City Introduction

Located on the northwest coast of Java, Jakarta is the economic, cultural and political centre of Indonesia, and the most populous city in Southeast Asia. It is also the twelfth largest city in the world. Established in the fourth century, the city became an important trading port for the Dutch East Indies. Today, the city has continued as the capital of Indonesia since the country's independence was declared in 1945. The city is currently the seat of the ASEAN Secretariat.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

Jakarta derives from the word “Jayakarta”, which translates as “city of victory”, or “glorious fort". It is nicknamed by the overseas Chinese as “Cokarta” or “Coconut City”. In 1596, Dutch colonial empire ruled Indonesia, and renamed the city with Dutch’s another name “Batavia”. In 1800, Indonesia was occupied as part of Dutch, called “Dutch East Indies”, and Batavia became the headquarter for Dutch colonialists to exploit and enslave Indonesians. During the second World War, Indonesia was dominated by Japan, and after 1945 when Indonesia gained independence, the city was renamed “Jakarta”, and made the national capital.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Jakarta is the largest city in Southeast Asia, and a well-known seaport in the world. Jakarta is located on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on Jakarta Bay, on 106°49′ east longitude, and 6°10′ south latitude. The northern areas, is below sea level, while the southern parts are comparatively hilly. Ten rivers flow across the city, among which the most important one is the Ciliwung River. The whole area of Jakarta is composed of sediments, and the southern areas is a part of the alluvial deposits, with fertile soil.

 

 

 

 

Climate

The climate of Jakarta is classified as the tropical rainforest, with an annual average temperature of 27℃. Influenced by the equator, the west monsoon season runs from November to April, and the east monsoon season covers the remaining months.

Information of Embassy and Consulate

Chinese Embassy in Indonesia

Address: Jl. Mega Kuningan No.2, Jakarta Selatan 12950, Indonesia

Website: np.china-embassy.org

Reception Office: 5761039

Fax: 5761034

Hotline for Consular Protection: 8179838410

E-mail for Consular Protection:

Office: 5761037，5761038 (fax & tel)

Consular Section: 5761036 (consultation for travel documents, please call between 2 pm. and 4 pm on working days)

5761024 (fax)

Embassy Office Hours: 8: 30-12: 00 a.m. and 14: 00-17: 00 p.m. from Monday to Friday

Consular Office Working Hours: 9: 00-11: 30 a.m. (for application handling and certificate issuing)and 15: 00-16: 00 p.m. (for certificate issuing only) from Monday to Friday

Visa Center Office Hours: 9: 00 a.m.-15: 00 p.m. (for visa application)9: 00 a.m.-16: 00 p.m. (for obtaining a certificate and payment)

Visa Center Address: Unit 6, 2nd Floor East Building, Jl. Lingkar Kuninga Block E.3.2 Kav 1, Jakarta 12950.

All the time above accords to Jakarta time (one hour later than Beijing time), and national holidays are not included.

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

Indonesian government allows Chinese mainland citizens to apply for visa upon arrival of Indonesia. Applicants can come to those specified counters of the international airports in Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and Bali to apply with your valid private passport and round-trip ticket. Visa upon arrival is of two types by the stay duration: 7-days and 30-day visa, and you need to pay visa fees respectively: USD 10, and USD 25. A holder of visa upon arrival is only allowed for sightseeing and visiting relatives and friends during their trip in Indonesia. Commercial activities are prohibited, and an expired visa upon arrival can not be extended. In addition, Chinese citizens heading for Indonesia must first get the corresponding visa from Indonesian Embassy in China or Indonesian Consulate General in Guangzhou. In case of any trouble in entry and exit, it is suggested that those Chinese citizens with a new passport (no exit recorded) should go to Indonesian Embassy in China to get your visa before heading for Indonesia. Apart from filling in the visa application form, Chinese citizens who want to apply for a visa to Indonesia should provide: a) A guarantee letter from both China and Indonesia (guarantor from Indonesia can be individuals, companies, communities, organizations, or governments inside Indonesia); b) A copy of the applicant’s passport with remaining validity; c) Two two-inch full-faced passport-size color photos. d) Visa and fax fees. e) Other relevant materials needed for different types of visa.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Indonesian Currency is Indonesian Rupiah (Rp, rupee for short).

 

 

 

 

Religion

88% of Indonesians believe in Islam, 5% in Protestantism, 3% in Catholicism, 2% in Hinduism, and 1% in Buddhism. Indonesia is the country with the most Muslims in the world. Indonesia’s major nationality is Javanese. There are 130 million inhabitants in Java island, mainly in the city from Banten to Surabaya. But, Javanese culture was born in the middle part, from the city of Semarang, Solo, to Yogyakarta.

 

 

 

 

Tourism Service Number

Alarm call: (62) (21) 5250110

Medical Emergency Tel: 118

Indonesia National Search and Rescue Tel: (62) (21) 5502111

 

 

 

 

Notes

Jakarta is a tropical city. So new comers should pay attention to its unique climate. As for drinking water, it is suggested to drink bottled mineral water. Tap water should be boiled for several minutes before drinking. Because of the hot weather, you are advised to drink water frequently and avoid long-time sunshine exposure and outdoor exercises. It is impolite to hand over things to others with your left hand in Indonesia.