Indonesia Traditions

Holidays and weekends Indonesia: 1 January, Good Friday, 10, 25, May 31, 9 and 17 August, 20 and 25 December, religious (Muslim) and local holidays.

Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country and, therefore, should observe the following rules: do not wear too short shorts and skirts and sunbathing without a top of a bathing suit in public institutions and mosques, clothing should cover the knees. In Indonesia, not to do: to show someone a finger and touch his head. Avoid expressions of affection in public, putting his legs, putting his foot in someone's side, talking about politics, shouting and angry. During a visit to the temples to wear shorts, T-shirts and wear decollete. Speak loudly during religious ceremonies. Too often applaud, if you're not on the idea, organized for tourists.

Festivals and holidays
In connection with the huge variety of ethnic groups and religions blend, Indonesia, and naturally has a huge number of cultural events taking place throughout the year. Many local celebrations are no less flavor than the big public events, so even in the absence of any official festival is always possible to get acquainted with a lot of interesting folk traditions.

In Bali are colorful celebration of the Hindu New Year (March-April), the main holiday islands - Festival Galungan (date of casual, passes within 10 days), the spring festival in the temple Pura Besakih, Nepi, or "Feast of Silence" is accompanied by a set of independent ceremonies - daily cleaning of the temple deities Melasti, the ceremony of expelling evil spirits Pengrupuk, Ngembak Nepi ( "Forgiveness Sunday") and others are also interested in the ceremonial celebration Pura Meru, the famous "Feast of the full moon" in the temple Chakranegara (June), Festival of the Rain "Perang Ketupat "(October-December), celebrating Pudzhavali and many others.

Independence Day (August 17) celebrated with great pomp in every town and village, especially colorfully, he is held in Jakarta, followed by numerous carnivals and cultural events. Jakarta Fair is held in June and lasts about three weeks. Also worth visiting is colorful and vibrant events - street fairs, Jalan Jax "(August) and the International Cultural Performance (May). On Sumbe in February and March are theatrical performances, returning to the era of internecine warfare. On the island Larantuka being dramatic "Easter Parade" (April-May), in Rutenge and Flores - fighting Knut (August), in Sulawesi particularly interesting "funeral banquet" Torayyan (August-October).

In Java especially picturesque presentation of the traditional "Ramayana Ballet, usually taking place in an open theater of the temple complex of Prambanan twice a month from May to September. On the island of Madura are well-known race of bulls (August-September), ending with the final races in the colorful Pamekasane (September). Definitely worth a visit four Buddhist festival of Vesak at Borobudur, which is celebrated in honor of Buddha's enlightenment. Thousands of pilgrims participating in the procession from the temple Mendut to Borobudur, and the end of the processions are dance performances and exhibitions of applied arts.

There are active volcanoes. In Sumatra and Java tigers are found on Java and Borneo - wild bulls.

Conduct
The overall level of crime in the country quite low, but in tourist areas are quite frequent cases of thefts from cars and hotels, as well as pickpocketing. Recently the performance of Islamic fundamentalists, but this concerns mainly inland and remote areas of the country. Is not recommended to visit the area of West Timor, Irian Jaya and accusative.

The food in restaurants and cafes are usually carefully checked and processed. When buying food at street stalls and markets should be careful. This particularly applies to fruits (you need to thoroughly rinse them under running water and scalding) and ready meals in trays.

We recommend using insect repellent and mosquito nets. Also it is necessary to wear sunglasses, hats and use sunscreen cream - solar radiation is much higher than usual, we in the middle latitudes. Many beaches are framed by powerful coral reefs, swim and move on which is recommended in rubber slippers, as well as coral boulders are quite sharp edges. Some types of sea creatures are poisonous, so be sure to consult with local residents - some ichthyofauna can touch, and with whom such treatment may end in tears. Around the many islands of fairly strong currents and high tidal waves, so if you swim in unfamiliar places should observe stringent security measures. At all the beaches of sun loungers and umbrellas are issued free of charge.

Use and distribution of drugs carries the death penalty (for foreigners may mitigate the punishment - up to 20 years imprisonment).

Indonesians welcome and hospitable, but the abundance of local religious and cultural taboo makes the alien closely monitor their behavior, otherwise you can cause a local resident cruel insult. Touching the head (even if it is just a child) is considered a humiliation. The left hand is considered "unclean" - to send her something, and even more so - touch her companion, is impossible. It is impossible to show on any finger, putting his legs and even more so - to put his foot in someone's side (the leg is considered "impure" part of the body), and scream and be angry at people.

They eat only the right hand and usually without cutlery. In restaurants, of course, use a spoon and fork, but the knife is considered a symbol of aggression, so it never has a traditional Indonesian table. Before and after eating the right hand washed in a special bowl with water and a slice of lemon.