Indonesia : Profile

Facts

With some 13,677 islands the Indonesian archipelago is the largest island group in the world.
The main islands are Java, Sumatra, Irian Jaya (the western part of Papua New Guinea), and Kalimantan (formerly Borneo).
For cruising sailors, access to this fascinating country is complicated by the need to have a cruising and security permit (CAIT), which must be obtained in advance.
If wishing to sail through the Indonesian island WITHOUT stopping, then the complications of obtaining a CAIT can be avoided by using the International Archipelagic Sea Lane through Indonesian waters. This allows non-stop "innocent" passage though the, archipelago within 20 nm of an arbitrary centre line and not within 12 nm of any Indonesian coastline. Sailing Directions such as those produced by the U.K.'s Admiralty publications give the details.
Most yachts cruise the islands from east to west, each island different from its neighbour.
Benoa Harbour in Bali is the most popular port of call for cruising yachts and there is a reasonable range of repair facilities. The opening of Bali International Marina and the existence of a number of excursion vessels have consolidated Bali's position as a modest yachting centre.
Outside of Bali, yachting facilities are only available in the few places where there is either a local yachting community, such as Surabaya on Java, or in those places frequented by cruising boats, such as Ambon. Surabaya's main drawback is that it has no docking facilities for yachts and theft is a serious problem in the harbour.
The development of new marinas, such as at Carita Bay, near Java, or Nongsa Point Marina, opposite Singapore, will undoubtedly bring about a long awaited change.
"Gifts" or bribes, are an every day way of life here. Arrive prepared that you are going to encounter these demands from almost everyone you deal with.
Outside of Bali and Lombok, meat is particularly hard to find. Come well stocked up if this is of particular concern.

On occasion, some parts of the country have been prey to ethnic and sectarian violence and it is essential that anyone planning to visit Indonesia should monitor the internal situation carefully and avoid critical areas.

Ambon suffered riots in September 2011 when 8 people were killed with many more injured and around 160 houses were burned down. Sail Indonesia report that they will be avoiding Ambon in 2012 because of safety concerns.

Take the usual general precautions (locking the boat, dinghy & outboard etc.) but in Indonesia most thieves are likely to opportunistic rather than violent. Most cruisers visiting the country report having no real security or safety fears.

Weather

The climate is hot and humid. July to September is the dry season, December to January the rainiest period. Temperatures range from 75-90°F (24-33°C). The islands are under the influence of the SE monsoon from April to October and the NW monsoon from November to March, although land and sea breezes predominate close to the islands. The islands are not affected by tropical cyclones.

Brunei Bay Radio operates a regular voice broadcast sked of METAREA and local coastal forecasts for SE Asia waters, the NW Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. For details of Brunei Bay Radio broadcast skeds and frequencies, see http://www.bruneibay.net/bbradio/bbrschfvoice.htm and http://www.bruneibay.net/bbradio/bbrscweathMSIbcasts.html

Indonesia Weather Forecast

Main Ports

If one has a cruising permit, security clearance and also a visa obtained in advance, it is possible to enter at the first port marked on the cruising permit, even if it is not one of the below.

Bangka-Belitung *

Bali: Benoa * , Padang Bai *

Banda Islands: Banda Neira *

Batam Island: Batu Ampar * , Nongsa Point Marina *

Flores: Labuhanbajo , Maumere

Java: Tanjung Emas (Semarang) * , Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) *

Kai Islands: Kai Islands

Kalimantan: Banjarmasin * , Lingkas * , Pontianak * , Samarinda *

Lombok: Lembar Harbour * , Medana Bay

Maluku: Ambon (Yos Sudarso Port) * , Termate *

Pulau We: Sabang *

Riau Islands: Tanjungpinang *