Islam in Indonesian Society

The predominant religion in Indonesia , as everyone knows, is Islam. With Muslims accounting for about 90% of the nation's approximately 220 million people, Indonesia is well known as having the biggest Islamic population in the world. As the first of the five principles of national founding in Indonesia requires "faith in divinity," every Indonesian needs to have some kind of religion.
However, Islam is not the state religion, and respect for other religions is expressly prescribed. In this respect, Indonesia differs from its neighbor Malaysia, where Islam is the national religion. About half of the personnel at PT. Metal One Indonesia are Muslims, while the others believe in other religions.

The Most Popular Japanese Singer Now is Kiroro!

Many Indonesian residents of Jakarta have a good understanding of Japanese culture. They know not only that Japanese generally believe in no religion, but also that they might, for instance, hold their wedding ceremony in Christian style and their funeral in the Buddhist way.
Young people are very interested in Japanese music and fashion. CDs of Japanese singers are good sellers here, especially Ayumi Hamasaki and Kiroro. But Indonesia is a vast country; away from urban centers, information on Japan seems rather scarce.

Jakarta's Infamous Traffic Jams

Traffic congestion is now worsening in downtown areas. The government has contrived a measure dubbed "3 in 1" to ease the jams. This means that the driver of a privately owned car entering major streets, to which this rule applies, between 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning and between 4:30 and 7:00 in the afternoon is subject to a penalty unless three people, including the driver, are riding in the car. This rule came into full effect in January 2004 and is a headache for the staff who use their own cars between their office and home. The rule has also created a new pattern of traffic jams. During the regulated hours, minor detour roads are disastrously congested, and so are entrances to major streets immediately after the regulated hours. Will the congestion ever be eased?

Jakarta: A Nice Place for Japanese to Live

What surprised me pleasantly when I arrived in Jakarta was that it is a very comfortable place to live. There are countless restaurants serving Japanese dishes (which taste very good) and many supermarkets where all kinds of Japanese food, sweets and other daily necessities are available. There is also a P.T. Kinokuniya Bukindo, where you can buy Japanese books and magazines, although they are a little expensive.
Other good aspects include cheap and easily accessible golf facilities, inexpensive massage, large houses, etc., etc. You will find yourself living a richer lifestyle than in Japan . This is the particular advantage of living in Jakarta.

There Are a Lot More Good Things that Indonesia Can Offer!

All Indonesians tend to be cheerful and pro-Japanese, and, as such, give us a direct sense of human warmth and make us feel at home. But it is also true that there is the threat and fear of terrorism, which you should always beware of.
Last but not least, many Japanese may associate Indonesia with Bali Island , but the country's capital city, Jakarta , has many wonders and can offer you many good experiences. If you have a chance, please drop by.