The floating emerald islands of the Indonesian archipelago have for centuries lured everyone from missionaries to pirates, mining companies and backpackers to their sandalwood and spice breezes, their Bali Hai lifestyle and their magnificent beaches, mountains and volcanoes.

However, the myth of a paradise is often marred by deep racial divides, religious warring, high-handed autocracy, government corruption, economic mismanagment and natural disasters. The latest round of sectarian violence has made Indonesia a problematic destination for most Western travellers.

Warning
Religious violence and clashes between the military and independence movements have made many areas unsafe to travellers, including the popular destination of Bali. Rising anti-Western sentiment among some pockets of society means the utmost caution is required when visiting the archipelago.

In recent years, 'Westerners' have become targets of acts of violence, as well as the government and military. Sites such as military installations, government monuments and buildings and places where 'Westerners' congregate, such as hotels are ongoing at-risk locales for such violence.

More specifically, travellers should exercise every possible precaution in Jakarta and other metropolitan centres in Java and Sumatra. All travel should be avoided in west Timor, Maluku and North Maluku, remote parts of North, East and Central Kalimantan, North, South and Central Sulawesi, Papua, and Aceh.

Full country name: Republic of Indonesia
Area: 1.9 million sq km
Population: 234.89 million
Capital City: Jakarta (pop 9.3 million)
People: There are around 300 ethnic and tribal groups. The principal ones are Acehnese, Bataks, Minangkabaus (Sumatra); Javanese, Sundanese (Java); Balinese (Bali); Sasaks (Lombok); and Dani (Irian Jaya/West Papuan)
Languge:

Tempura is a speciality in Asakusa and Daikokuya is where your fried food dreams will come true. This authentic Japanese restaurant is the place to savour the excellent tempura donburi (tempura served with rice in a bowl), a perfect accompaniment to a locally brewed beer.

, English, Dutch
Religion: 88% Muslim, 8% Christian, 2% Hindu
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Megawati Sukarnoputri

GDP: US$173 billion
GDP per capita: US$807
Annual Growth: -4%
Inflation: 11.9%
Major Industries: Oil, gas, textiles, timber, coffee, rubber, coal, tin, copper, rice, pepper, palm oil
Major Trading Partners: Japan, USA, Singapore