About Indonesia

Information to cover the diversity of the 13,000-plus islands of the Indonesian archipelago, is too vast to be covered in detail here. Although the information here focuses primarily on East Java, EF strongly recommends prospective applicants to do their own research.

Climate - Straddling the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly even climate all year round. The temperature throughout the year averages 22-32 Celsius. Indonesia distinguishes between a wet season and a dry season, but the difference is not so clear cut. Generally on Java, the dry season runs from May to September and the wet season from October to April. East Java is said to be drier with an annual rainfall of 900mm (35 inches).

People and their culture - The rugged mountainous terrain and the nature of an archipelago has resulted in a differentiation of language and culture. The vast majority speak Indonesian as well as their local dialect. EF students may speak Javanese at home or Mandarin in the market depending on their heritage. Most Indonesians are of Malay stock and cities like Surabaya have a large population of 3rd/4th generation Chinese immigrants. 'Keeping face' and showing appropriate respect are important to Indonesians - students will avoid taking a confrontational stance in class discussions, etc. The majority of Javanese are Moslems, although there are significant Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist minorities.

Indonesia today - The diversity of the culture and the development of urban areas has lead to a growing distance between rich and poor. Vast rural areas remain in a subsistence economy. To help assure access to essential goods, the Government operated a nationwide system of subsidies and price controls for necessities but now these subsidies are gradually being reduced.

Health and education have been given a high priority with a noticeable drop in the infant mortality rate. Although loggers, farmers and hunters have claimed vast areas of sparsely inhabited jungle, there remain some excellent National parks. Points of interest in East Java are: Baluran National park with grasslands reminiscent of Africa or Australia. This park is noted for its buffalo, benteng, deer and bird life. Bromo Tengger Semeru National park, famous for its spectacular volcano, Mt. Bromo. For mountain climbers, the park also contains Java's highest peak, Mt. Semeru.