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Covering an area of 1.905 million km², Indonesia is easily the largest country in Southeast Asia and the 14th largest in the world. Only about 8,000 of Indonesia's islands are inhabited, each with its own unique cultures, communities, and landscapes.

You may also have heard that Indonesia has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Both visitors and locals can hike volcanoes across the archipelago, dive among stunning coral reefs, observe orangutans, or visit the famed (and feared) Komodo Dragons.

Demography of Indonesia

With more than 264 million inhabitants, Indonesia is currently the fourth most populous country in the world. It is home to over 700 languages and around 300 ethnic groups, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations on earth. The country is divided into 34 provinces, and each could well be its own country, with its own traditions and culture, foods, lifestyles and languages.

Indonesia officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. While it has the world's largest Muslim population (over 90% of Indonesians practice Islam), Indonesia is a secular democratic state where freedom of religion is constitutionally protected.

Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language and is spoken across the archipelago. You'll find that many Indonesians are multilingual, speaking one or more regional languages in addition to Bahasa Indonesia. English is increasingly spoken by younger generations (particularly in the major cities), which makes everyday communication even easier for expats.

Economy of Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world's major emerging economies and a member of the G20. It actually ranks among the top ten economies globally in terms of purchasing power parity, and it's expected to continue its rapid growth over the coming decades.

Despite a lot of ongoing challenges, such as infrastructure gaps and corruption, the country attracts a lot of investors thanks to its abundant natural resources, a strong agricultural sector, and a huge consumer market. Naturally, this economic growth has also increased the demand for skilled foreign professionals, especially in the bigger cities.

Climate of Indonesia

Situated on the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Average temperatures range from around 26°C in mountainous areas to 30°C in coastal regions. There are two main seasons here:

• Wet season: October to April, marked by heavy rainfall
• Dry season: May to September, marked by drier heat and wind

The sun can be extremely intense, so sunscreen is an absolute must. In fact, it's best to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the middle of the day. You'll notice a lot of rural workers tend to get up very early and try to get their work done in the cooler hours of the morning, before it gets too hot.

Religion and everyday life in Indonesia

Religion plays a really important role in daily life in Indonesia, and you'll notice that practices change significantly from one island to another. Take a closer look below.

Islam in Java

In Java, where Islam strongly shapes daily life, the population is really very tolerant and welcoming. Calls to prayer are heard throughout the day, and foreigners rarely face difficulties practicing their own beliefs.

Many shops and administrations will close earlier on Friday afternoons for prayers. At the end of Ramadan, it is also a custom and highlight for people to return to their hometowns or villages to celebrate Eid with family. This period of travel causes severe traffic congestion nationwide, and if you can avoid domestic travel at this time, it's probably for the best.

Good to know:

Interestingly, Javanese culture also incorporates elements of animism and ancient beliefs from former Hindu kingdoms. These influences are reflected in traditional rituals such as selamatan – ceremonial meals held to mark important events like harvests.

Hinduism in Bali

In Bali, the majority of the population follows Agama Hindu Dharma, which is a very unique, local form of Hinduism blending Hindu beliefs with more indigenous traditions and even some elements of Buddhism. Daily offerings, temple ceremonies, and religious festivals are integral to the Balinese way of life, and it's this unique culture that has attracted visitors for decades now.

As with any other Indonesian island, Bali is also home to Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist communities, and religious tolerance is deeply ingrained.

Tips for adapting to the culture in Indonesia

Adapting to Indonesian culture definitely requires a healthy dose of patience, respect, and an open mind. The following tips can help ease you into life here:

• Don't give or receive items with your left hand, as it's considered rude and dirty (if you know, you know!)
• You should avoid touching people's heads, especially children's, as the head is considered sacred.
• Try to remain calm and composed at all times; public anger or confrontation is considered really offensive, not to mention embarrassing for you.
• You should always remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
• Remember where you are and dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas; revealing clothing may cause offense.
• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
• Whenever seated, avoid pointing your feet at others. It's considered rude.
• Hands on hips can be interpreted as a sign of defiance.
• Greeting people with a handshake or a polite nod is customary.
• Try to always accept requests for photos graciously — it happens a lot, and it's considered an honor!
• Loud laughter could possibly be interpreted as embarrassment or anger in some contexts.
• Always accept gifts politely, and try to avoid declining them outright.
• Safe conversation topics include family and travel. Try to avoid politics and other sensitive subjects.
• If you can, learn basic Bahasa Indonesia — locals will love it. They really appreciate the effort.
• In the workplace, avoid openly questioning a superior's decisions, especially in public. This is a big no-no.

Cost of living in Indonesia

The cost of living in Indonesia really depends on location and lifestyle. Major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Denpasar in Bali are obviously a lot more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.

A single person can live very comfortably on around IDR 10 million (approximately USD 750) per month, including rent, food, utilities, and transportation. A family of four may require around IDR 30 million (approximately USD 2,200) per month, depending on housing choices and lifestyle preferences.