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The One and The Only Destination
The largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia lies
at the crossroads between the Indian and Pacific oceans and bridges
the continental land masses of Asia and Australia. It is one of
the most volcanic and the most seismically active regions in the
world: of its more than 400 volcanoes, 128 are considered active
and 75 had erupted in historic times with more or less disastrous
effects to the surrounding populations. Even today eruptions of
varying magnitude occur regularly, rejuvenating the soil to make
it among the most fertile on earth.
Flanked by the tepid equatorial waters of two of the world's great
oceans, the land rises from the darkest depths of some of the world's
deepest oceans through to the towering peaks of the volcanoes and
the realm of perennial snow of the Jayawijaya mountain range in
Irian Jaya.
It seems natural that the migratory waves of peoples from the Asian
mainland in search of new dwellings began millennia ago. They found
these islands a most ideal place to settle down.
In the course of time, distinct ethnic groups evolved in the regions
where they settled down. Each group nurturing its own heritage of
culture and traditions within the large common ancestral frame.
In view of the great diversity of Indonesia's physical and cultural
make-up, a careful selection of the subjects of interest is recommended,
as well as prior contact with the proper private or government organizations
and agencies.
The Directorate General of Culture, for example, may provide the
necessary guidance for special interest visits pertaining to culture
or history.
The Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI) is the overall organization
in charge of scientific research. In some cases, special permits
have to be obtained, such as from the Directorate General of Forest
Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA) for visits to the nature
reserves.
The Department of Industry, the Department of Trade, the Indonesian
Foreign Investment Board and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (KADIN/CCI) are all concerned with trade and industry.
In case of doubt, it is well advised to contact the nearest Indonesian
Tourist Information Offices or Diplomatic Missions where special
requirements may have to be met.
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