COUNTRY MANUAL FOR WORKERS ON TEMPORARY … · Country Manual - Indonesia Page 5 of 43 6. Countries...

March 2014

COUNTRY MANUAL FOR WORKERS ON

TEMPORARY CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT

TO

INDONESIA

This document can also be used as Pre-Departure

Information Manual

Country Manual - Indonesia

Page 1 of 43

CONTENTS

PART – I ................................................................................................................................................ 4

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS MIGRANTS .......................................................... 4

1. Definition ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2. The Present Situation .................................................................................................................. 4

3. The Emigration Act ....................................................................................................................... 4

4. Service Charge ............................................................................................................................. 4

5. Emigration Check Required (ECR) Category .......................................................................... 4

6. Countries with ECR status .......................................................................................................... 5

7. List of persons / categories of workers for whom Emigration Check is not required ......... 5

8. Guidelines for Emigration Clearance ........................................................................................ 6

8.1. Procedure for Emigration Clearance ................................................................................. 6

9. Applying for Emigration Clearance ............................................................................................ 6

9.1. Documents required for Emigration Clearance: Semi-Skilled Workers ....................... 6

9.2. Documents required for Emigration Clearance: Unskilled Workers ............................. 7

9.3. Documents required for Emigration Clearance (Through Project Exporter) ............... 7

10. Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) ............................................................................... 8

10.1. Salient features of PBBY w.e.f. 1/04/2008 ................................................................... 8

10.2. Insurance Companies providing PBBY ......................................................................... 9

10.3. Claim Procedure under PBBY ........................................................................................ 9

10.4. Verification of the genuineness of visa/ employment documents ........................... 10

11. Indian Nationals working with ‘Visit visa’ ............................................................................ 10

12. Employment Contract ............................................................................................................ 10

12.1. Essential Terms for a Contract ..................................................................................... 10

12.2. Obtaining copy of the contract while in India ............................................................. 11

13. Important Documents ............................................................................................................ 11

14. Check Before Departure ....................................................................................................... 11

15. In the country of your employment ...................................................................................... 11

16. Customs Formalities .............................................................................................................. 12

17. Precautions ............................................................................................................................. 12

18. Important Contacts ................................................................................................................. 13

19. List of Offices of Protector of Emigrants in India ............................................................... 14

20. Information available on the website of MOIA ................................................................... 14

PART – II ............................................................................................................................................. 15


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COUNTRY MANUAL - INDONESIA................................................................................................ 15

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 15

2. Time Zone ................................................................................................................................... 15

3. Location & Size ........................................................................................................................... 15

4. Population .................................................................................................................................... 16

5. Major Cities ................................................................................................................................. 16

6. Climate ......................................................................................................................................... 16

7. Natural Resources ..................................................................................................................... 17

8. History .......................................................................................................................................... 17

9. Age Composition ........................................................................................................................ 18

10. Ethnic Composition ................................................................................................................ 18

11. Languages ............................................................................................................................... 18

12. Currency .................................................................................................................................. 19

13. Economy .................................................................................................................................. 19

13.1. Economic Challenges .................................................................................................... 20

14. Relations with India ................................................................................................................ 21

14.1. Bilateral Trade with India ............................................................................................... 22

15. Labour Market ......................................................................................................................... 22

16. Labour Law .............................................................................................................................. 23

17. Criminal Laws ......................................................................................................................... 23

18. Political Setup ......................................................................................................................... 24

19. Religion .................................................................................................................................... 25

20. Religious Freedom ................................................................................................................. 26

21. Social Life in Indonesia ......................................................................................................... 26

22. Socio-Cultural Customs ......................................................................................................... 26

23. Expatriate Life Style in Indonesia ........................................................................................ 28

23.1. Meeting & Greeting ........................................................................................................ 28

23.2. Hands and Body Gesture .............................................................................................. 29

23.3. Forms of Address and Communication Styles........................................................... 30

23.4. Gift Giving Etiquette ....................................................................................................... 30

23.5. Dress Code ..................................................................................................................... 31

23.6. Food ................................................................................................................................. 32

23.7. Alcohol ............................................................................................................................. 32

23.8. Dining Etiquette .............................................................................................................. 32

24. Entry in Indonesia ................................................................................................................... 33

25. Living Conditions .................................................................................................................... 33


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26. Working Condition .................................................................................................................. 33

27. Accommodation ...................................................................................................................... 34

28. Transportation ......................................................................................................................... 34

29. Educational Facilities ............................................................................................................. 34

30. Medical Facilities .................................................................................................................... 35

31. Banks, ATMs & Exchange Bureaus .................................................................................... 35

32. Holidays ................................................................................................................................... 35

32.1. Public Holidays in 2014 ................................................................................................. 36

33. Media ........................................................................................................................................ 38

34. Communication Network ....................................................................................................... 38

35. Connectivity to India ............................................................................................................... 39

36. Do’s and Don’ts ...................................................................................................................... 39

36.1. Do’s ................................................................................................................................... 39

36.2. Don’ts ............................................................................................................................... 40

37. Indian Embassy Location: ..................................................................................................... 40

37.1. Timings – Consular / Emergency Services ................................................................ 41

38. Application for a new passport in lieu of Lost / Damaged Passport ............................... 41

38.1. Passport Renewal .......................................................................................................... 41

38.2. Miscellaneous Passport Services Available at Embassy of India ........................... 42

38.3. Visa Copy Attestation .................................................................................................... 42

38.4. Affidavit / Declaration ..................................................................................................... 42

39. Documents to be submitted along with the forms for individual service contract – ..... 42

39.1. Individual Employment Contract (Domestic Servants) ............................................. 42

39.2. Permit for Recruitment (Form VI) and Demand Letter Attestation .......................... 43


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PART – I

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS MIGRANTS

1. Definition

Emigration, in this context, means the departure of any person from India with a view to

taking up any employment (whether or not under an agreement or other arrangements to

take up such employment, with or without the assistance of a registered Recruiting Agent or

employer) in any country or place outside India.

2. The Present Situation

Every year thousands of Indians emigrate in search of job. The effect of economic

liberalization in India is visible on labour migrants too. One of the striking features of labour

migration from India is that more than 90 per cent of the total outflow is to the Middle East.

3. The Emigration Act

The Emigration Act, 1983, seeks to safeguard the interests and ensure the welfare of

emigrants. Only the recruiting agents registered with the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

are eligible as per the Act to conduct the business of recruitment for overseas employment

and they are required to obtain proper Registration Certificates (RC) from the Protector

General of Emigrants. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, administers the Emigration

Act through the 10 (ten) offices of Protector of Emigrants (POEs). These offices are located

at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad,

Jaipur, and Rae Bareli.

4. Service Charge

No recruiting agent shall collect from the worker the service charges more than the

equivalent of his wages for forty-five days as offered under the employment contract, subject

to a maximum of twenty thousand rupees, in respect of the services provided and shall issue

a receipt to that worker for the amount collected in this regard.

5. Emigration Check Required (ECR) Category

Categories of persons, whose passports have been endorsed as “Emigrant Check

Required” (ECR), if intending to travel to an ECR country (Listed below) for employment

purposes, are required to obtain emigration from any of the offices of the Protector of

Emigrants (POEs) either directly, or through the recruitment agents.


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6. Countries with ECR status

Following is the list of countries for which Emigration Clearance is required before

emigrating –

1) Afghanistan

2) Bahrain

3) Indonesia

4) Iraq

5) Jordan

6) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

7) Kuwait

8) Lebanon

9) Libya

10) Malaysia

11) Oman

12) Qatar

13) Sudan

14) Syria

15) Thailand

16) United Arab Emirates

17) Yemen

7. List of persons / categories of workers for whom Emigration Check is not required

1) All holders of diplomatic / official passports

2) All gazetted government servants

3) All income-tax payers in their individual capacity.

4) All professional degree holders, such as Doctors holding MBBS degrees or

Degrees in Ayurveda or Homeopathy; Accredited journalists; Chartered

Accountants; Lecturers; Teachers; Scientists; Advocates etc.

5) Spouses and dependent children of category of persons listed from (2) to (4)

6) Persons holding class 10 qualification or higher degrees.

7) Seamen who are in possession of CDC or Sea Cadets, Desk Cadets (i)who have

passed final examination of three years B.(Sc.) Nautical Sciences Courses at T S

Chankya, Mumbai; and (ii) who have undergone three months pre-sea training at

any of the government approved Training Institutes such as T S Chankya, T S

Rehman, T S Jawahar, MTI (SCI) and NIPM, Chennai after production of identity

cards issued by the Shipping Master, Mumbai/ Kolkata/ Chennai.


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8) Persons holding permanent immigration visas, such as the visas of UK, USA and

Australia.

9) Persons possessing two years’ diploma from any institute recognized by the

National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or State Council of Vocational

Training (SCVT) or persons holding three years’ diploma/ equivalent degree from

institutions like polytechnics recognized by Central/ State Governments.

10) Nurses possessing qualifications recognized under the Indian Nursing Council Act,

1947.

11) All persons above the age of 50 years.

12) All persons who have been staying abroad for more than three years (the period of

three years could be either in one stretch or broken) and spouses.

13) Children below 18 years of age.

8. Guidelines for Emigration Clearance

The procedure for emigration clearance has been simplified. Emigration clearance to

individuals/groups is granted on the same day on which the application is made at any of the

offices of the Protector of Emigrants (POE).

8.1. Procedure for Emigration Clearance

1) Emigration clearance will be made on the passport when the individual approaches

either directly or through a registered Recruiting Agent or through the employer

concerned or through Project Exporter

2) No emigration clearance shall be granted for Indian nationals for any Foreign

Employer placed in ‘Prior Approval Category’ (PAC)

9. Applying for Emigration Clearance

The application for emigration clearance should be made in the prescribed form with

prescribed particulars by the applicant directly or through a Recruiting Agent or through the

employer concerned or through Project Exporter to the POE.

9.1. Documents required for Emigration Clearance: Semi-Skilled Workers

Semi-skilled individuals who seek emigration clearance directly from the Protectors of

Emigrants (and not through Recruiting Agents) are required to produce the following

documents in original for scrutiny and return:

1) Passport valid for a minimum period of six months with valid visa.

2) Employment contract from foreign employer duly attested by the Indian Mission.

3) Challan towards deposit of prescribed fee.

4) Valid Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Policy


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9.2. Documents required for Emigration Clearance: Unskilled Workers

Unskilled workers and women (not below 30 years of age) seeking employment abroad

as housemaids/ domestic workers shall continue to furnish (in original) the following

documents at the time of obtaining emigration clearance.

1) Passport valid for a minimum period of 2 years with valid Visa.

2) Work agreement from the foreign employer duly attested by the Indian Mission and

signed by employer and employee or Permission letter from the concerned Indian

Mission/ Post as mentioned below (illustration):

Embassy of India –

Embassy of India

JL HR Rasuna Said, Kav S-1

Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, 12950, Indonesia

Tel +62-21-5204150 / 52 / 57 / 5264931

Fax +62-21-5204160, 5265622, 5264932, 5226833

E-Mail: [email protected] (Ambassador),

[email protected] (Consular & Visa Services)

[email protected],

[email protected] (Education and Scholarships)

[email protected],

[email protected] (Commerce and Economic Enquiries)

3) Challan towards deposit of prescribed fee.

4) Valid Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Policy.

9.3. Documents required for Emigration Clearance (Through Project Exporter)

1) Valid Passport (valid for at least 2 years)

2) Valid visa in English language

3) Permit issued by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, with effective date of validity.

4) Valid Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Policy.

The Protector of Emigrants (POE) shall, after satisfying the accuracy of the particulars

mentioned in the application and in the other documents submitted along the application,

grants emigration clearance in the prescribed manner and form. In case there is any

deficiency, the POE shall intimate the same by order in writing to the applicant or, as the

case may be, the Recruiting Agent or Employer or Project Exporter, through whom the

applications have been made about the deficiencies and require him to make good such

deficiencies within such time as may be specified in the order or reject the application.

mailto:[email protected]






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10. Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY)

The Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) is a compulsory Insurance policy scheme

for all emigrant workers going abroad for temporary / contractual employment.

10.1. Salient features of PBBY w.e.f. 1/04/2008

The Insurance policy shall be valid for a minimum period of two years.

An insurance cover of a minimum sum of Rs.10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakhs)

payable to the nominee/ legal heir in the event of death or permanent disability of

any Indian emigrant who goes abroad for employment purpose after obtaining

emigration clearance from concerned Protector of Emigrants (POE).

In case of death, besides the cost of transporting the dead body, the cost incurred

on economy class return airfare of one attendant shall also be reimbursed by the

Insurance Company. The claim for reimbursement shall be filed with the Insurance

Company within ninety days of completion of journey.

In the event of death or permanent disability due to any accident/physical injury

sustained while in employment abroad, the Insurance Company shall reimburse the

sum assured even after expiry of the insurance policy provided the accident

occurred during currency of the insurance cover and claim in this regard is filed

within 12 calendar months from the date of the accident.

If the emigrant worker is not received by the employer or if there is any substantive

change in the job/Employment Contract/Agreement to the disadvantage of the

insured person, or if the employment is prematurely terminated within the period of

employment for no fault of the emigrant, the Insurance Company shall reimburse

one-way Economy Class airfare, provided the grounds for repatriation are certified

by the concerned Indian Mission/Post and the Air-tickets are submitted in original.

A medical insurance cover of a minimum of Rs.75,000/- only in case of

hospitalization of the insured worker in an emergency on grounds of accidental

injuries and/or sickness/ailments/diseases occurring during the period of Insurance

whether in India or in the country of his employment.

The Insurance Company shall either provide cash-less hospitalization and/or

reimburse the actual medical expenses in above eventuality, provided the medical

treatment is in India.

Hospitalization cover of Rs.50,000/- per annum for the family of the emigrant

worker in India consisting of spouse and two dependent children up to twenty one

years of age in the event of death or permanent disability of the insured person.

In case of falling sick or declared medically unfit to commence or continue or

resume working and the service contract is terminated by the Foreign Employer

within the first 12 months of taking the insurance cover, the actual one-way


Page 9 of 43

Economy Class airfare shall be reimbursed by the Insurance company provided the

grounds for repatriation are certified by the concerned Indian Mission/Post and the

Air-tickets are submitted in original.

In case the repatriation is arranged by the Indian Mission/Post, the Insurance

Company shall reimburse the actual expenses to the concerned Indian

Mission/Post.

Maternity benefits to women emigrants, subject to a minimum cover of Rs.25,000/-.

In case of medical treatment in the country of employment, the maternity benefits

would be provided only if the requisite documents are certified by the concerned

Indian Mission/Post. The re-imbursement shall be restricted to actuals.

A cover of Rs.30,000/- for legal expenses incurred by the emigrant in any litigation

relating to his/her employment, provided the necessity of filing such case is certified

by the appropriate Ministry of that country. The actual expenses incurred will be

certified by the concerned Indian Mission/Post.

Actual premiums charged for PBBY policy periods of 2 and 3 years are Rs.275 and

Rs.375; plus applicable service tax respectively.

10.2. Insurance Companies providing PBBY

The PBBY policy is available from the following General Insurance Companies –

1) Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.

2) United India Insurance Company Ltd.

3) National Insurance Company Ltd.

4) ICICI Lombard

5) Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd.

6) IFFCO Tokyo

7) Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd.

8) Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd.

10.3. Claim Procedure under PBBY

Insured worker is supposed to have the copy of PBBY insurance policy with

him/her. Name of the nominee is so mentioned on the policy, in view of the

eventuality of death of insured.

In the event of claim, insured worker/ claimant have to lodge a claim under the

policy, with the respective insurance company’s office wherefrom the policy was

issued, if not otherwise specifically provided by the insurance company otherwise.

While doing so, claimant has to indicate the policy number and details of accident.

In the event of death, nominee has to lodge the claim.


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After intimation of reported claim, insurance company intimates the insured/

claimant the details of documents required to settle the claim. After processing

such requisite documents, claim amount is paid to the insured worker/ claimant, as

the case may be.

10.4. Verification of the genuineness of visa/ employment documents

The documents may be referred to the Embassy of India (for verification by POE) in the

destination country, if necessary, with full particulars of the sponsor company (Name,

Address, Telephone and Fax No.), which issued the visa, along with Passport particulars.

11. Indian Nationals working with ‘Visit visa’

Some employers may be bringing people into Indonesia on ‘Visit Visa’ to meet their

urgent manpower requirements for short-term work. Under the appropriate Laws, employers

are not permitted to bring workers on visit visa. However, short term business work visas are

permitted for the skilled and highly specialized categories of workers. In case the employer

needs them for further period; employer must arrange employment visa for such workers.

Visit visa is different from employment visa and it is not covered by the labor laws of

Indonesia. Thus, the holder of visit visa do not have right to work in Indonesia.

12. Employment Contract

Indian workers are advised to obtain written contract duly signed by the sponsor/

employer company before their arrival in the destination country.

12.1. Essential Terms for a Contract

The contract should contain all important terms of employment as per 15(2) of

Emigration Rules.

1) Period employment/ place of employment.

2) Wages and other conditions of service;

3) Free food or food allowance provision;

4) Free accommodation;

5) Provision in regard to disposal, or transportation to India, of dead body of the

Emigrant;

6) Working hours, overtime allowance, other working conditions, leave and social

security benefits as per local labour laws;

7) To and fro air passage at the employers’ cost;

8) Mode of settlement of disputes; and

9) Medical facilities;


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12.2. Obtaining copy of the contract while in India

As per the instructions of the Government of India, recruitment body is expected to

provide a copy of employment contract to each worker before his/ her departure. To

safeguard his/ her own interest, an individual worker has to demand from the recruitment

agent a copy of the contract duly signed by employer before departure. Complaints may be

lodged against defaulting agencies with the nearest Protector of Emigrants or the Protector

General of Emigrants

13. Important Documents

Copies of the following documents should be kept by the family members of the

worker–

1) Employment contract,

2) Passport,

3) Visa,

4) Certificates of educational qualification, and

5) OWRC Helpline number: 1800 11 3090

14. Check Before Departure

Ensure you have a valid passport at least for two years. A valid Visa must be

either stamped on or accompany your passport. Always keep a photocopy of your

passport and visa.

You must possess a copy of the Employment Contract signed by you and your

foreign employer duly attested by the registered recruiting agent.

Insist on a copy of Employment Contract in English duly authenticated by the

recruiting agent.

Open a Savings Bank N.R.E. Account in one of the Banks in India to enable you

to send your remittances from abroad.

Get familiar with local labor laws, working and living conditions of the country of

employment. Keep complete address of the Indian Embassy there, with you.

15. In the country of your employment

Obtain a Resident Permit, or Identity Card, or Labour Card (as applicable) as early

as possible after arrival in Indonesia.

DO NOT part with your passport and copy of employment contract signed by you.

DO NOT sign any other employment contract or any blank paper.

DO NOT strike work or resort to agitations.

AVOID all contacts that may result in AIDS – a dreaded disease.


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Keep in touch with the Indian Mission/Post and report any complaints about non-

payment or delayed payment of wages or compensation or any other problem to

the Indian Mission.

16. Customs Formalities

Personal baggage – Customs checking is VERY STRICT. Kindly cooperate with

the Customs staff at the International airport.

Ensure that one should not carry any narcotics.

DO NOT accept any unchecked parcel from any one. If you have to take a parcel

for someone unknown to you, check thoroughly that it does not contain narcotics.

Otherwise, it may land you in serious difficulties on arrival in the country of

employment.

17. Precautions

One must make and keep a photocopy of all the pages of your passport. DO NOT

lose your passport or its photocopy.

In case you misplace your passport, inform the nearest Indian Mission

immediately giving those details i.e. passport number, date and place of issue,

your name and date of your entry into the country of employment. You can give

these details only if you keep a photocopy of your passport.

DO NOT lose your copy of the employment contract. Make photocopies and

always keep them with you.

You and your family members must have the full name, address, telephone/ fax

number of your foreign employer, before you leave India.

If you have difficulty in locating your foreign employer, contact the Indian

Mission/Post immediately.

DO NOT accept temporary or permanent employment with another person or

establishment other than the sponsoring company/ establishment/ person.

Employment with persons other than your original sponsor is strictly prohibited and

attracts severe punishment.

Before the visa or employment contract expires, get them renewed. If you are

returning to India for a short while during the tenure of your Employment Contract

abroad, ensure that the validity period of visa does not expire before you return to

the country of employment.

Ensure also that one’s passport is valid. Get it revalidated from the concerned

Indian Mission abroad or from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in India, at

least two months before its expiry.


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18. Important Contacts

Embassy of India in Indonesia

Embassy of India

JL HR Rasuna Said, Kav S-1

Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, 12950, Indonesia

Tel +62-21-5204150 / 52 / 57 / 5264931

Fax +62-21-5204160, 5265622, 5264932, 5226833

E-Mail: [email protected] (Ambassador),

[email protected] (Consular & Visa Services)

[email protected],

[email protected] (Education and Scholarships)

[email protected],

[email protected] (Commerce and Economic Enquiries)

1) Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

Government of India

Akbar Bhavan, Chanakya Puri,

New Delhi-110021

Telephone No. 0091-11-24197900/52

Fax No. 0091-11-24197919

Email: [email protected]

2) Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs

Shri Vayalar Ravi, Minister

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

Telephone No. (O) 0091-11-24676836 / 37 / 39

Fax No. (O) 0091-11-24197985


Telephone No. (R) 0091-11-23792148 / 49

Fax No. (R) 0091-11-23792142

3) Secretary, MOIA

Shri Prem Narain,


Telephone No. 0091-11-24674143 / 44

Fax No. : 0091-11-24674140


4) Protector General of Emigrants

Shri R.Buhril,


Telephone No. 0091-11-26874250

Fax No. : 0091-11-24197984









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19. List of Offices of Protector of Emigrants in India

1. Protector of Emigrants, New Delhi

Jaisalmer House, Canteen Block, Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110001

Tel: 0091-11-23382472, Fax: 0091-11-23073908

2. Protector of Emigrants, Mumbai

Building E, Khira Nagar, S V Road, Santa Cruz (West), Mumbai-400054

Tel: 0091-22-26614393, Fax: 0091-22-26614353

3. Protector of Emigrants, Thiruvananthapuram

5th Floor, NORKA Centre, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram-695014

Tel: 0091-471-2336625, Fax: 0091-471-2336626

4. Protector of Emigrants, Kochi

3rd Floor, Putherikal Building, Market Road, Kochi-682035.

Tel: 0091-484-2360187, Fax: 0091-484-2360187

5. Protector of Emigrants, Chennai

TNHB Shopping Complex (Annexe), Ashok Nagar, Chennai-600083

Tel: 0091-44-24891337, Fax: 0091-44-24891337

6. Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh

Kendriya Sadan, 5th Block, Ground Floor, Sector-9A, Chandigarh-160017

Tel: 0091-172-2741790, Fax: 0091-172-2741790

7. Protector of Emigrants, Kolkata

Room No.18, A-Wing, 3rd Floor, M.S.O Building, D-F Block, Salt Lake,

Kolkata-700084. Tel: 0091-33-23343407, Fax: 0091-33-23343407

8. Protector of Emigrants, Hyderabad

Gruhkalpa, Ground Floor, Opposite to Gandhi Bhawan, Nampally,

Hyderabad-500001. Tel: 0091-40-24652557, Fax: 0091-40-24652557

9. Protector of Emigrants, Jaipur

CFC Building, RIICO, Sitapura Industrial Area, Tonk Road,

Jaipur-302022. Tel: 0091-141-2771529, Fax: 0091-141-2771529

10. Protector of Emigrants, Rae Bareli

Rudra Plaza, Hospital Road, Opposite Reform Club, Rae Bareli-229001

Tel: 0091-535-2211122

20. Information available on the website of MOIA

Revised emigration requirements

Recruiting agents having suspended RC

Online emigration clearance system

List of registered recruiting agents with valid RC at poeonline.gov.in

Recruiting agents having cancelled RC

Foreign employers on PAC

Project Exporters at peoonline.gov.in

Emigration Act, 1983

Emigration Rules, 1983 (Amended – 2009)

Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana

Redressal of Public Grievances Information on RAs

Guidelines for recruiting agents/ guidelines for prospective Emigrant workers.


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PART – II

COUNTRY MANUAL - INDONESIA

1. Introduction

Republic of Indonesia (in short Indonesia) is a country in Southeastern Asia and was

formerly known as Netherlands East Indies and Dutch East Indies. It is the largest

archipelago (chain of islands) in the world. The archipelago is on a crossroad between two

oceans, the Pacific and the Indian, and bridges two continents, Asia and Australia. This

strategic position has always influenced the cultural, social, political, and economic life of the

country.

2. Time Zone

Indonesia is divided into the following three time zones.

Section Standard Time Area Covered Zone Name

West UTC+7 Sumatera, Java, Western Borneo Asia / Jakarta

Central UTC+8 Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali, Eastern Borneo

Asia / Ujung Pandang

East UTC+9 Irian Jaya, Maluku Asia / Jayapura

3. Location & Size

At 1,919,440 square kilometers, Indonesia is the world's 15th-largest country in terms of

land area and world's 7th-largest country in terms of combined sea and land area. Indonesia

comprises of chain of 17,508 islands between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean,

about 6,000 of which are inhabited and 1,000 of which are permanently settled.


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These are scattered over both sides of the equator. The largest are Java, Sumatra,

Borneo (shared with Brunei and Malaysia), New Guinea (shared with Papua New Guinea),

and Sulawesi. Large islands consist of coastal plains with mountainous interiors.

Indonesia shares land borders with Malaysia on Borneo, Papua New Guinea on the

island of New Guinea, and East Timor on the island of Timor. Indonesia shares maritime

borders across narrow straits with Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Palau to the

north, and with Australia to the south. The capital, Jakarta, is on Java and is the nation's

largest city, followed by Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Semarang.

4. Population

Indonesia is the world's third most populous democracy and the world's largest Muslim-

majority nation. According to the 2010 national census, the population of Indonesia is 237.6

million, with high population growth at 1.9%. Population is expected to grow to around 269

million by 2020 and 321 million by 2050. Indonesia’s 58% of the population lives in Java, the

world's most populous island. The urban population of Indonesia is estimated as 50.7% of

total population.

Indonesia’s average population density is 134 people per square kilometer, 79th in the

world, although Java, the world's most populous island, has a population density of

940 people per square kilometer.

Indonesia’s Sex ratio stands at 1 male per female. The literacy rate is 92.8% (95.6% for

male and 90.1% for female. Birth rate in Indonesia is estimated at 17.38 births/1,000

population. Life expectancy at birth is 71.9 years (69.33 years for male and 74.59 years for

female).

5. Major Cities

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia with estimated population of 9.121 million. The other

major cities are Surabaya, Bandung, Medan and Semarang with estimated population at

2.509 million, 2.412 million, 2.131 million and 1.296 million respectively.

6. Climate

Lying along the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate, with two distinct monsoonal

wet and dry seasons. Average annual rainfall in the lowlands varies from 1,780–3,175

millimeters (70.1–125.0 inches), and up to 6,100 millimeters (240 inches) in mountainous

regions. Mountainous areas – particularly in the west coast of Sumatra, West Java,

Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua – receive the highest rainfall. Humidity is generally high,

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averaging about 80%. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. The average daily

temperature range of Jakarta is 26–30 °C (79–86 °F).

Large areas of forest are being cleared by transnational pulp and palm-oil companies, to

be replaced by plantations. As a result, huge areas of Kalimantan have been hit by bush

fires, causing massive smog over the entire region. Regional autonomy has made it harder

for central government to protect the environment.

7. Natural Resources

Indonesia is an oil producing country with Petroleum as its major natural resource

Indonesia is a member country of inter-governmental oil cartel– Organization of the

Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Over the years, this endowment of oil resources has been steadily exploited with

substantial rents flowing to the government from production and exports of crude oil. The

country is also one of the world's largest exporters of another petroleum resource, liquefied

natural gas.

The other natural resources found in Indonesia include tin, nickel, timber, bauxite,

copper, fertile soils, coal, gold and silver.

Indonesia's location on the edges of the Pacific, Eurasian, and Australian tectonic plates

makes it the site of numerous volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Indonesia has at least

150 active volcanoes, including Krakatoa and Tambora, both famous for their devastating

eruptions in the 19th century. The eruption of the Toba super-volcano, approximately 70,000

years ago, was one of the largest eruptions ever, and a global catastrophe. Recent disasters

due to seismic activity include the 2004 tsunami that killed an estimated 167,736 in northern

Sumatra and the Yogyakarta earthquake in 2006. However, volcanic ash is a major

contributor to the high agricultural fertility that has historically sustained the high population

densities of Java and Bali.

At 4,884 metres, Puncak Jaya in Papua is Indonesia's highest peak, and Lake Toba in

Sumatra its largest lake, with an area of 1,145 square kilometers. The country's largest

rivers are in Kalimantan, and include the Mahakam and Barito. Such rivers are

communication and transport links between the island's river settlements.

8. History

The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century. Later, Japan occupied

the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence shortly before Japan's

surrender, but it required four years of sometimes brutal fighting, intermittent negotiations,


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and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. A period of

sometimes unruly parliamentary democracy ended in 1957 when President Soekarno

declared martial law and instituted "Guided Democracy." After an abortive coup in 1965 by

alleged communist sympathizers, Soekarno was gradually eased from power. From 1967

until 1988, President Suharto ruled Indonesia with his "New Order" government. After rioting

toppled Suharto in 1998, free and fair legislative elections took place in 1999.

In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh,

which led to democratic elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face

low intensity armed resistance in Papua by the separatist Free Papua Movement.

9. Age Composition

The people between 25 to 54 years of age contribute to 42.2 % of Indonesian population.

This age group mainly reflects the employable population of the country. The population

under 15 years of age stands at 26.6% and people between 15 to 24 years of age

contributes to 17.1% of population. The population in the age groups of 55 to 64 years is

estimated at 7.6%. The percentage of the elderly population (above 65 years) is 6.4%.

10. Ethnic Composition

There are around 300 distinct native ethnic groups in Indonesia, and 742 different

languages and dialects. Most Indonesians are descended from Austronesian-speaking

people whose languages can be traced to Proto-Austronesian (PAn), which possibly

originated in Taiwan. Another major grouping is Melanesians, who inhabit eastern Indonesia.

The largest ethnic group is the Javanese, who comprise 42% of the population, and are

politically and culturally dominant. The Sundanese, ethnic Malays, and Madurese are the

largest non-Javanese groups. A sense of Indonesian nationhood exists alongside strong

regional identities. Society is largely harmonious, although social, religious and ethnic

tensions have triggered horrendous violence. Chinese Indonesians are an influential ethnic

minority comprising 3–4% of the population. Much of the country's privately owned

commerce and wealth is Chinese-Indonesian-controlled. Chinese businesses in Indonesia

are part of the larger bamboo network, a network of overseas Chinese businesses operating

in the markets of Southeast Asia that share common family and cultural ties. This has

contributed to considerable resentment, and even anti-Chinese violence.

11. Languages

The official national language of Indonesia is Indonesian, a form of Malay. It is based on

the prestige dialect of Malay, that of the Johor-Riau Sultanate, which for centuries had been

the lingua franca of the archipelago, standards of which are the official languages in

Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Indonesian is universally taught in schools; consequently it


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is spoken by nearly every Indonesian. It is the language of business, politics, national media,

education, and academia. It was promoted by Indonesian nationalists in the 1920s, and

declared the official language under the name Bahasa Indonesia on the proclamation of

independence in 1945. Most Indonesians speak at least one of the several hundred local

languages and dialects, often as their first language. Of these, Javanese is the most widely

spoken as the language of the largest ethnic group. On the other hand, Papua has over 270

indigenous Papuan and Austronesian languages, in a region of about 2.7 million people.

12. Currency

Currency of Indonesia is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

As on 18/03/2014 –

1 USD is equivalent to 11292.00 Indonesian Rupiah, and

1 INR is equivalent to 184.92 Indonesian Rupiah

13. Economy

The Indonesian economy deteriorated drastically in the 1960s as a result of political

instability, a young and inexperienced government, and economic nationalism, which

resulted in severe poverty and hunger. By the time of Sukarno's downfall in the mid-1960s,

the economy was in chaos with 1,000% annual inflation, shrinking export revenues,

crumbling infrastructure, factories operating at minimal capacity, and negligible investment.

Following President Sukarno's downfall in the mid-1960s, the New Order administration

brought a degree of discipline to economic policy that quickly brought inflation down,

stabilized the currency, rescheduled foreign debt, and attracted foreign aid and investment.

Indonesia was until recently Southeast Asia's only member of OPEC, and the 1970s oil price

raises provided an export revenue windfall that contributed to sustained high economic

growth rates, averaging over 7% from 1968 to 1981. Following further reforms in the late

1980s, foreign investment flowed into Indonesia, particularly into the rapidly developing

export-oriented manufacturing sector, and from 1989 to 1997, the Indonesian economy grew

by an average of over 7%.

Indonesia was the country hardest hit by the Asian financial crisis of 1997–98. During

the crisis there were sudden and large capital outflows leading the rupiah to go into free fall.

Against the US dollar the rupiah dropped from about IDR 2,600 in late 1997 to a low point of

around IDR 17,000 some months later and the economy shrank by a remarkable 13.7%.

These developments led to widespread economic distress across the economy and

contributed to the political crisis of 1998 which saw Suharto resign as president. The rupiah

later stabilized in the IDR. 8,000–10,000 range and a slow but steady economic recovery

ensued. However, political instability, slow economic reform, and corruption slowed the


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recovery. Transparency International, for example, has since ranked Indonesia below 100 in

its Corruption Perceptions Index. Since 2007, however, with the improvement in banking

sector and domestic consumption, national economic growth has accelerated to over 6%

annually and this helped the country weather the 2008–2009 global recession. The

Indonesian economy performed strongly during the Global Financial Crisis and in 2012 its

GDP grew by over 6%. The country regained its investment grade rating in late 2011 after

losing it in the 1997. However, as of 2012, an estimated 11.7% of the population lived below

the poverty line and the official open unemployment rate was 6.1%.

Indonesia has a mixed economy in which both the private sector and government play

significant roles. The country is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and a member of the

G-20 major economies. The gross domestic product (GDP) is about $1 trillion and the debt

ratio to the GDP is 26%. The industry sector is the economy's largest and accounts for

46.4% of GDP (2012), this is followed by services (38.6%) and agriculture (14.4%).

However, since 2012, the service sector has employed more people than other sectors,

accounting for 48.9% of the total labor force. This has been followed by agriculture (38.6%)

and industry (22.2%). Agriculture, however, had been the country's largest employer for

centuries.

Indonesia became the 27th biggest exporting country in the world in 2010, moving up

three places from a year before. Indonesia's main export markets (2009) are Japan

(17.28%), Singapore (11.29%), the United States (10.81%), and China (7.62%). The major

suppliers of imports to Indonesia are Singapore (24.96%), China (12.52%), and Japan

(8.92%).

The tourism sector contributes to around US$9 billion of foreign exchange in 2012, and

ranked as the 4th largest among goods and services export sectors. Singapore, Malaysia,

Australia, China and Japan are the top five sources of visitors to Indonesia.

13.1. Economic Challenges

Labor unrest – As of 2011 labor militancy was increasing in Indonesia with a

major strike at the Grasberg mine and numerous strikes elsewhere. A common issue

was attempts by foreign-owned enterprises to evade Indonesia's strict labor laws by

calling their employees contract workers. The New York Times expressed concern that

Indonesia's cheap labor advantage might be lost. However, a large pool of unemployed

who will accept substandard wages and conditions remains available. One factor in the

increase of militancy is increased awareness via the internet of prevailing wages in other

countries and the generous profits foreign companies are making in Indonesia.


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Inequality – Economic disparity and the flow of natural resource profits to

Jakarta has led to discontent and even contributed to separatist movements in areas

such as Aceh and Irian Jaya. Geographically, the poorest fifth regions account for just

8% of consumption, while the richest fifth account for 45%. While there are new laws on

decentralization that may address the problem of uneven growth and satisfaction

partially, there are many hindrances in putting this new policy into practice.

Inflation – Inflation has long been another problem in Indonesia. Because of

political turmoil, the country had once suffered hyperinflation, with 1,000% annual

inflation between 1964 and 1967, and this had been enough to create severe poverty

and hunger. Even though the economy recovered very quickly during the first decade of

New Order administration (1970–1981), never once was the inflation less than 10%

annually. The inflation peaked in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis, with over 58%,

causing the raise in poverty level as bad as the 1960s crisis. During the economic

recovery and growth in recent years, the government has been trying to decline the

inflation rate. However, it seems that Indonesian inflation has been affected by the global

fluctuation and domestic market competition. As of 2010, the inflation rate was

approximately 7%, when its economic growth was 6%. To date, inflation is affecting

Indonesian lower middle class, especially those who can't afford food after price hikes.

14. Relations with India

India and Indonesia are neighbors. India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a

maritime border with Indonesia along the Andaman Sea. The Indian- Indonesian relationship

stretch back for almost two millennia. In 1950, the first President of Indonesia - Sukarno

called upon the people of Indonesia and India to "intensify the cordial relations" that had

existed between the two countries "for more than 1000 years" before they had been

"disrupted" by colonial powers. Yet in 1966, the foreign ministers of both countries began

speaking again of an era of friendly relations.

On 25 January 2011, after talks by Indian Prime Minister and visiting President of

Indonesia, both the countries signed business deals worth billions of dollars and set an

ambitious target of doubling trade over the next five years. President of Indonesia Sukarno

was the first chief guest at the annual Republic Day parade of India. In the year 2011 too,

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the chief guest for the same.

Indonesia is one of the 14 countries for which tourist visas prior to entry are not

required in India. Indian Nationals also are issued tourist visas on arrival in Indonesia. India

also has further economic ties with Indonesia through its free trade agreement with ASEAN,

of which Indonesia is a member.


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14.1. Bilateral Trade with India

Indonesia has emerged to become the second largest trading partner of India in

the ASEAN region. India-Indonesia bilateral trade has increased from US$ 6.9 billion in

2007-08 to US$ 20.1 billion in 2012-13. The two sides have set the target of US$ 25

billion by 2015. India is the largest buyer of crude palm oil from Indonesia and imports

coal, minerals, rubber, pulp and paper and hydrocarbons reserves. India exports refined

petroleum products, maize, commercial vehicles, telecommunication equipment, oil

seeds, animal feed, cotton, steel products and plastics to Indonesia. India also exports

pharmaceuticals in bulk and formulations to Indonesia.

Indonesia is an attractive destination for Indian investment in the region. Indian

companies have made significant investments in infrastructure, power, textiles, steel,

automotive, mining machinery, banking and consumer goods sectors. Prominent Indian

groups/companies have established fully-owned subsidiaries/joint ventures in Indonesia.

Several medium and small Indian companies are operating coal mines in Indonesia.

Indian IT companies have business interests in Indonesia.

India and Indonesia have entered into Agreement for Promotion and Protection of

Investment in 1999, and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) in 2012.

15. Labour Market

The Indonesian labor force is estimated at about 95 million, two-thirds of which is

between the ages of 15 and 34, and two-fifths of which is made up of women. Even during

the period of significant GDP growth from 1985 to 1995, the rise in employment failed to

keep up with the rise in population. More than 4 million people (nearly 5 percent of the labor

force) were looking for jobs even before the crisis of 1997. The government's August 1999

Labor Force Survey found 6 million people over age 15 unemployed, and a much higher

number under-employed (34 million workers, or 39 percent), working less than 35 hours a

week. The labor force is distributed approximately as follows: agriculture (45 percent); trade,

restaurant, and hotel (19 percent); manufacturing (11 percent); transport and

communications (5 percent); and construction (4 percent). The manufacturing workforce is

skilled in the basics but undereducated. While many light manufacturing companies, such as

sneakers and clothing plants, opened factories in Indonesia to take advantage of a mostly

young, female labor pool of migrants to the cities; high-tech manufacturers have been slow

to move in. As competition increases from China, Vietnam, and India, these unskilled

workers are starting to lose out. There have been well-documented charges of sweatshop

conditions (forced overtime, unsafe workplaces, and inadequate pay) in many of these

export-oriented factories.


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Indonesia has also traditionally sent large numbers of workers overseas, both legally

and illegally. As countries such as Malaysia and Thailand suffered the effects of the crisis,

nearly all of these Indonesian workers were sent home, worsening the problems of

unemployment and poverty.

Indonesia released 55,010 foreigners working visas in 2011, increased by 10%

compared to the previous year, while the number of foreign residents in Indonesia, excluding

tourists and foreign emissaries was 111,752 persons, rose by 6% to last year. People getting

visas for 6 months to one year were mostly Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, Indian,

American and Australian. A few of them were entrepreneur who made new businesses in

Indonesia and were engaged in restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, and apartments.

16. Labour Law

According to the report “Laborers/Employees Situation in Indonesia 2002” published by

the Central Bureau of Statistics of Indonesia, the average monthly income for female

workers is IDR. 475,192 (US$ 52) and for male workers is IDR. 654.371 (US$ 72). The

average weekly hours worked by females are 41 and that for males is 44. Females work on

average 93.18% of males’ hours of work, while male workers earn almost 1.38 times more

than female workers. Besides gender wage differentials, there are also substantial regional

disparities in wages.

The government sets minimum wages in each region; in Jakarta it was set at IDR

286,000 (US$33) per month in April 2000. While workers were allowed to join a single union

established by the government under the Suharto regime, new regulations put forth in 1998

have allowed the formation of more than 2 dozen new labor unions. Strikes have increased

in recent years, with the return of economic activity. According to the International Labor

Organization, women are likely to be more adversely affected by the economic crisis than

men. They are concentrated in the most precarious forms of wage employment and are thus

more vulnerable to lay-offs.

17. Criminal Laws

Indonesia is a civil law country with five major codes. Its criminal procedure code,

the “Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Acara Pidana” (KUHAP), determines the procedures and

rights of individuals at different stages of the trial process. Indonesian court admits only five

types of legal evidence. They are:

1) The testimony of a witness

2) The testimony of an expert

3) A document


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4) An indication

5) The testimony of the accused

The Public Prosecution Service of Indonesia is the only agency that has state powers

to prosecute offenders. As such, there is no private prosecution in the Indonesian criminal

justice system.

18. Political Setup

Indonesia has made a partially successful transition from an authoritarian dictatorship

to a parliamentary democracy, with the devolution of authority for many basic services to

elected district governments. National, regional and district elections are more or less free,

fair and democratic. But corruption at high levels is still rife and there are some disturbing

signs of regression to authoritarianism.

In 1945, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independent Republic of

Indonesia with Sukarno as president and Hatta as vice president. Allied forces (mostly

British and British Indian troops) did not arrive until six weeks later, by which time the

republic had begun to establish itself and nationalist pride had burgeoned. The period

October-December 1945 was filled with violent conflict in which Indonesians made it clear

they would defend their independence with their lifeblood. Forcing the Dutch to negotiate

with the republic for an end to hostilities, the British withdrew in late 1946. The republic

subsequently survived two Dutch “police actions” and an internal communist rebellion, and in

1949, The Hague formally recognized the sovereignty of a federated Republic of the United

States of Indonesia, which a year later was formed into a unitary Republic of Indonesia.

Despite the holding of democratic elections in 1955, the years following the struggle for

independence were characterized by political and economic difficulty: regional dissidence,

attempted assassinations and coups d’état, military-civilian conflict, and economic

stagnation. A period of Guided Democracy was announced in 1959 by Sukarno, who in 1963

proclaimed himself president-for-life and presided over a political system in which the civilian

nationalist leadership, much of the Islamic leadership, the large Indonesian Communist Party

(PKI), and the army were all at odds. Later a “New Order” coalition of students, intellectuals,

Muslims, and the army brought about a military-dominated government that removed

Sukarno.

In 1966, power was transferred from a seriously ill Sukarno to a high-ranking army

officer, Suharto; the PKI was formally banned. Suharto became the acting president on

March 12, 1967, and the New Order era began.


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The New Order era, which lasted for more than 30 years, has a mixed record. Like

Guided Democracy, it was authoritarian, but it was more successful in bringing stability to

the nation. Unlike Guided Democracy, its economic achievements were enormous and the

well-being of the majority of Indonesians undeniably improved. Average life expectancy, for

example, increased from 46 to 65.5 years. On the other hand, the state’s heavy involvement

in banking and industry, especially the petroleum and natural gas sectors, worked against

competition. A modernizing, educated, and better-off middle class grew, but gained little or

no political clout; poverty was reduced, but some particularly severe pockets appeared to be

intractable. When the Asian financial crisis hit in 1997–98, the New Order lost the economic

justification that had guaranteed much of its public support, and there was a widespread call

for Suharto to step down. He resigned in May 998, little more than two months after being

selected for his seventh term as president.

Suharto was succeeded by Bucharuddin Jusuf Habibie, who sought first to resolve the

East Timor situation and begin a new and more open electoral process. In 1999, following

Indonesia’s first freely contested parliamentary elections since 1955, Abdurrahman Wahid,

well-known as both a progressive intellectual and as leader of Indonesia’s largest Muslim

organization (Nahdlatul Ulama, NU) became president. He was dismissed from office in July

2001 in favor of Megawati Sukarnoputri, his vice president and head of the Indonesian

Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P). Megawati, Sukarno’s eldest daughter, was decisively

defeated in the September 2004 presidential runoff election by the Democratic Party

candidate, retired army general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Yudhoyono was sworn in as

president in October 2004.

19. Religion

Indonesia is a Muslim-majority nation. As per 2010 census, its population comprises of

87% Muslim, 7% Protestant, 3% Catholic, 2% Hindu, and 1% Buddhist. Most Indonesian

Hindus are Balinese, and most Buddhists in modern-day Indonesia are ethnic Chinese.

Though now minority religions, Hinduism and Buddhism remain defining influences in

Indonesian culture. Islam was first adopted by Indonesians in northern Sumatra in the 13th

century, through the influence of traders, and became the country's dominant religion by the

16th century. Roman Catholicism was brought to Indonesia by early Portuguese colonialists

and missionaries, and the Protestant denominations are largely a result of Dutch Calvinist

and Lutheran missionary efforts during the country's colonial period. A large proportion of

Indonesians—such as the Javanese abangan, Balinese Hindus, and Dayak Christians—

practice a less orthodox, syncretic form of their religion, which draws on local customs and

beliefs.


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20. Religious Freedom

While religious freedom is stipulated in the Indonesian constitution, the government

officially recognizes only six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism,

Buddhism, and Confucianism. Unrecognized groups may register with the Ministry of Culture

and Tourism as social organizations. These groups have the right to establish a house of

worship, obtain identity cards, and register marriages and births. Legally, identity card

applications are now acceptable when the "religion" section is left blank; however, members

of some groups reported that they sometimes faced obstacles.

Aceh remained the only province authorized by the central government to implement

Islamic law (Shari'a), and non-Muslims in the province remained exempt from Shari'a. Some

local governments outside of Aceh also have laws with elements of Shari'a that abrogate

certain rights of women and religious minorities. Aceh adopted a Shari'a based penal code

imposing physical punishment for violations.

In May 2011, the Indonesian Sunni-Shia Council (MUHSIN) was established. The

council aims to hold gatherings, dialogues and social activities. It was an answer to violence

committed in the name of religion.

21. Social Life in Indonesia

The pace of life in Indonesia is slower. People use the term ‘jam karet’ which can be

understood as 'time that stretches like rubber'. This concept reflects the way that

Indonesians prefer to take things as they come, rather than plan every moment of their day.

This means that things like parties or business appointments are not much planned.

Particularly in their social life, Indonesians prefer not to make detailed plans and are

expected to arrive places at particular times. This is one of the reasons that Indonesian

meals tend to be simple combinations of rice and sauces that can easily cope with the

sudden arrival of a few more people.

There are large and growing gaps between rural and urban areas and between the

poor eastern provinces and the richer western provinces. The Gini index has risen from 0.31

in 1999 to 0.41 in 2011 (0.4 is a danger point for social instability/unrest).

22. Socio-Cultural Customs

Diversity – Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation catering to over 300 ethnic groups.

Each province has its own language, ethnic make-up, religions and history. Most people

define themselves locally before nationally. In addition there are many cultural influences

stemming back from difference in heritage. Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim

population in the world it also has a large number of Christian Protestants, Catholics, Hindus

and Buddhists. This great diversity has needed a great deal of attention from the


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government to maintain cohesion. As a result, the national motto is "Unity in Diversity". The

language has been standardized and a national philosophy has been devised known as

"Pancasila" which stresses universal justice for all Indonesians.

During Ramadan – During its 30 days, devout Muslims refrain from passing anything

through their lips (food, drink, smoke) between sunrise and sunset. People get up early

before sunrise (sahur), go to work late, and take off early to get back home in time to

breakfast (buka puasa) at sunset. Non-Muslims, as well as Muslims travelling (musafir), are

exempt from fasting but it is polite to refrain from eating or drinking in public. Many

restaurants close during the day and those that stay open (e.g., hotel restaurants) maintain a

low profile, with curtains covering the windows. During Ramadhan, all forms of nightlife

including bars, nightclubs, karaoke and massage parlours close by midnight, and (especially

in more devout areas) quite a few opt to stay closed entirely. Business travellers will notice

that things move at an even more glacial pace than usual and, especially towards the end of

the month, many people will take leave.

Group Thinking – Due to the diverse nature of Indonesian society there exists a

strong pull towards the group, whether family, village or island. People define themselves

according to their ethnic group, family and place of birth. The family is still very traditional in

structure. Family members have clearly defined roles and a great sense of interdependence.

Family Life – Family is very important in Indonesia and it is very common for extended

families that include grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to all live together in one

place. Although this is true both in the cities and in the rural areas of Indonesia, it is more

prevalent in rural areas. Most Indonesian families are close and work hard to help each

other. People have a responsibility to their families and especially to their elders.

Indonesians are expected to respect the experience of their elders and follow their advice.

They are also expected to look after their parents in old age.

Hierarchy – As with most group orientated cultures, hierarchy plays a great role in

Indonesian culture. Hierarchical relationships are respected, emphasized and maintained.

Respect is usually shown to those with status, power, position and age. Superiors are often

called "bapak" or "ibu", which means the equivalent of father or mother, sir or madam.

Although those higher up the hierarchy make decisions Indonesians are advocates of group

discussion and consensus. These tie back to the idea of maintaining strong group

cohesiveness and harmonious relationships.

Face – Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is important to

understand. In Indonesia, the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu").

Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak. Although a foreigner is

not expected to understand the nuances of the concept, it is crucial to keep an eye on one’s

behavior. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always


Page 28 of 43

be hidden and addressed privately. Similarly, blame should never be aimed at any

individual/group publicly. One manifestation of the concept of face/shame is that Indonesians

communicate quite indirectly, i.e. they would never wish to cause anyone shame by giving

them a negative answer so would phrase it a way where you would be expected to realize

what they truly want to say. Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying "No" and

several other ways of saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No".

23. Expatriate Life Style in Indonesia

Indonesians are amongst the friendliest in South East Asia and possibly even the

world. It is highly unlikely that you will go an entire day in the country without at least one

stranger striking up a conversation with you.

Rich in natural resources, the country acquires most of its wealth from gas, oil and

other mining activities, and most expats in Indonesia tend to work in these sectors. The

telecommunications industry and English Teaching are other attractions for expats seeking

work in Indonesia.

Most expats find themselves living in the popular tourist hub of Bali and the sprawling

metropolis of Jakarta, the country’s capital and economic, cultural and financial center. The

more remote mining areas in the Papua region also attract a fair share of expats.

There are several differences in behavior that one should be aware of before visiting

Indonesia. Contact between opposite sexes should be avoided. Indonesia is a conservative

country in many ways. Open displays of affection offend those within the area and result in

disapproving looks.

One should expect little personal space. Indonesians appear to have little concept of

an idea of personal space. In fact, it tends to be the case that being close to someone when

you talk to them indicates friendliness. This attitude is reflected in the number of locals that

will strike up conversations with you in any conceivable situation. Most people do not find

this a problem after a time but it can take a while to adjust to initially.

Foreigners usually appear to Indonesians as hurried and stressed people. The local

population tends to be extremely relaxed. Confrontation is avoided at almost all costs.

23.1. Meeting & Greeting

Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show respect. A handshake

is the most common greeting accompanied with the word "Selamat". Many Indonesians

may give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart after shaking your hand. If you

are being introduced to several people, always start with the eldest or most senior


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person first. Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you know of any

titles ensure you use them in conjunction with the name. Some Indonesians only have

one name, although it is becoming more common for people to have a first name and a

surname, especially in the middle class. Many Indonesians, especially those from Java,

may have had an extremely long name, which was shortened into a sort of nickname for

everyday conversation. There are several ethnic groups in Indonesia. Most have

adopted Indonesian names over the years, while some retain the naming conventions of

their ethnicity.

23.2. Hands and Body Gesture

Both the Muslim and Hindu faiths somewhat abhor the use of the left hand. It is

considered as ‘unclean’. So when shaking hands, offering a gift, handing or receiving

something, eating, pointing or generally touching another person, it is considered proper

etiquette to always use your right hand.

When giving something, for example paying money, handling the object with your

right hand while your left hand touch your right arms near elbow, as if to support the right

arms, demonstrate a more polite and refined gesture. Handing, giving or receiving

something with both hands, such as name card, are demonstrating your respect and it is

a more polite gesture.

Pointing toward someone with index fingers is considered rude, especially if the

one you pointed at is near and can see what you are doing. Pointing with open palm is

more polite than using index finger, however, pointing with thumb with other fingers

folded is considered the most polite form.

The head of another adult should never be touched, as it is commonly believed

that the soul inhabits the head, and the head is therefore sacred.

Modesty and humbleness are considered virtues, so body language that

expresses superiority or pride is considered rude, arrogant and intimidating. In some

Indonesian cultures, the attitude of expressing pride and superiority are even reserved

only for kings or nobles.

One should avoid putting his chin upward, putting hands on hips or pointing when

talking to other people. When passing quite close in front of somebody, for example in

the theatre or cinema passing in front of seat row, or passing between two people that

are having a conversation, it is polite if you slightly bow your body with one of your hands

reaching downward.

It is a polite gesture to apologize for obstructing someone's view or interrupting

others’ conversation. In formal settings, one should not raise his foot upon the seat when

seating. The base of the foot should step upon the ground. Even folding your leg and put

it upon another is best avoided, since foot are considered as the lowest body part and


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should not be pointed toward others. However in relaxed settings and if seated on the

mat on the floor, a more relaxed body pose is acceptable.

23.3. Forms of Address and Communication Styles

When greeting or introducing oneself, smiling, handshake (salam) and slightly

nod is a good gesture. A medium handshake grip is sufficient, since gripping too hard

could be considered as rude or an act of aggression, while on the other hand passive

'dead fish' handshake is considered as not interested or unenthusiastic. Salam is also a

standard greeting between Muslims, and it would perhaps be considered polite to follow

this form of salutation. Generally in Salam, the equivalent of the handshake is to proffer

both hands and gently touch your counterpart’s extended hands, before finally bringing

one’s hands back to the chest to demonstrate that you welcome from the heart. The

greeted party will then reciprocate this gesture. Remember that it is good manners to

always make sure that you acknowledge and greet the most senior person present first.

If it is not possible to handshake your counterparts, for example addressing larger

crowds with a distance between you, making a greeting gesture by putting your hand

together in front of your chest while slightly bowing is considered polite. It is similar to

Indian namaste, and preferred especially among Javanese and Balines, since Javanese

and Balinese are influenced with dharmic culture. The Sundanese version is reciprocally

twist your hand forward and slightly touch the counterpart's fingertips while performing

anjali. It is important to note that some conservative Indonesian Muslims might avoid

direct touch with opposite sex including handshake, so performing anjali is

recommended when greeting opposite sex that are conservative Muslims.

Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do not always say

what they mean. It is up to the listener to read between the lines or pay attention to

gestures and body language to get the real message. Generally speaking Indonesians

speak quietly and with a subdued tone. Loud people would come across as slightly

aggressive. Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through communication to

build a strong relationship. Dealing with someone face-to-face is the only effective way of

doing business. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be

polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will

mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or

acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.

23.4. Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver.

Some general gift giving guidelines are provided below.


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Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians: Gifts are offered with the right hand only.

Gifts are wrapped in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good

fortune. Leather products are not offered to a Hindu. Alcohol is not given unless one is

certain the recipient imbibes. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims: In Islam, alcohol is forbidden.

Only give alcohol if you know the recipient will appreciate it. Any food substance should

be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything with alcoholic ingredients or

anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been

slaughtered according to Islamic principles. Offer gifts with the right hand only. Gifts are

not opened when received.

23.5. Dress Code

Overall, conservative and modest dress sense are adopted in Indonesia,

however it might differ from one place to another. For example, Aceh that adopt Sharia

law are more strict and conservative compared to Bali.

Business dress code is pretty much the same as international standard. Most of

Indonesian offices are air conditioned, so the heat is not a problem on wearing suits

indoor. Conservative business attire is advisable for both men and women.

When in Indonesia, by and large a conservative and modest dress sense should

be adopted by women. Skirt hemlines should fall below the knee and the shoulders

should always be covered. Women should dress conservatively ensuring that they are

well covered from ankle to neck. Tight fitting clothes are best avoided. Indonesia is hot

tropical country, so cotton or at least light clothing is best.

Attending parties, dinner, wedding reception or official event with international

standard dress code is acceptable, such as to wear suit, shirt and trousers for men and

dress for women. However wearing batik shirt for men and batik dress for women, or any

Indonesian traditional textile are recommended, since it demonstrate your appreciation to

Indonesian culture and your commendable effort to blend in.

Attending religious events or visiting religious sites require utmost care. When

visiting a place of worship, such as candi and pura (temples), mosques, and churches,

the proper dress etiquette for such places is of utmost importance. Some non-religious

sites such as keratons (sultan's palace) and museums may require modest dress almost

similar to religious sites. It is best to dress modestly and well covered. Wearing shorts,

sleeveless shirts or tanktops should be avoided. When entering a mosque, always

remove your shoes. Women should cover their heads with a scarf – some mosques may

provide these beforehand, but it is best to always come prepared. Likewise, removing

shoes is also expected when visiting Hindu temples, with the toe of the shoe pointing to

the outside from inside the entrance or lobby area. If wishing to visit a place of worship it


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should be confirmed prior to entry whether the particular shrine, temple, mosque or

church is open to touristic visits or the curious.

23.6. Food

A typical Indonesian meal consists of steamed rice and one or two main

dishes made of fish, meat, chicken or vegetables, sometimes including soup, all of which

are served together. A common side dish is sambal. A popular Indonesian dish

is satay (pronounced sah-tay) served with peanut sauce, ketupat (pronounced as ke-too-

paht), cucumber and onions.

Food is eaten with the fingers or with a spoon and fork. When eating with the

fingers, Indonesians use their right hand only. The left hand is used for less hygienic

matters. They always leave some food on the plate or drink in the glass to indicate that

they have had enough.

23.7. Alcohol

Islam is the religion of the majority of Indonesians, but alcohol is widely available

in most areas, especially in upscale restaurants and bars. Public displays of

drunkenness, however, are strongly frowned upon and in the larger cities are likely to

make you a victim of crime or get you arrested by police. Do not drive if you are drunk.

The legal drinking age in Indonesia is 21 years. In staunchly Islamic areas such

as Aceh alcohol is banned and those caught with alcohol can be caned.

23.8. Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context. The

more formal the occasion the more formal is the behavior. Following should be kept in

mind, if you are invited for food (dinner/lunch):

Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest you will have a specific position

Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle. You will be served the

food and it would not be considered rude if you helped yourself after that.

If food is served buffet style then the guest is generally asked to help

themselves first. It is considered polite that the guest insist others go before

him/her but this would never happen.

In formal situations, men are served before women. Wait to be invited to eat

before you start. A fork and spoon are often the only utensils at the place

setting. Depending on the situation some people may use their hands.

Eat or pass food with your right hand only


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24. Entry in Indonesia

Entry and exit must be through certain specified gateways; Denpasar airport (the

extensively renovated Ngurah Rai International airport), and the seaport of Benoa are valid

entry and exit ports for international arrivals. Indonesian customs allow entry of a maximum

of one litre of alcoholic beverage, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a

reasonable amount of perfume per adult.

Cars, photographic equipment, typewriters, video and tape recorders must be declared

upon entry, and must be re-exported. TV sets, radios, narcotics, arms and ammunition,

printed matter in Chinese characters and Chinese medicines are prohibited from entry.

Advance approval has to be acquired for carrying transceivers. All movie films and video

cassettes must be submitted for censorship by the Film Censor Board. Fresh fruit, plants

and animals must have quarantine permits.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies, however, the export or

import of Indonesian currency exceeding IDR 50,000 is prohibited.

All people arriving in Indonesia will be required to complete a customs declaration form

and an immigration department form. Normally, these are provided to travellers to complete

as their aircraft approaches Indonesia.

25. Living Conditions

The cost of living in Indonesia can be quite steep, with schooling for expat kids

certainly not cheap; after accommodation, education will likely be an expat parent’s biggest

expense.

Indonesian cities have on the one hand grand modern offices and tower blocks

marking their skylines, and on the other, overpopulated shanty and slum areas representing

the poverty that the vast majority of Indonesians continue to live in. Outside of city limits, the

country has contrasting landscapes of volcanic mountains, tropical beaches and jungles,

which can offer expats a relaxed and outdoor lifestyle, and many attractions for a weekend

break from the hustle and bustle of the working life.

26. Working Condition

Under Suharto’s New Order trade unions were disciplined, with (K)SPSI

(con)federation as main vehicle of these policies. After the collapse of the Suharto regime

the right to organize was restored. Since then, the union movement developed in highly

fragmented direction. Union density can be estimated at 8-10% for the labor force at large.

Women have a weak position in the union movement, though incidental successes in

collective bargaining on behalf of women can be traced.


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The statutory minimum wage structure is complex and not transparent. Though the

minimum wage rates are based on cost of living calculations, the gap between minimum

living needs and (average) minimum wage levels has widened. Moreover, the informal

sector is not included. Compliance and enforcement are weak.

27. Accommodation

In cities the average rent for a single bed-room apartment is 4,515,804 IDR per month.

The average monthly rent for a single bed-room apartment outside cities is

1,948,916.74 IDR.

28. Transportation

All transport modes play significant role in Indonesian transport system and are

generally complementary rather than competitive. Road transport is predominant, with a total

system length of over 4 lakh kilometers. The railway system has four unconnected networks

in Java and Sumatra primarily dedicated to transport bulk commodities and long-distance

passenger traffic. Sea transport is extremely important for economic integration and for

domestic and foreign trade. It is well developed, with each of the major islands having at

least one significant port city. The role of inland waterways is relatively minor and is limited

to certain areas of Eastern Sumatra and Kalimantan. The function of air transport is

significant, particularly where land or water transport is deficient or non-existent. It is based

on an extensive domestic airline network where all major cities can be reached by

passenger plane.

29. Educational Facilities

Great progress has been made toward the goal of universal education since 1973,

when nearly 20 percent of youth were illiterate. At that time, then-President Suharto issued

an order to set aside portions of oil revenues for the construction of new primary

schools. This act resulted in the construction or repair of nearly 40,000 primary-school

facilities by the late 1980s, and literacy rates improved significantly nationwide. During 1997–

98, the financial crisis affected the poorest families the most, resulting in their selectively

cutting back on their education expenditures. Government funding struggled to keep up with

rising costs during this period, but by 2002, only 2 percent of those between the ages of 15

and 24 could not read, and by 2009, the adult literacy rate was 90.4 percent. Indonesians

are required to attend nine years of school. They can choose between state-run,

nonsectarian public schools supervised by the Department of National Education

(Depdiknas) or private or semiprivate religious (usually Islamic) schools supervised and

financed by the Department of Religious Affairs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_modes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_(island)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_city

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalimantan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_transport


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A central goal of the national education system is not merely to impart secular wisdom

about the world but also to instruct children in the principles of participation in the modern

nation-state, its bureaucracies, and its moral and ideological foundations. There are

numerous schooling options, with international schools focused on expatriates.

30. Medical Facilities

Healthcare facilities in Indonesia are limited, particularly outside of Jakarta. Any

serious medical conditions will likely see expats having to seek medical attention outside of

the country, typically in Singapore. Indonesia is introducing a universal social health

insurance system. Following are the key statistics on healthcare:

Physician’s density : 0.2 physicians/1,000 population

Hospital bed density : 0.6 beds/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate : 27 per 1,000 live births

Lifetime risk of maternal death : 1 in 190

HIV prevalence rate in Papua and West Papua is around 2.4% (more than 10 times

the national average and over the WHO threshold defining an epidemic).

Increasing air pollution in Indonesian cities is a further health hazard.

31. Banks, ATMs & Exchange Bureaus

Banks and money exchangers are widely available on Java, Bali and Lombok.

However, these are sparse on outer islands and charge commissions of 10-20% if you can

find them. ATMs on the international Plus/Cirrus networks are common in all major

Indonesian cities and tourist destinations, but may be harder to come by in the backblocks.

Beware of withdrawal limits as low as IDR.500,000 (~US$55) per day in some machines. As

a rule of thumb, machines loaded with IDR 50,000 denomination notes (there's a sticker on

ATM often) do not dispense more than IDR 1,500,000 per transaction even in Jakarta.

Those with IDR 100,000 notes can give more, up to IDR 3,000,000 (often CIMB, BII, some

BRI machines, Commonwealth Bank on Bali) at once. However, these notes can be harder

to break, especially in rural non-tourist areas. Bank branches are generally happy to break

large notes taken from their ATMs up into smaller ones at no charge.

32. Holidays

Multicultural Indonesia celebrates a vast range of religious holidays and festivals, but

many are limited to small areas (eg. the Hindu festivals of Bali). The following covers public

holidays applied nationwide regardless of their belief.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html?fieldkey=2227&alphaletter=H&term=Hospital%20bed%20density


Page 36 of 43

The most significant holiday season of the year is the Muslim fasting month

of Ramadan. During its 30 days, many restaurants close during the day and those that stay

open (e.g., hotel restaurants) maintain a low profile, with curtains covering the windows.

Many people take leave during the end of the month, for two days of Id-ul-Fitri (also known

as Lebaran), when pretty much the entire country takes a week or two off to head back

home to visit family in a ritual known locally as mudik, meaning going home.

This is the one time of the year when Jakarta has no traffic jams, but the rest of the

country does, with all forms of transport packed to the gills. All government offices (including

embassies) and many businesses close for a week or even two, and travelling around

Indonesia is best avoided if at all possible.

Other Muslim holidays include Idul Adha (the sacrifice day), Isra Mi'raj Muhammad

SAW, Hijra (Islamic new year) and Maulid Muhammad SAW. Christian holidays

include Christmas, Ascension Day, Good Friday, while the Hindu New Year of Nyepi (March-

April) brings Bali to a standstill and Buddhists get a day off for Imlek (Chinese New Year) in

Jan-Feb and Waisak (Buddha's birthday), celebrated with processions around Borobudur.

Non-religious holidays include New Year (1 Jan) and Independence Day (17 Aug).

The dates of many holidays are set according to various lunar calendars and the dates

thus change from year to year. The Ministry of Labor may change the official date of holidays

if they are close to the weekend. There is another official day off for workers, called cuti

bersama (taking days off together), which is sometime close to the Idul Fitri holidays.

32.1. Public Holidays in 2014

The following table indicates declared Indonesian government national holidays

for the year 2014. Cultural variants also provide opportunity for holidays tied to local

events. Beside official holiday, there are the so-called "libur bersama" or "cuti bersama",

or joint leave(s) declared nationwide by the government. In total there are 14 public

holidays, and 9 "cuti bersama" or joint holidays.

Date

(Gregorian

Calendar)

Date

(Islamic

Calendar)

English name Local name Remarks

1 January New Year's Day Tahun Baru

Masehi

14 January Rabi' al-awwal

12

Birth of the

Prophet

Maulid Nabi

Muhammad

Birthday of the

Islamic Prophet

Muhammad

31 January Chinese New

Year

Tahun Baru

Imlek

1st day of 1st

month of

Chinese


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Calendar

31 March Kasa 1

Pawukon 40

Day of Silence Hari Raya Nyepi

(Tahun Baru

Saka)

New Year of

Balinese

calendar

18 April Good Friday Wafat Yesus

Kristus (Jumat

Agung)

Date varies; this

is the Friday

before Easter

Sunday, which is

the first Sunday

after the first

Paschal Full

Moon following

the official vernal

equinox

1 May Labor Day Hari Buruh

15 May Every May of

Vaisakha

Buddha's

Birthday

Waisak Date varies

according to the

Buddhist

calendar

27 May Rajab 27 Ascension of the

Prophet

Isra Mi'raj Nabi

Muhammad

29 May Ascension Day Kenaikan Yesus

Kristus

28 July - 29 July Shawwal 1-2 Eid al-Fitr Idul Fitri

(Lebaran Mudik)

Date varies

according to the

Islamic calendar

17 August Independence

Day

Hari Proklamasi

Kemerdekaan

R.I.

Mr. Soekarno

and Mr. Hatta as

the proclamator

5 October Dhu al-Hijjah 10 Feast of the

Sacrifice

Idul Adha

(Lebaran Haji)

Date varies

according to the

Islamic calendar

25 October Muharram 1 Islamic New

Year

Tahun Baru

Hijriyah

1st day of

the[Muharram],

the beginning of

the new Islamic

year

25 December Christmas Hari Natal

In addition to the official holidays, many religious, historical, and other traditional

holidays populate the calendar, as well as observances proclaimed by officials and lighter

celebrations. These are rarely observed by businesses as holidays.

Date

(Gregorian

Calendar)

English name Local name Remarks

Dates vary Galungan and Galungan dan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galungan


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Kuningan Kuningan

April 21 Kartini Day Hari Kartini "Women Emancipation Day"

April 22 Earth Day Hari Bumi

May 2 National Education

Day

Hari Pendidikan

Nasional

In remembrance of Ki Hajar

Dewantara's birthday, a

prominent Indonesian

educator

May 20 National

Awakening Day

Hari Kebangkitan

Nasional

In remembrance of the 1908

formation of the first

nationalist group, Budi

Utomo

May 22 Reformation

Commemoration

Day

Hari Peringatan

Reformasi

June 1 Pancasila Day Hari Lahir Pancasila Commemorates Sukarno's

1945 address regarding his

views on the Pancasila

ideology

July 23 National Children

Day

Hari Anak Nasional

October 1 Pancasila Sanctity

Day

Hari Kesaktian

Pancasila

The day after 30 September

Movement

October 2 Batik Day Hari Batik

October 5 Indonesian

National Armed

Forces Day

Hari Tentara

Nasional Indonesia

The founding of Tentara

Keamanan Rakyat

("People's Security Army"),

the predecessor of TNI.

October 28 Youth Pledge Day Hari Sumpah

Pemuda

Commemoration of the 1928

Youth Pledge

November 10 Heroes' Day Hari Pahlawan Commemoration of the 1946

Battle of Surabaya

December 22 Mother's Day Hari Ibu

33. Media

A mixture of about a dozen national TV networks; 2 public broadcasters and the

remainder private broadcasters each with multiple transmitters are operational in Indonesia.

There are more than 100 local TV stations across the country; widespread use of satellite

and cable TV systems. Public radio broadcaster operates 6 national networks as well as

regional and local stations. Overall, there are more than 700 radio stations with more than

650 privately operated.

34. Communication Network

As of 2012, there were around 37.983 million Telephone main lines and 281.96 million

mobile cellular lines were in use across Indonesia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuningan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kartini

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia_National_Education_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia_National_Education_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ki_Hajar_Dewantara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ki_Hajar_Dewantara

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_National_Awakening

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_National_Awakening

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_(Indonesia)



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancasila_(politics)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancasila_(politics)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_September_Movement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_September_Movement

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batik

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Day#Indonesia



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_National_Armed_Forces

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_Pledge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heroes%27_Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Surabaya

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day


Page 39 of 43

Coverage provided by existing network has been expanded by use of over 200,000

telephone kiosks, many located in remote areas. Mobile-cellular subscribership is growing

rapidly. The international dialing code for Indonesia is +62.

35. Connectivity to India

Indonesian national carrier Garuda Indonesia in collaboration with Indian Jet Airways is

to offer flights to destinations in India starting 2014, in a move to support the growing

relations between the two countries.

Under a code share agreement, Jakarta will connect to the Indian cities of New Delhi,

Mumbai and Chennai via Changi Airport in Singapore.

Garuda, by joining the global airline alliance SkyTeam, will be able to sell Jet Airways’

flight services between Singapore and New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, and Jet can sell

Garuda flights between Singapore and Jakarta.

36. Do’s and Don’ts

36.1. Do’s

All NRIs/PIOs must register with the Indian Embassy through online facility.

Passport is a valuable document. It should always be kept, either in your own

custody, or in the custody of a person duly authorized by you. It must not be altered

or mutilated in any way. If lost or destroyed, the fact and circumstances should be

immediately reported to the nearest Indian Mission and to the local police.

Please keep a photocopy of your Passport in a safe place. Without this, issuance of a

duplicate Passport in case of loss/damage/theft may be delayed. It is also useful to

email a scanned copy of your Passport and Visa to yourself.

Please check the expiry date of your Passport on receiving it for the first time and

remember to get your Passport renewed well in advance of the expiry date.

An Applicant has the option to apply for an ordinary Passport booklet of 36 pages or

Jumbo Passport booklet of 60 pages with ten year validity. The option should be

clearly indicated in the application itself.

Supportive documents like Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Affidavits, etc.

should have been pre-attested in India by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

The validity of a Passport can be extended up to 10 years from the date of issue, in

case a person is holding a short validity Passport. No fee is charged for such

extension of a short validity Passport.

Please keep a margin of 45days for issuance of a new Passport from the date of

Application.


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Stay calm and cheery. Indonesians tend to be extremely relaxed. Shouting and

getting angry will not produce results if things don't go your way.

Expect little personal space. Indonesians appear to have little concept of an idea of

personal space.

36.2. Don’ts

Do not give false information in the Passport Application Form. It is an offense under

the Passports Act 1967 to give false information in the Application Form. Passport

facilities can be denied on grounds of suppression of factual information, submission

of false particulars, willful damage of Passport and for making unauthorized changes

in the Passports.

Do not hold more than one valid passport. It is an offence to hold more than one valid

Passport at a time. Those Indian citizens acquiring citizen ship/Passport of another

country should immediately, surrender their Indian Passport to the nearest Indian

Embassy/Consulate.

Limit the use of your left hand. The left hand is considered dirty in Indonesia. Try to

avoid passing money, food, shaking hands or touching people with your left hand as

it will be considered offensive.

Dress conservatively. Despite the warm climate, most locals wear long clothing as

opposed to shorts and t-shirts. Women will receive more unwanted attention if they

do not dress conservatively especially away from the tourist destinations.

If visiting a mosque or temple, it is essential to cover up as much as possible; entry

may be denied if you turn up without your shoulders and legs covered. Before

entering also remove your footwear and leave it outside. This goes for when visiting

somebody's house as well.

Avoid contact between opposite sexes. Indonesian society is conservative when it

comes to interactions between opposite sexes.

Avoid putting a local in a position where he might suffer a ‘loss of face’ in front of

other Locals.

37. Indian Embassy Location:

The Embassy of India is located in South Jakarta in the district of Kuningan. Indian

Nationals re welcome to contact the Embassy of India in Jakarta for assistance.

Address: Jl HR Rasuna Said, Kav S-1, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan, 12950, Indonesia

Telephone: +62-21-5204150 / 52 / 57 / 5264931

Fax: +62-21-5204160, 5265622, 5264932, 5226833

Working Hours: 08:30 am -12:00 pm hours and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (Monday to

Friday except holidays).


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37.1. Timings – Consular / Emergency Services

Working Hours for Consular Services Monday to Friday (except holidays). The contact

details of Consular / Emergency Services are as follows:

Telephone : +62-21-5256094

Fax : +62-21-5204160

E-mail : [email protected]

Passport and Visa applications are accepted between 09:00 to 12:00 hours from

Monday to Friday. Documents can be collected between 16:00 to 16:30 hours from Monday

to Friday.

38. Application for a new passport in lieu of Lost / Damaged Passport

List of documents to be submitted to the Embassy of India, for processing the request

for issue of Duplicate Passport in lieu of Lost Passport :-

1) Police report in Original and one Photocopy.

2) Letter from Sponsor/Company briefly stating the Circumstances of Loss. S/He has

also to certify the period of employment of the applicant with the Sponsor /

Company

3) Copy of Sponsor’s Identity Card.

4) Letter from the applicant intimating the Circumstances of Loss of Passport.

5) Copy of Employment Agreement or Labour Card or Residence Card of the

applicant.

6) Photocopy of the Passport reported Lost.

7) Two sets of Passport application form duly filled and affixing Photos in the space

provided with signature of the applicant across the photo.

8) Affidavit duly filled (Format available at the Counter)

9) Two sets of Personal Particulars Form duly filled. (Format available at the counter)

10) Total Seven (7) Numbers of Recent Passport Size Photograph of the applicant.

11) Applicant should come personally or the Documents should have been verified by

the Honorary Consular Agent authorized by the Embassy.

12) Original Newspaper advertisement of Loss of Passport. Full page of the

newspapers containing the advertisement should be produced.

38.1. Passport Renewal

Renewal of passport is applicable only in case the passport was issued with short

validity initially. The passport may be extended to its full ten-year validity on application. (In

case the applicant is a housemaid, it is extended only for a further period of 1 year).



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Applications for expired (over a year) Passports must be submitted in person by the

applicant and not sent by post. Tatkal Scheme is not applicable in such cases. In case the

applicant has valid visa on the expired Passport, full validity Passport can be issued subject

to the fulfilling of other conditions. In the situation of expired visa, the applicant can be issued

short validity Passport and after obtaining the visa, full validity Passport can be issued.

38.2. Miscellaneous Passport Services Available at Embassy of India

Change of name after marriage

Change of name

Change of address

Update to ECNR

Deletion of Child’s name from the mother’s passport

Certificate pertaining to the deletion of a Child’s name from the mother’s passport

Emergency Certificate

Confirmation of passport details (in case of applying in India) - Telex Charges

Registration of Indian nationals

38.3. Visa Copy Attestation

Original Visa to be brought to the Embassy for verification along with two photocopies

and photocopy of passport of the passenger.

38.4. Affidavit / Declaration

The Affidavit / Declaration is to be signed by the applicant before concerned Consular

Officer in the Embassy. It is to be submitted to the Embassy in duplicate along with passport

copy of the applicant.

39. Documents to be submitted along with the forms for individual service

contract –

1) Photocopy of passport of person being recruited

2) Commercial Registration (CR) copy of the sponsoring company.

3) Signatory copy (authorised signatories of the sponsoring company)

4) Labour Clearance from Ministry of Manpower

5) Original Visa alongwith two photocopies.

39.1. Individual Employment Contract (Domestic Servants)

Following documents are required to submitted along with the forms below:

1) Photocopy of passport of person recruited

2) Commercial Registration (CR) copy of the sponsoring company.


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3) Signatory copy (authorised signatories of the sponsoring company)

4) Labour Clearance from Ministry of Manpower

5) Original Visa along with two photocopies.

39.2. Permit for Recruitment (Form VI) and Demand Letter Attestation

Following are the documents to be attached along with Form – VI

a) Demand Letter - addressed to recruiting agent with details on account of

number of persons to be employed, description of employment, qualification,

eligibility, salary.

b) A specimen of the Employment Contract.

c) Commercial Registration (CR) copy of the sponsoring company.

d) Signatory copy (authorized signatories of the sponsoring company).

e) Labor Clearance from Indonesia.

On the basis of above Permit for recruitment (Form VI) and Demand Letter attestation,

recruiting agent obtains permission of the concerned Protector of Emigrants for recruitment.

Date post:	14-Apr-2020
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