The Republic of Indonesia is located in the Malay Archipelago, the world's largest archipelago, between Indochina and Australia, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world and the fourth most populous overall. It has had free elections since the 1998 Revolution which led to the resignation of President Suharto, who came to power in 1965.
The highest legislative body is the Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (MPR, head: Hidayat Nur Wahid) or 'People's Consultative Assembly', consisting of the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR, head: Agung Laksono) or People's Representative Council, elected for a five-year term, and the Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (DPD, head: Ginandjar Kartasasmita) or Regional Representatives Council. Following elections in 2004, the MPR became a bicameral parliament, with the creation of the DPD as its second chamber.
Indonesia's 18,108 islands, of which about 6,000 are inhabited, are scattered around the equator, giving the country a tropical climate. The largest populated islands are Java, one of the most densely populated regions on Earth, where about half of the population lives, Sumatra, Borneo (shared with Malaysia and Brunei), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea) and Sulawesi. The country borders Malaysia on the island of Borneo (Indonesian: Kalimantan), Papua New Guinea on the island of New Guinea and East Timor on the island of Timor. In addition to the capital city of Jakarta, principal Indonesian cities of high population include Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Palembang, and Semarang.
Some art forms in Indonesia have been influenced by several cultures. The famous Javanese and Balinese dances, for example, contain aspects of Hindu culture and mythology. But as a matter of fact, the diversity of Indonesian culture has come as a result of a long process of acculturation between the original customs and myriad of influences.
Also well-known are the Javanese and Balinese wayang kulit Shadow puppet theatre shows, displaying several mythological events. Several Islands are famous for their batik and ikat cloth.
Indonesia is culturally diverse and is home to hundreds of forms of music, with those from the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali being the most frequently recorded. The best-known traditional music from central/east Java and Bali is the Gamelan. A very popular modern style of music is the Dangdut, with the accompanying dance style. It is so popular that many political rallies have Dangdut performances to attract a larger audience.
The most well-known author in Indonesia today is Pramoedya Ananta Toer, who won the Magsaysay Award and was considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Other important figures include the late Chairil Anwar, a poet and member of the Generation 45 group of authors who were active in the Indonesian independence movement. Tight information controls during Suharto's presidency suppressed new writing.
Things you should know when travelling to Indonesia
The Canadian government and Canadian Content advises against non-essential travel to this country.
You are advised against non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali.
There is an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests in Indonesia. Recent reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against foreigners in Indonesia. These attacks could occur at any time and anywhere, including locations known to be frequented by foreigners. Possible targets could include international hotels and places where foreigners are known to gather in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia. Canadians in Indonesia should register with the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta (see below) and remain in contact with their warden network. Canadians should also monitor the local media and other sources for the latest reports and updates. Canadians should be alert for unfamiliar vehicles parked near residences. Unattended packages should be treated with caution and reported to authorities. Bomb threats should be taken seriously.
A message encouraging attacks against Western targets in Indonesia, including Jakarta, has recently appeared on an extremist Web site. Pedestrians, including those on footbridges, and foreigners in vehicles, particularly in slow and stationary traffic and at entrances to toll roads and car parks, have been mentioned as potential targets.
Police have declared a heightened state of alert in Jakarta following reports that suspects in latest Bali bombings may have fled to capital region. On October 1, 2005, a series of explosions took place at Kuta Square and at Jimbaran Bay on the resort island of Bali. At least 22 people were killed and more than 100 others injured in the attacks. Previous terrorist attacks against foreigners have occurred in Indonesia, including an explosion in front of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on September 9, 2004, a bombing at the Marriott Hotel in central Jakarta on August 2003, a bombing at the international airport in Jakarta in April 2003, and bombings in Bali in October 2002, all of which resulted in deaths and/or injuries. Canadians travelling on business should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Indonesia. Canadians who choose to travel to Indonesia and those currently in Indonesia should take all possible security precautions and exercise extreme caution when visiting commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist areas frequented by foreigners, some of which have been targets in the past.
Ongoing ethnic and religious tensions in areas of Indonesia have resulted in violence and civil unrest.
Heightened security remains in place in South Sulawesi Province. Those who choose to travel to, or remain in, the Soroako region should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and ensure they have confidence in their individual security arrangements.
The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf group has kidnapped tourists from Sabah, Malaysia, and the Philippines. They have not extended their activities into neighbouring coastal areas of Indonesia, including East Kalimantan and North Sulawesi, but are capable of doing so. Canadians visiting or residing in these areas should be aware of this potential risk.
