h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This post seems virtually identical to an earlier one "Expatriate life in Indonesia: some guidelines" posted 24 Oct 2006, apart from some style changes. Do we need it twice?

I lived a long time in Indonesia (Jakarta) and found it covered the issues very well. I would might cover some things a bit differently of course, as I had different experiences, but I think it captures the essence of Indonesian's splendid and sometimes surreal very well.

One correction: There are more non-muslim areas than you mention ("some parts of Bali and Sulawesi"). Bali is predominantly Hindu of course, as you say later in the article, not just "some parts".
The island of Flores is largely Catholic. There is a large Christian Batak area in Sumatra around Lake Toba down to Medan. I think Irian Jaya is largely Christian (and animist?) though there are many Muslim migrants from other islands. From what I have seen the Dayaks or Borneo/Kalimantan are Christian or animist, and at least coastal West Kalimantan is largely Christian, and probably much more of Kalimantan is. There are also some remote areas of traditional religion.
Also the large ethnic Chinese minority (found especially in the major cities) are Christian/Catholic/Buddhist.

"In Indonesia when you rent a house, you rent a house. That means that the tenant provides absolutely everything". That does not apply in all cases. Many expats rent apartments which are equipped, often very fully. I rented about 6 apartments in Jakarta, all being fully equipped down to teaspoons, plus a house that was quite well furnished.

Aaprt from these points I think you did very well.

Roger