Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world, comprising 17,508 islands stretching along an area of 5,120 kilometers from east to west, and 1,760 kilometers from north to south. Its main islands are Java, Bali, Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua.
A land of thousand faces
Indonesia has more than 400 ethnic groups and every ethnic group has their own language and dialects. However, Indonesia also has one national and formal language: Indonesian. Early immigrants from the Indian subcontinent, China, the Arab peninsula and Persia have left their mark on culture and religion followed by the Portuguese, the Spaniards, the Brittains, and the Dutch. Those factors above have made Indonesia as one of the most diverse countries in the world.
Vast natural resources 
Indonesia has a rich variety of Flora and Fauna and several ecosystems, such as rain forests, volcanic mountains, oceans and rivers with a total area of 9 million kilometer.
Tourism
It is almost impossible to describe all attractions that Indonesia has in only a few paragraphs. Indonesia has much to offer in all fields.
Indonesia is the best place to enjoy the unique wonders of nature.
The Raja Ampat underwater ecosystem is acknowledged as the richest marine life kingdom in the world. Here you can dive and enjoy hundreds of different fish and coral reefs species.
Indonesia is certainly the place to get high adrenaline and excitement for your holiday. Adventure activities could range from rafting, rock and mountain climbing, hiking, paragliding, and many more.
Besides the beauty of nature and the diverse cultures, Indonesia is also known as a shopping heaven. Shopping centers, craft villages, food stalls and recreation centers have flourished in almost all major cities. In addition to the modern shopping malls, many traditional markets or well known as ‘’Pasar’’ are also a unique addition to your shopping pleasure. Yogyakarta and Solo are well known for their handicraft galore, batik and traditional garments. Whilst Bandung has positioned itself as the fashion capital in which famous brands are produced.
Besides leisure activities, Indonesia is also host of five stars hotels with services that cater the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition industry.
The Number of tourists from the Netherlands has always been significant to Indonesia.In 2008, there were more than 130,000 visits to Indonesia with an average of 3 weeks stay.
Art in Indonesia
In most parts of Indonesia, traditional arts and crafts are hand made with a knowledge that is centuries old. For example: Batik, the art of applying wax to cotton or silk fabric after which it is tie dyed in many colors and designs. Many parts of West Sumatera are known for silverworks, whilst wood carving is most known in central Java, particulary in Jepara. Some parts of Sulawesi are also known for their high quality Jewelry and wood crafts. Paintings and sculptures could be found in almost all the islands with their own unique characteristics. In big cities, you can also enjoy the modern Indonesian art and music at festivals, museums and public spaces.
Cuisine
The staple food of most Indonesians is ‘’nasi’’ (rice). In some of the eastern islands of Indonesia, the staple food traditionally range from corn, sago, cassava to sweet potatoes. Other prominent features are Fish, Coconut, Spices and hot chilli. Each area has its own cuisine, which vary in method of cooking and ingredients.
Indonesia – Dutch Common Heritage
Indonesia and the Netherlands have shared their history in the past. Dutch people have been in contact with Indonesian islands since the end of the 16th century and left quite a substantial mark in Indonesia. Consequently, Indonesia is home of a huge number of Dutch landmarks which many of them are still preserved in pristine condition. These landmarks are witness of the legacy of Dutch presence in Indonesia and are still fascinating to see. A number of Dutch forts and buildings have been restored under the Indonesian – Netherlands cooperation scheme and are now open for tourism purposes.
So if you are looking for ultimate leisure and adventure in one country, Indonesia- the pearl of the equator is therefore the perfect place for you.
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