INTRODUCTION

The Indonesians refer to their country as Tanah Air Kita 'Our Earth and Water', string of lush, tropical islands dominated by a picturesque spin of volcanis mountains. The 17.000-plus islands of the Indonesian archipelago straddle the equator, streching over 5000 km from the mainland of Asia into the Pasific Ocean. These islands are home to some of the most beautiful and unforgettable sights in all of South-East Asia. It would simply be imposibble to see everything that this, the world's largest archipelago, has to offer in a short length of time.

"Variety is the spice of life". Nowhere is this more true than in Indonesia. No two places are a like in therms of unspoiled natural beauty, indegenerius culture, art of people. the towering mountains and little-known peoples of Irian Jaya contrast sharply with the terraced hills and highly sophisticated artistic culture of Bali. The rich traditions of the wayang and Javanese courts are worlds apart from the animistic beliefs and practices which still have a major influence on the way of life in South Sulawesi. "Unity in Diversity", is Indonesia's national motto, accurately describing the vast array of diverse cultures and extraordinary peoples brought together under one flag, with one national language, Bahasa Indonesia. For the traveller, Indonesia offers a fine blend of scenic beauty, an amazing variety of fauna and flora, unspoiled marine parks and spicy mix of traditional cultures and peoples famous for their friendliness and hospitality.

Traditionally the most popular tourist destination has undoubtedly been Bali. In recent years there has been a rapid rise in interest about, and travel to, other parts of Indonesia. The Directorate General of Tourism has selected 24 'top priority' areas to provide visitors with an experience of the quintessential soul of Indonesia: Jakarta, west Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta ,East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Aceh, Nort Sumatera, West Sumatera, South Sumatera, Riau, Bengkulu, Lampung, South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan. South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Maluku, and Irian Jaya.

We essential information about the major tourist attractions which are easily accessible by air , sea, and land. It presents each area separately, describing major tourist attractions, hotel accommodations and shopping opportunities. Additional information on special interest tours, the arts, and cultural history is also included. Other sections focus on travel agents, transportation and requrements for travel to and within Indonesia.

International gateways providing easy access for travellers in Indonesia are : Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and Medan (North Sumatera). Other ports of entry and exit have been targetted as international gateways but are currently in the development stages. These include; Manado (North Sulawesi), Ambon (Maluku), Batu Besar (Batam), Pekan Baru (Riau), Balikpapan (East Kalimantan), Surabay (East Java), Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara), Pontianak (West Kalimantan) and Biak (Irian Jaya).

An extensive network of air services connects these gateways with destination areas. Fares for domestic travel are offered in Indonesian Rupiah, while other rates are quoted in US Dollars.

Sumatera is the second largest island in Indonesia is in the fourth place procuring total visit of foreign tourists following Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Medan. Sumatera has a remarkable panorama, thick virgin forests, lush vegetation, strong rivers current, beautiful waterfall, beautiful beaches and large ancient lake the diversity of arts, people and culture literally make Sumatera a garden of earler for social scientists and culture seekers.

Indonesia has included realiable nature and culture tour object in Sumatera like; Sabang Island, Weh Island, Simeulue Island, Mentawai Island, Siberut Island, Gunung Leuser National Park, Ketambe Butterfly Garden, Bukit Lawang forest of Orang Utan Rehabillitation Centre, the gorgeous of Lake Toba and Lake Maninjau, and the Kerinci - Seblat National Park. In Java like; beutiful Mount Bromo, Krakatau and Ujung Kulon Nature. In Komodo Island like; a unique of world's largest monitor lizard or Comodo Dragon.