs, meat.

It should be noted that pork is not eaten in Indonesia, as the vast majority of the population is Muslim.

Equally important in the Indonesian menu is fish, served salted, smoked, fried, boiled and dried.

A frequent ingredient in island cuisine is milk and coconut pulp.

An indispensable accompaniment of each meal is sauces: sweet and sour, nutty, soy, which add piquancy and originality to dishes.

Legumes, sago and sweet potatoes are no less popular in the country. Main courses are complemented by bamboo sprouts, palm heart, pickled mango and breadfruit.

Island cuisine offers delicacies such as shark fin soup, baked frog legs, fried swallow nests, cuttlefish with vegetables.

To extinguish the fire in the mouth from hot spices and sauces, local fruits, which in Indonesia are assigned the role of dessert, will help. In addition to exotic fruits, Indonesians prepare pastries based on rice flour with a variety of fillings for sweets.

Food is traditionally laid out on a leaf of a banana palm and eaten only with the right hand. Before meals and after - obligatory washing of hands with lemon water. Tourists are served cutlery, except for a knife, which is considered by the locals as a sign of aggression.

Popular drinks are freshly squeezed fruit juices, tea, rice wines, arak palm vodka. Local beer has good taste.

The famous Kopi Luwak coffee is the most expensive in the world. They produce it in a very extravagant way - they take out overcooked coffee beans from the excrement of the palm marten.

Tourism

The development of tourism in Indonesia is characterized by high rates. The number of local residents traveling around the country reaches 160 million people a year. Particular attention is paid to guests from abroad as an important source of replenishment of foreign exchange reserves. Thus, in 2012, 7.2 million foreign tourists visited Indonesia. The material and technical base for receiving and servicing travelers is being strengthened, the hotel and restaurant industry is being improved, historical and cultural monuments are being restored, and the network is expanding. national parks and reserves, resort areas.

Information support includes the publication of guides, maps, brochures in foreign languages, the opening of travel agencies abroad, participation in international and regional conferences and meetings on tourism issues. Seven tourism development centers have been opened abroad (Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, London, Taipei).

Measures are being taken to liberalize visa and customs regimes (in 1993, citizens of 45 countries received the right to visa-free entry for up to two months if they have at least one thousand dollars), new excursion routes are being developed. Along with recreational tourism, scientific, business, ecological, and health tourism is developing: Bali has the only thalassotherapy center in Southeast Asia (recovery using sea water, plankton and algae).

Targeted campaigns to attract travelers under the motto "Visit Indonesia!" are becoming regular. (the first campaign - in 1991, the last - in 2011). The government connects great hopes for the further development of tourism with the implementation of the plan adopted under the auspices of the UN to create a unified transport system uniting all the countries of South and Southeast Asia. In accordance with it, the construction of the Trans-Sumatra highway has been completed, and roads in Java and other islands are being modernized. Indonesia is an active member of the World Tourism Organization.

Indonesia was named the best place to surf in the World's Top 100 Waves poll by the Australian magazine Tracks. In the list of a hundred beaches for surfing in the first place is Desert Point on about. Lombok. Followed by: Grajangan in Java (third place); Padang-Padang in Bali (10th); Hollow Trees (12), Macaronis (15), Nias (31) in Sumatra; Lakey Peak (33) on Sumbawa; One Palm Point (34) in Java; Periscopes (44) on Sumbawa; Asu (45), Bawa (59) in Sumatra; Canggu (68), Kuta Beach (93) in Bali; Lances Left (100) in Sumatra.

Several Indonesian hotels (including the Four Seasons Resort Bali and Amandari in Bali) are on the list of the 100 best hotels in the world, and Bali itself is the second largest tourist destination in the world ranking (after Sydney) and the first in Asia.

Currency

The national currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah. There are 100 sen in 1 rupee, however, due to high inflation, there are no sen in circulation. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 rupees, and coins in 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000 rupees. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at any bank or exchange office. Torn banknotes are accepted at a slightly reduced rate at an exchange office in the very center of Jakarta on the street. Durian (Jl. Durian). Course as of November 2014:

1 Russian ruble equals 300 rupees.
1 American dollar is equal to 12.290 rupees.

Avoid street changers, suspicious and unauthorized exchange offices(there are times when "left" exchangers themselves write under the sign that they are authorized). You may be slipped counterfeit money or "show trick" as a result of which you will receive less of a significant part of the money (from 10% to 50%), be careful!

shopping

Indonesia is distinguished by the high quality of goods - both souvenirs and clothing. Handicrafts are most valued: jewelry, leather, wickerwork and textiles; crafts made of wood, stone and silver; homespun carpets; painted porcelain; batik. Guests of the country are happy to buy local honey, Javanese jasmine tea and coffee.

The best fashion stores are located in Jakarta's major shopping malls - Taman Anggrek Mall and Plaza Indonesia, where goods from popular world brands are presented. But it will not be possible to save money in such stores, and budget shopping awaits tourists in traditional markets. Bargaining is appropriate here and allows you to reduce the original price by 2 or even 3 times.

Shops are open daily from 09.00 to 18.00, in tourist places - until 21.00. In some Muslim areas, shops are closed on Fridays.

Accommodation

Indonesia has an excellent choice of modern hotels of any category that meet international standards and are distinguished by a high level of service. The hotels are neat and clean, guests are provided with free bottled drinking water.

It is recommended to book hotel rooms in advance during the dry season, after the holy month of Ramadan, on New Year and Christmas holidays, as well as at the end of March, when the New Year is celebrated in Indonesia for the third time (the first in October, the second in December, along with everything the world).

At the service of vacationers - hotels of almost all international hotel chains - Ramada, Holiday Inn, InterContinental. Accommodation options - bungalows, standard rooms, luxury villas. The hotels offer golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and spa centers to their guests. Many Indonesian hotels charge tourists a deposit that is returned upon check-out - a guarantor in case of compensation for possible damage. Prices for a room in a 3 * hotel start at $ 50, in the "four" accommodation will cost $ 100-120 for two, in a five-star hotel rooms cost from $ 200.

It is easy to find more budget hotels in the country, usually located along noisy streets and providing a minimum set of amenities. A room in a boarding house, losmen or pengynapan ( cheap hotels) can be rented for $10-20 per day.

Transport

Tourists usually travel as part of excursion groups, by taxi, or use the services of local guides with a car.

Public transport in Indonesia is poorly developed, but in large cities there are buses, minibuses "bemo", auto rickshaws, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and horse-drawn carts. When calculating the fare, be careful - tourists can be asked for much more money than local residents.

Rail transport is only available in Java and Sumatra.

Driving a rental car is not the best way to get around the country. Traffic in Indonesia is left-handed, country roads are narrow and not of very high quality. Many roads are one-way at different times of the day, but you will not find any warning signs about when the passage is allowed. There are few road signs, and they often contain conflicting information.

For travel over long distances, it is more reasonable to use an airplane.

Helpful information

Safety

Indonesia is a Muslim country, therefore it is necessary to follow some rules of conduct: women should not sunbathe topless, do not wear short shorts or skirts, cover their shoulders and knees in mosques and institutions. Before visiting the temples, it is recommended to wear a sarong (a piece of fabric covering the legs), which can be rented in a shop next to the sanctuary. During religious rituals, one should not talk loudly and clap your hands. You can not touch the head of local residents and point your finger at them. It is considered offensive, sitting in a “foot to foot” position, to put the lower limb in one direction. Also avoid talking in raised tones and displays of tender feelings in public.

The left hand of the local peoples is considered “unclean”, so try not to take or give anything with it when communicating with the natives, and in no case touch your interlocutor.

In the rainy season, one should refuse to visit the mountainous regions of the country, since landslides are frequent at this time of the year, huge masses of which suddenly fall on settlements and destroy them.

In Indonesia, you must always wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen, as the level of natural radiation is significantly exceeded here. Wear rubber slippers before swimming to avoid injury from corals or stepping on poisonous underwater inhabitants.

In no case do not touch local animals - wounds from their teeth and claws can become seriously infected.

Swim only in specially designated areas - there are strong undercurrents and high tidal waves around the islands.

Indonesia is a paradise for insects, many of which are disease carriers. Try not to leave sweet stains on your clothes while eating and shower as often as possible to avoid attracting insects with the smell of sweat. If you decide to visit the country during the wet season, then it would be useful to drink a course of antimalarial drugs, stock up on mosquito nets and repellents.

On Komodo Island, stay away from the famous monitor lizard, its attacks are unpredictable, and the poisonous saliva of a huge reptile will not allow the wound to heal for a long time.

Drink only bottled water. Pay attention to the fact that ice is prepared for you only from boiled water. Be careful when eating food from street stalls. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the fruits with running water and scald with boiling water.

Indonesia has a low crime rate, but tourist areas theft is not uncommon, so do not show others large amounts of cash and valuables.

In Jakarta, for smoking in public places, the violator can be imprisoned for 6 months or fined about $6,000.

Distribution and use of narcotic substances are punishable death penalty, at best - a 20-year prison sentence.

Due to the increased activity of Islamic fundamentalists, it is not recommended to visit West Timor and the province of Irian Jaya.