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The
floating emerald islands of the Indonesian archipelago have,
for centuries, been a magnet to a diverse range of people.
Chinese and Indian traders, European colonisers, proselytising
missionaries, wayward adventurers, mining companies, intrepid
travellers and package tourists have all, at one time or another,
been attracted by its sandalwood and spices breezes, its Bali
Hai lifestyle and its magnificent beaches, mountains and volcanoes.
But
another frequent visitor to Indonesia is the war correspondent
covering the latest uprising, coup, terrorist attack or riot.
The myth of a paradisical country blessed with natural resources
is often put to the test by deep racial divides, religious
warring, high-handed autocracy, government corruption, economic
mismanagment and natural disasters. The latest round of sectarian
violence and military muscle-flexing has made Indonesia a
problematic destination for most western travellers.
Full
country name: Republic of Indonesia
Area: 1,904,000 sq km
Population: 216 million (growth rate 1.5%)
Capital city: Jakarta (pop 9.3 million)
People: There are 365 ethnic and tribal groups. The principal
ones are Acehnese, Bataks, Minangkabaus (Sumatra); Javanese,
Sundanese (Java); Balinese (Bali); Sasaks (Lombok); and Dani
(Irian Jaya)
Language: Bahasa Indonesia (plus 583 dialects), English
Religion: 87% Muslim, 9% Christian, 2% Hindu
Government: Military-ruled republic
President: Megawati Sukarnoputri
GDP:
US$67 billion
GDP per head: US$550
Annual growth:-4%
Inflation: 0.02%
Major products/industries: Oil, gas, textiles, timber, coffee,
rubber, coal, tin, copper, rice, pepper, palm oil
Major trading partners: Japan, USA, Singapore
Indonesia
Flight from UK
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