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The largest archipelago in the
world, Indonesia lies at the crossroads between the
Indian and Pacific oceans and bridges the
continental landmasses 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 Jaya Wijaya 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 Indonesian 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.
East
Indies by Hulsius Levinus, 1550 - 1606- with the
compliments of the James Ford Bell Library,
University of Minnesota
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