Indonesia
As a top-of-the-list tropical paradise and the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia has been blessed by Mother Nature. With its 17,000 islands, one-fifth of the planet’s coral reefs, enchanting rainforests, and ancient volcanoes, “The Emerald of the Equator” attracts legions of tourists every year. For wildlife enthusiasts, stalking the Komodo Dragons and orangutans of Borneo are a dream come true. Urban adventurers can flock to the bustling capital of Jakarta, where they can people watch to their heart’s content in the world’s fourth most inhabited nation. Whether you prefer your coffee from Java or Sumatra, there is always a friendly chat to be had with the locals in this amazing land that was once ruled by the Dutch and Portuguese, but now proudly independent and home to the globe’s largest Muslim population.
Indonesian Consul General Ricky Suhendar arrived in Hong Kong less than a year ago. Learn more about him in a round of quick fire questions, so go here to watch!
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Ricky Suhendar, Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong, talks about the Indonesian community in the city, the activities it engages in locally and three facts about Indonesia he would like to highlight.
Spread across a chain of thousands of islands between Asia and Australia, Indonesia is infinitely blessed with its diverse landscapes. From pristine beaches and underwater marvels to smoldering volcanoes, verdant jungles, and bustling multicultural cities, it is a major tourist destination that is much coveted by both local and international travelers from around the world. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse countries, with more than 300 local languages spoken. Discover wonderful Indonesia!
Indonesia’s cuisine is a manifestation of the country’s rich history and diverse culture, a unique collection of various regional traditions that form the archipelagic nation. It is the product of the country’s own ancient recipes, refined by influences from other cultures seen throughout China, India, the Middle East and more. Explore the many flavors that the Emerald of the Equator has to offer!
James Budiono, Chairman of Indonesia-Hong Kong Business Association located in Jakarta, shares his latest insights into Indonesian business and the country’s market structure, and highlights the most exciting trends for Hong Kong and Indonesia in terms of trade. Read more here!
Brian Chan is Vice President of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. He discusses growing up in Hong Kong as a third generation Indonesian Chinese, Indonesian and Hong Kong culture, doing business in Indonesia, and the latest business connections between Hong Kong and Indonesia the Chamber has facilitated. Check it out here!
Meet Ratna Kartadjoemena, an Asia Society Asia 21 alum. She is Partner and Director of Potato Head Family (PTT), a hospitality and lifestyle company in Jakarta, Bali, Singapore and Hong Kong. She currently oversees PTT’s Jakarta operations and leads its zero waste to landfill program. Watch Ratna talk more about PTT and the hospitality industry in Asia, and reveal a hidden gem of Indonesia everyone should know about.
Have you heard of Indonesian Restaurant 1968 in Central? Its menu is packed with traditional Indonesian flavors and it also has a vegetarian menu. Go behind the scenes in the kitchen of Indonesian Restaurant 1968 with Restaurant Manager Nendy Yuliani, as Nasi Goreng and other dishes are being prepared!
Did you know Indonesia’s national animal is the Komodo dragon? It is the largest lizard in the world, growing up to 3m in length.
The world’s largest flower, Rafflesia Arnoldii or Padma Raksasa as it is called in Indonesia, weighs up to 7kg and only grows on the island of Sumatra. Its petals grow to 0.5m long and 2.5cm thick.
Did you know that Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world?
Why not go on a virtual journey in Indonesia from the comfort of your home?
Learn about Bandung, the Consul General’s favorite travel spot. Set amid volcanoes and tea plantations, it boasts a vibrant culture and natural wonders. The city is also known for its colonial architecture and cool tropical weather due to its 768m elevation.
Sulawesi is the world’s 11th largest island. Explore its nature and wildlife, as you walk through the jungles of its national parks!
Wakatobi is an underwater paradise in the heart of the Asia-Pacific coral triangle, with the highest number of reef and fish species in the world. The islands are the largest barrier reef in Indonesia, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Browse its more than 50 spectacular dive sites!
Did you know Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes on earth? It is one of some 500 volcanoes in Indonesia, of which at least 129 are active in the volcanic arc spread, Ring of Fire, in the Asia-Pacific.
Java, the world's most populous island, is home to more than half of the country's population. Dreaming of a family road trip in Java? Here are the places to stop by!
UNESCO designated batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Batik is an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, which originated from Java.
Indonesia is home to badminton’s first Olympic golden couple, a men’s doubles tradition and the sport’s most passionate fans. What is the secret behind Indonesia’s undying love of badminton?
Did you know Indonesia, under the name “Dutch East Indies”, was the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup?
Read about these 7 movies that will inspire you to explore Indonesia:
1. Aruna and Her Palate
2. 5 Cm
3. The Sinking of the Van der Wijck
4. Filosofi Kopi
5. The Rainbow Troops
6. What’s Up With Love 2
7. Street Food Asia
The vibrancy of Indonesia’s literary scene is on par with its diverse culture, history, and dynamics. Discover its most famous authors and take a look at this list of Indonesian literature translated into English!
Check out everything on Indonesia in the vast collection of the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world!
Asia Society Hong Kong Center has hosted eminent Indonesian leaders across the arts, culture, business, and policy over the years. View our Indonesia programs!