Indonesia

Indonesia

Indonesia has more than 17,500 islands.

Around 246,000 people live in the country.

Around half of this number earn a rate below $2 per day.

Travelers need to be alert for them to have a safe stay in the country

Travel Requirements A passport with a validity of at least six

months from the date of arrival.

A visa. A traveler may obtain a 30-day tourist visa.

The government of Indonesia may change the entry requirements anytime and the American government has nothing to do with it.

Non-compliance to these requirements would mean denial of entry.

Health Issues Malaria prophylaxis is recommended

for tourists

Avian and Swine flu are endemic in the country.

Pre-exposure inoculation is suggested for protection against rabies.

Parasitic worms in infested waters is common in Sulawesi. A test for schistosomiasis will help.

Health Issues, cont. Common water and food borne

diseases are typhoid, hepatitis and giardia.

Asthma and other respiratory diseases are also common because of pollution.

Skin allergies can be expected.

Also common is malaria.

Food and Water Issues Tap water in Indonesia were proved

to be positive with bacteria and toxins.

For safety reasons, it is safe to drink and use bottled water.

If refrigerators are not common in an area, it is likely that the food is preserved with formaldehyde.

Safety and Security

Foreigners are often injured in car related accidents.

Driving laws are commonly ignored by the Indonesians.

Seat belts and cautious driving is necessary.

Safety and Security, cont. There are terrorist groups in Indonesia. There are recorded violence in the

country without any warning. It was reported in June 2008 that two

US citizens were beaten after they accused an Indonesian to commit theft.

A report disclosed that a US citizen was threatened after he complained of the noise.

Crime in Indonesia

There are pick pockets in the cities of Indonesia.

Be careful in getting a taxi. Suggestions from hotel employees would count.

There are cases of credit card theft and fraud.

Drink spiking and date-rape drugs are gaining so much popularity.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010). Parasites. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/schistosomiasis/.

Indonesia (2010). Travel Guide. www.travel.state.gov.

New York Times (2011). Lost in Java. http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/asia/indonesia/overview.html.