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Home Page > Travelogues > Indonesia

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Click on the colored areas of the map to access a travelogue.  The colors indicate different regions of Indonesia -- scroll down for explanation and introduction for each location. (Original map comes from the CIA World Factbook)

Introduction.  Indonesia is a sprawling island nation, consisting of thousands of islands stretched over an area far larger than the United States.  Each island is a nation unto itself, or even multiple nations, populated by diverse peoples with rich histories and deep traditions.  Over three hundred different languages are spoken, and the traditional architecture and dress are extremely colorful and decorative.  It is also a melting pot for the world's major religions.  Though best known as the world's most populous Muslim nation, it has very significant minority Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist populations.  Ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples dot the entire landscape of the nation, and the people's tolerance of religious diversity have permitted various communities to flourish in pockets across the nation (most notably the Hindu-dominated tourist haven of Bali).

There are five major islands or parts of islands that comprise the bulk of Indonesia's land.  Java is the best known of them, and is the home of Jakarta, the country's capital (Java, however, is culturally subdivided into west, central, and east).  Sumatra, the largest island, is in the west.  Kalimantan in the center is the southern two-thirds of the island of Borneo, famous for its jungles.  The oddly-shaped island of Sulawesi is further east, and the oil-rich province of Irian Jaya that makes up the western half of New Guinea.

Although I have traveled to Indonesia several times (primarily western Java and the island of Bali), I am aware that there are many questions concerning the safely of travelers to the country based on recent events.  I can state as fact that some parts of the country will periodically be placed off-limits or in a restricted status, and normally such information is posted at immigration booths upon entry.  If you do have questions about going to Indonesia, your best bet is to contact your embassy to Indonesia or your ministry of foreign affairs.

Travelogues.  The coloring of the locations on the map above indicate different locations in Indonesia, as shown below.  

Stories and Features:

Links.  The below links connect you to external sites in a new window.  All links are official sites sanctioned by the national, state, or local governments unless otherwise indicated.  While some home pages are in English, others will open to the Bahasa Indonesia-language home page which will usually offer an icon or link to an English-language section (normally limited content).  The most common icon used is that of an American or UK flag.  If an English language link is not available, click on links named "Tourisme".  This is for the tourism page, which should have English content.  Links updated 5 January 2006.