JEDDAH, 31 July 2004 — A glance at the map of Indonesia shows that from tip to tip — Sabang in the Indian Ocean to Maerauke of Irian Jaya in the Pacific Ocean — the country looks like a boomerang, and true to its shape, a traveler to Indonesia is more likely than not to return again to the archipelago.

The more than 17,000 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited, stretch 5,000 kilometers between Asia and Australia, dividing the two oceans on the Equator and literally offering oceans of fun, interesting, pleasant and varied activities, earning the name “belt of emeralds across the Equator.”

“We are pursuing an aggressive promotional campaign in cooperation with the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board, whereby we try not only to increase the number of international arrivals but also see that there are repeat visitors,” R.B. Adi Utomo, Garuda’s sales manager in the Western Province, said. “There is a plan to promote a different city every two months, and also a plan to promote the Silk Route to China from Saudi Arabia via Jakarta,” he added.

“There is a ‘happy’ flow of visitors from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia. They are happy at what they see and experience and we are happy at the increasing numbers,” Utomo said.

The main island of Java is the most populous. Jakarta, in West Java, is the capital and home to more than 12 million people. It is a bustling blend of shops, museums, art and antique markets, and monuments.

A visit to the old town area and Chinatown in north Jakarta is like stepping back in time to the days of the Dutch colonial rule.

The Wayang Museum holds a fine collection of wayang puppets from all parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The wooden and leather puppets displayed here represent the finest craftsmanship of the traditional theater. Shortened performances of the wayang kulit (leather puppets) are given every Sunday morning.

The Textile Museum in west Jakarta, easily recognized by its authentic Betawi architecture, boasts of a collection of over 327 kinds of textiles from all parts of the country — hand-woven cotton, silk and batik cloths, both of the ancient and contemporary productions. A small workshop shows the process of batik making.

For an experience of journey around the vast archipelago in just one day, visit the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or the beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park.

The Greater Jakarta area offers spectacular greens for golfers, and both the serious and window-shoppers can have their fill of the cart and the heart at the multi-level malls or the street marts.

Children as well as adults can have fun at Jaya Ancol Dreamland on the north coast of Jakarta. It is a popular recreation park complete with Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy World) theme park, Sea World, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating and a bowling alley.

Pulau Seribu or the Thousand Islands, off the coast of north Jakarta offer an array of activities from lazing on golden beaches to vigorous water sports, or camping at ruins of an old Dutch fort. Two hours from Ancol Marina, one can find splendid diving sites.

The cultural capital, Jogjakarta, in Central Java, is more relaxed and offers a window to traditional arts and crafts.

The nearby archeological site of Borobudur and Prambanan is one of the world’s best preserved heritages. Mounts Bromo and Merapi are popular tourist attractions.

Bali, just off East Java, boasts of fabulous beaches, clear waters, and perfect surfing and diving spots. The island’s prosperous agricultural life creates breath-taking scenery, such as the rice terraces of Jatiluwih considered the most picturesque in Bali. Spas abound on the island.

Some 35 km east of Bali is Nusa Tenggara or Lesser Sunda chain of islands stretching from Lombok to Timor comprising some 550 islands. Nusa Tenggara’s West Nusa Tenggara province consists of Lombok and Sumbawa, while East Nusa Tenggara is made up of Sumba, Flores and West Timor.

Lombok is a land of contrasts — dry grasslands interspersed with green, terraced paddy fields; rainforests and arid plains. For the more adventurous, climbing the 3,800 meters Mt. Rinjani is the ultimate Lombok experience, especially after spending some time soaking in the tranquillity of the Segaranakan crater lake and valley situated almost at the summit.

Komodo dragons, giant lizards that are descendants of dinosaurs, are preserved in the Komodo National Park. They reach up to three meters in length, weigh 150 kg. and lay up to 30 eggs at a time.

Flores is renowned for its beauty and challenging dives. Flores is a haven for divers, snorkelers, photographers, and marine biologists. With up to 40 meters visibility, the coral reefs of Flores Sea are among the best in the world and beautifully preserved.

The multicolored volcanic lakes of Kelimutu are situated on the mountain of the same name. At 1,640 meters the lakes’ colors are constantly changing from blue, turquoise, to burgundy. Moyo Island offers great snorkeling, diving, and game hunting (permit required) opportunities.

Sumatera, the third biggest island in the archipelago and the fifth in the world, is a paradise for nature lovers with national parks spread from the north to the southern tip of the island. It is rich in rainforests, orangutans, and the beautiful Lake Toba. One of the most exciting river adventures can be found in this region.

Weh Island at the northernmost tip boasts a rich marine life. The Rubiah Sea Garden is a protected environment that is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving with 25 meters visibility. Glass-bottomed boats for coral-viewing are also available. Nias Island has big waves that make it one of the best surfers’ beaches in Indonesia.

Sulawesi has deep and strong ties to the sea. It is endowed with a rich variety of flora and fauna in a fabulous tropical setting. Unspoilt reserves provide a protected habitat for the indigenous species of Sulawesi, such as the anoa, and the dwarf buffalo.

Snorkeling or scuba diving is the best possible marine adventure to be had in Sulawesi. The mind-boggling array of coral formations and a multitude of marine life truly make the region one of the world’s most beautiful marine environments.

The Togean Islands are home to the rare species of babi rusa, the dugong and the hawksbill sea turtle. These islands, located in the Tomini Bay, reputedly the calmest bay in the world with no rough seas, has year round and spectacular visibility. All major reef formations — fringing, barrier, patch and atoll — are found here.

Irian Jaya’s landscape varies from snow capped peaks to wide riverine wetlands. Lake Laguna, on Halmahera island in Maluku, is home to crocodiles.

Unusual species of butterflies make their home in the Aru archipelago, which consists of some 25 islands, mangrove swamp and low lying palm forests.