Indonesia an island nation, literally

Indonesia is a nation made up of 17,500 islands, some small, some large. It spans such a wide area that the greatest distance between two corners of the country is 5,150 kilometers, that is, from England to Iraq.

The name Indonesia derives from the Latin Indus (India) and the Greek nesos (island). But out of all these thousands of islands, only 6,000 -- less than half -- are inhabited.

Indonesia is a highly populous nation, fourth in the world after China, India and the US. The nation`s largest islands are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea) and Sulawesi. The majority of Indonesia`s population is spread over these five islands, with the largest percentage of its people on what is actually the smallest, Java. Indonesia`s capital, Jakarta, is also on Java. At the beginning of the 17th century Holland colonized Indonesia and remained there for the next 350 years.

The population of Indonesia is 88 percent Muslim. The official state language is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), a modified form of Malay. But there are around 520 different languages and dialects spoken in Indonesia, unsurprising when you consider the country contains approximately 300 different ethnic groups.

Indonesia is a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It has rich natural resources, and the country`s economy is boosted by income from petroleum and natural gas, while the majority of its population makes a living from agriculture and animal husbandry. Indonesia`s currency is called the rupiah, currently exchanging at 9,300 to $1.

If you find yourself headed for this friendly nation one day, you will see that it is a place that appeals to many different tastes. Indonesia boasts an unparalleled natural beauty, with clear, pure sea surrounding its islands, as well as a rich variety of cultural dimensions.

If you are wondering what season would be best for your visit, bear in mind that the weather is not all that predictable here, and summers can be rainy or dry, though the temperature is generally within the range 21 and 32 degrees Celsius all year round. However, there is something else you should know about Indonesian weather: the humidity. This ranges between 60 and 100 percent, making the air moist and hazy and meaning one rarely sees a fully blue sky here.

Indonesia`s capital, Jakarta, is about a day`s travel from Ä°stanbul. The capital used to be a small port town but is now the center for an almost 235-million-strong nation. Unsurprisingly, one of the first things you`ll notice is the traffic: Don`t be surprised to find yourself in a traffic jam when you arrive.

There`s nothing like getting a bird`s-eye view of somewhere if you want to get a feel for it. The place to do this in Jakarta is the National Monument (Monas) in Merdeka (independence) Square. From this elevated position you will be able to see that Jakarta is in fact a modern and well-organized city. The National Monument itself, which is always crowded with tourists trying to get a magnificent view of the city, was built in 1962 under the auspices of President Sukarno and measures 137 meters in height. For those interested in details, the torch on the monument is covered in 35 kilograms of gold.

If you are in Jakarta during the work week you will notice an interesting sight in the morning; workers queue up outside their offices just as students do outside schools in Turkey. The uniforms of public officials correspond to their role; different styles and colors reflect different ranks and offices. There are flag ceremonies every Monday and sports activities on Friday mornings; otherwise public officials are expected to report for work at 8 a.m. sharp.

Multiethnic Indonesia offers visitors a variety of exotic cuisine with many unusual fruits and vegetables, as well as spices rarely used in Turkish cuisine. The staple foodstuff here is rice, and the vast number of rice paddies that you will see as you travel between cities stands as sufficient testament to how much rice is consumed here. These green fields have a beauty all their own.

Despite the tragic events of 2002, Bali remains an unmissable destination. Rich in natural beauty Bali is also a candidate for one of the best diving spots in the world. With its white sands and coral reefs, set off by gorgeous rice paddies along the skirts of its volcanoes, this island is truly unforgettable.

Also be sure to check out the bazaars during your visit, if for no other reason than not to disappoint your friends and relatives back home. One of the best places to look for gifts and souvenirs are markets selling wood carvings by local artisans. All sorts of unique home decoration items are on sale, including furniture made from rare and valuable teak.

While walking the streets of Indonesia don`t forget to drink a cup of tea and talk with locals. Indonesians are very friendly and love to engage in conversation with others.

Indonesian people first encountered Islam through Arab traders who arrived in the region, and who, along with Indian traders, had a great effect in the spread of Islam through the area. In Indonesia, Islam is literally a matter of identity and these days the country`s youth place great importance on their prayers and rituals. Traditional Friday prayers are carried out in an atmosphere of celebration, with large crowds flocking to mosques. Masjid Istiqlal (Independence Mosque) in Jakarta is generally filled to overflowing on Fridays, even though it can accommodate a startling 150,000 people.

You can see the crescent and star symbols of Islam on the domes and minarets of Indonesia`s mosques. However, the influence of the Far East also comes into play in the architecture of many of the mosques here. One of Indonesia`s largest mosques is the At-Tin Mosque in Jakarta, built by former President Suharto. Right up until the 1940s prayers were performed in Indonesian mosques for the Ottoman sultans.

Indonesia is a warm and inviting country, filled with people who you will fondly remember as sincere, welcoming and smiling hosts.

How do you get a visa for a visit to Indonesia?

Turkish citizens are required to get visas to enter Indonesia, but those holding green passports may visit for 14 days without a visa. Visas can be procured from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara. A seven-day ($10) or 30-day ($25) visa is available on arrival at principal Indonesian ports of entry for visitors from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

How to get there

You can fly either direct, or with stops, from Turkey to Indonesia. Airlines such as Emirates, Singapore and Malaysia Airlines may require a transfer en route. Turkish Airlines (THY) can take you as far as Singapore or Bangkok, from where you can continue to Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia Airlines.

Source : www.todayszaman.com (26 Desember 2007)
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