Known as the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation in the world. Located in Southeast Asia — between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the country consists of around 17,500 islands (over 7,000 of which are uninhabited). Indonesia’s geography is dominated by volcanic mountain ranges, dense rainforests, and extensive coastal plains, making it seismically active with frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. Because of this unique location and its long history of trade and migration, Indonesia is extremely rich in both cultural and biological diversity. Its culture blends indigenous traditions with influences from Indian, Arab, Chinese, and European civilizations.
Jakarta has been the capital city of Indonesia since the country’s independence in 1945, situated on the northwestern coast of Java (the country’s most populous island). From a small port to a major global metropolis, Jakarta has developed into one of Southeast Asia’s most important hubs for trade, finance, industry, and education, with a long history that includes periods when it was a European colonial centre. Today, the city is one of the world's largest metropolitan areas, that features a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic districts like Kota Tua, business centres, and cultural landmarks like the National Monument (Monas) and the Jakarta Cathedral Church.
However, Indonesia is in the process of relocating its capital to a newly planned city called Nusantara in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The move aims to reduce congestion and environmental stress in Jakarta and promote more balanced development across the archipelago. Nusantara is designed as a green and sustainable city, although its construction has faced delays, funding challenges, and environmental concerns. Jakarta will remain Indonesia’s commercial and financial centre even as government institutions gradually shift to Nusantara.
UTC+7 to 9.
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis from tectonic activity, alongside floods, landslides, and droughts linked to climate and monsoons.
For traffic and driving offences, these include:
Indonesia uses Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) cameras, where violations can be recorded, and fines issued automatically. If you get a ticket on a rental vehicle, the driver is legally responsible, but the correspondence might go to the vehicle owner/rental company first, so check your rental agreement carefully.
Other violations include;
The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian, but Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Minangkabau, Batak and Madurese are also spoken.
In Indonesia, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and traffic signals, road signs, and roundabouts follow standard international formats, but enforcement can vary. The legal driving age is 17, but car rental companies usually require drivers to be 21 - 23 years old to rent, along with at least one year of licence experience, and would charge an extra fee to those under 25. UK drivers generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally in Indonesia, let alone to rent a vehicle.
Some rural areas have poor lighting, and conditions on roads may vary (potholes and unpredictable local driving behaviours are the most common). So drive defensive and avoid driving at night. Many long-distance routes (e.g., the Trans-Java Toll Road) are modern and smooth, but have tolls. Toll payment in Indonesia typically uses an e-toll card (RFID contactless), which you can buy/load it at kiosks, convenience stores, or toll offices.
The common fuel types in Indonesia are: Pertalite (RON 90 – cheapest petrol; acceptable for most small rental cars), Pertamax (RON 92 – recommended for tourists; cleaner and better for engines), Pertamax Turbo (RON 98 – Premium; for high-performance cars), Solar (standard diesel), and Dex Lite/Pertamina Dex (high-grade diesel for modern engines). Fuel stations in Indonesia are mainly operated by Pertamina: a government-owned company, which are found everywhere in cities, towns and highways. Stations are scarce in rural areas, and there are some remote villages that sell fuel in bottles, jugs and/or roadside stalls. But avoid them as possible as the fuel they're selling may be dirty or mixed.
Most stations are full-service with cash being the most accepted payment, especially for rural stations. Card is accepted at larger stations. Always check the pump reads 0.00 before filling, keep some small cash ready, and be careful as stations may become crowded during rush hour.
Zero-tolerance (0.00%).
Mandatory for all occupants.
There isn't any laws mandating child car seats, but if you are travelling with children, always prioritise their safety.
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