Indonesia is the world's biggest archipelagic state in South-East Asia consisting of 17,508 islands (6,000 of them inhabited) that straddle the equator. The largest islands are Sumatra, Java (the most populous), Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara Islands, the Moluccas Islands and Papua. Indonesia borders Malaysia to the north and Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste to the east. The archipelago connects the Indian and Pacific oceans. The capital and the largest city is Jakarta on Java Island.

Indonesia encompasses an area of 1,919,440 sq km, of which 93,000 sq km is covered by water. Its coastline is 54,716 km long. Indonesia is home to a diverse ecology. Wallace's line, a zoological demarcation between Asian and Australian flora and fauna, divides Indonesia.

Indonesia's population of more than 220 million makes it the fourth most populous country in the world. The major ethnic groups are Javanese (45 per cent), Sundanese (14 per cent), Madurese (7.5 per cent) and coastal Malays (7.5 per cent). Other groups make up 26 per cent. Muslims make up 88 per cent of the population, Protestants 5 per cent, Roman Catholics 3 per cent, Hindus 2 per cent and Buddhists 1 per cent.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia (a modified form of Malay). Other languages spoken are English and a variety of local dialects.

Indonesia is a country rich of cultural heritage and natural marvels. A travel desk will be available at JCC to help those wishing to purchase tour packages. Tour and travel services can also be found at major Hotels.

The major industries are petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel, footwear, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, rubber, food and tourism. Indonesia's natural resources are petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soil, coal, gold and silver.

Indonesia's international direct dialing code is 62. The Jakarta city code is 21. The Internet country code is "id". Indonesia covers three time zones; Jakarta is GMT/UTC + 7.

Telecommunications

Local and international direct-dial telephone and facsimile services, as well as computer, printer and internet access will be available at JCC. Cell phones using the GSM system may be operated in Jakarta.

Electricity

The power supply in Indonesia is 220 volts AC, 50 hertz.

Plug adaptors should have two round pins.

Gratuities

It is customary to tip porters as well as hotel and restaurant service personnel. Tipping is not required when a 10 per cent service charge is already included in a bill.

Business and Shopping Hours

Offices are generally open from 08.30 to 16.30 hours, Mondays through Fridays. Shops and businesses are generally open from 10.00 to 21.00 hours daily.

Major shopping malls have taxi stands. The following malls are near JCC and the designated hotels:

• Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 8, Senayan. Hours: 10.00-22.00, Tel. 572-5555, website: http://www.plaza-senayan.com.
• Plaza Semanggi, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 50 Lt 6, Jakarta 12930. Tel. 527-5878, 2553-6388, Fax 2553-6305.
• Pasaraya Grande, Jl. Iskandarsyah II No. 2, Blok M. Tel. 722-2221, 726-0170, website: http://www.pasarayagrande.com.
• Plaza Blok M, Jl. Bulungan No. 76, Blok M. Hours: 10.00-22.00, Tel. 720-5586, 720-9288, 720-9101.
• Sarinah, Jl. M.H. Thamrin 11, Menteng. Hours: 9.00-21.00 Tel. 323-008.
• Plaza Indonesia, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 28-30, Facing Welcome statue on Bundaran HI. Hours: 10.000-22.00 Tel. 310-7272, 390-3728, website: info@plazaindonesia.com, http://www.plazaindonesia.com.