Most of the population of Java, Madura and Sumatra are Muslims (87%), Hinduism (especially in Bali) and Buddhism are also widespread. The Pancasila National Philosophy guarantees freedom of religion.
Holidays and weekends:
January 1 – New Year
March 28 – Sheep Day
August 17 – Independence Day
December 25 – Christmas
Lovers of festivities in Indonesia expanse – everything is celebrated here, from the end of the Muslim Ramadan to the Buddhist festival. However, Russian tourists will be more fond of local non-Islamic festivities, because Islam does not favor the consumption of alcohol.
Indonesia: Money and currency of Indonesia
According to Sports Qna, the national currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), equal to 100 sen. There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 rupees. Banks are open from 08:00 to 15:00 daily, on Friday from 08:00 to 11:30. Day off – Saturday and Sunday. Foreign banks are usually open on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, specialized exchange offices in banks, as well as in hotels and markets (the exchange rate is rather unfavorable).
In large tourist areas, US dollars are accepted for payment (one hundred dollar bills are preferred), as well as euros and currencies of Southeast Asian countries. Major banks, hotels and shops accept major credit cards and traveler’s checks.
In tourist areas, especially in Bali, the range of their application is wider – non-cash means of payment can be used even in small private establishments, shopping centers and restaurants. In the interior, the use of non-cash forms of payment is almost impossible, and most isolated tribes still use barter. The country has rather high inflation, so the difference in the exchange rate can reach up to 10% even in neighboring establishments.
Indonesia: Indonesian Cuisine
Indonesian cuisine is generally very spicy, with many specific flavors not known in Europe, or spices used in a special way. An amazing inflorescence of aromas and spices creates the character of this cuisine.
The derivatives of all the main national dishes are seafood, traditional rice, spices, corn, sweet potatoes, breadfruit. The cuisines of India, Japan, and China are very common. Often there are Mexican restaurants, grill bars.
Food in Indonesia is very similar to Chinese food, although there are also purely Indonesian dishes here. Salads are widespread. It should be noted rice wine – one of the national drinks – and, of course, real black coffee.