Location: Asia
Local Time: West (incl Jakarta): GMT+7; Central: GMT+8; East: GMT+9
Central (including Sulawesi & Nusa Tenggara): GMT+8
Eastern (including Maluku & Papua): GMT+9
Western (including Sumatra & Java): GMT +7
Capital City: Jakarta
Population: 2.37 million
Area: 1,919,440357,021 square km, 741,096 square miles.
Language(s): Bahasa Indonesia
Dialling Code: 62
Emergency: Police: 510110. Fire: 371309. Ambulance: 118 (Jakarta)
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 110/220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Rupiah (IDR 1 = 100 Sen)
Notes: IDR: 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000
Coins: IDR: 25, 50, 100, 500
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0800-1500 Mon-Fri
Office: 0800-1600 or 0900-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 1000-2100 Mon-Sun
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon (Lunar calendar) and dates listed are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the region. Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally, revealing clothes should not be worn. Many executives speak either Dutch or English. Visitors should be perceptive to unfamiliar local customs. Care should be taken to respect Muslim, Hindu and other religious conventions. It is the convention to use the right and not the left hand when shaking hands and passing or receiving anything. Footwear should be removed before entering places of worship and temples, sometimes also private homes. It is impolite to point with the forefinger or sit with legs crossed. Men should not stand with hands on hips or in trouser pockets. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants and clubs, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 21 years
Tipping: When there is no service charge, tips of around 5-10% are customary
