Relocation Guide: Indonesia Our guide to living and working overseas
Indonesia Overview
With a population of over 200 million, Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country. Its strategic location has a significant influence towards its culture, politics and economy. Major agricultural products include palm oil, rice, tea, coffee, spices and rubber. Some large industries in Indonesia are petroleum and natural gas, textiles, apparel and mining. In 2005 the industrial production growth rate was 4.8%, giving Indonesia the 73rd place on the world rank. Indonesia’s major trading partners are Japan, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.
Electricity: 220-250 volts AC, 50Hz. Timezone: GMT + 7 (West) in Sumatra, Java and Western Borneo; GMT + 8 (Central) in Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali and Eastern Borneo. Area: 1,922,570 million sq km / Population Density: 123 per sq km Capital: Jakarta Language: Bahasa Indonesia, Dutch, English Religion: Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhism Population: 237,000,000
Oil and Gas in Indonesia
The country has extensive natural resources outside Java including crude oil, natural gas, tin, copper and gold. Indonesia is the world’s largest LNG producer, exporting about 20% of the world’s total volume in 2002. In 2005 the income from exports was larger than the import’s expenditure with $83.64 billion and $62.02 billion respectively. Indonesia’s imports commodities include machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, and food. 1
Geography
Indonesia lies between the mainland of South-East Asia and Australia, in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation and it is bordered by the nations of Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia. Indonesia is made up of five main islands – Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan (part of the island of Borneo) and Irian Jaya (the western half of New Guinea) and 30 smaller archipelagos. In total, the Indonesian archipelago consists of about 17,508 islands; 6,000 of these are inhabited and stretch over 4,828km (3,000 miles), most lying in a volcanic belt with more than 300 volcanoes, the great majority of which are extinct. The landscape varies from island to island, ranging from high mountains and plateaux to coastal lowlands and alluvial belts.
Climate
50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of Rp1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 25.
Accommodation Hotels
International hotels are found only in major towns and tourist areas. Several of these have business centres with a variety of services. High hotel taxes are charged throughout Indonesia (10% service, plus 11% government tax). Hotels of all grades from deluxe to standard and those for budget travellers can be found in most towns around the country. Resort hotels in Bali vary from international class, luxury hotels to beach cottages along the shore. Most hotels have pools and can supply most leisure equipment. Check hotel websites for internet special offers. Hotel Grading: All hotels are graded according to facilities.
Tropical climate varies from area to area. The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather (June to September), while the western monsoon brings the main rains (December to March). Rainstorms occur all year. Indonesia’s higher regions are cooler.
Self Catering
Banking Information
Guest Houses
American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and Eurocard are widely accepted in Jakarta and the main tourist areas. In more remote areas, it is best to carry cash in small denominations. ATM’s are available in towns. Currency exchange is readily available, however the easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 08:30-14:00/15:00 and Saturday 09:30-12:30 (some branches).
Currency
The unit currency is Rupiah (IDR; symbol Rp). Notes are in denominations of Rp100,000,
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Self catering in Bali is available in the form of villas, which can be secluded and luxurious; most are small and charming. Villa style accommodation tends to be advertised locally or on websites.
Cheap guest houses with no air conditioning and shared basic Indonesian-style bathrooms are popular with visitors for short stays. There are also beach and lakeside chalets. On Sumatra it is possible to stay in a reproduction of a traditional Batak house with its distinctive high, pointed roof.
Food and Drink
Advice on Food Safety
Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned
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milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
National Specialities
The staple diet for most Indonesians is nasi (rice), which is replaced on some islands with corn, sago, cassava and sweet potatoes. Indonesia’s spices make its local cuisine unique. Indonesians like their food highly spiced - look out for the tiny and fiery hot red and green peppers often included in salads and vegetable dishes. Seafood features highly on menus (with salt and freshwater fish, lobsters, oysters, prawns, shrimp, squid, shark and crab all available). Coconuts are often used for cooking. A feature of Jakarta is the many warungs (street stalls); each specialises in its own dish or drink.
National dishes
• Rijsttafel (a Dutch-invented smorgasbord of 12 various meat, fish, vegetable and curry dishes, sometimes served by 12 ‘maidens’). • Sate (chunks of beef, fish, pork, chicken or lamb cooked on hot coals and dipped in peanut sauce). • Rendang (west Sumatra; buffalo coconut curry). • Gado-gado (Java; a salad of raw and cooked vegetables with peanut and coconut milk sauce). • Babi guling (Bali; roast suckling pig).
National drinks
• Es (ice drinks with syrups, fruits and jellies). • Brem (Bali; rice wine). • Tuak (palm-sap wine, a famously potent local brew). • Arak (rice or palm-sap wine). • Kelapa muda (young coconut juice). The legal drinking age is 18 (minimum purchasing age: 16).
Tipping
10% is normal unless service charge is already included in a restaurant bill.
Social Etiquette & Customs General Etiquette
Social courtesies are often fairly formal. In particular, when drink or food is served, it should not be touched until the host invites the guest to do so. Never pass or accept anything with the left hand. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon and kissing in public will attract a great deal of unwanted attention. Touching a stranger of the same sex while in conversation is very common. Pointing is considered impolite and patting children on the head should be avoided. Indonesian’s are polite and will extend endless courtesies to visitors whom they trust and like. Smiling is a cultural tradition and Indonesian’s smile frequently, even in an uncomfortable or difficult situation. Visitors should avoid losing their temper. When invited to a home, a gift
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is appreciated (as long as it is given with the right hand). Informality is normal, but a few smart establishments encourage guests to dress for dinner. Muslim customs, especially those concerning female clothes, should be observed.
General Dress codes
Lightweight with rainwear. Warmer clothes are needed for cool evenings and upland areas. Smart clothes such as jackets are required for formal occasions. It is regarded inappropriate to wear brief clothes anywhere other than the beach or at sports facilities. Women should observe the dress code in Muslim areas that require shoulders and legs to be kept covered.
Business Etiquette
Business dealings should be conducted through an agent and tend to be slow. Business cards are widely used. It is conventional to shake hands and give a slight bow with the head on meeting and taking leave. Literature should be in English, but prices should be quoted in US Dollars as well as Pounds Sterling. Business hours are as follows: • Private office hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00 or 08:00 - 16:00. • Government office hours: Monday - Friday 08:00-16:00.
The driver should provide a helmet and you must agree on the fare before starting the journey.
Driving
To drive on the Indonesian roads an International Driving Permit is required. Traffic drives on the left side of the road. Nearly half of the road network is paved. There are good road communications within Java and to a lesser extent, in Bali and Sumatra. The other islands have poor road systems. Chauffeur-driven cars are widely available and advisable as the standard of driving is poor. Car hire is available from a number of international and local companies. Regulations: Speed limits are usually 30-40kph (19-25mph) on inner city streets, 60-70kph (37-43mph)on inter-city roads and 80-100 kph (50-62mph) on highways depending on the territory.
Main Sea Ports
Belawan (Medan), Dumai and Padang on Sumatra.
Main Airport Java
Jakarta (CGK) (Soekarno-Hatta) (www. angkasapura2.co.id) is 20km (13 miles) northwest of Jakarta city centre (journey
Transport
Public Transport
Public transport services in Indonesia are mainly provided by rail, buses and taxis.
Trains
The train operator in Indonesia is PT Kereta Api (tel: 424 1370; www.infoka.kereta-api. com). There are three classes of travel, Eksecutif (Executive), Bisnis (Business) and Ekonomi (Economy), but first-class exists only on principal expresses. There is some air-conditioned accommodation. Children under three travel free in economy and business without taking a seat, and pay 10% of adult fare in executive class; children aged three to ten pay half fare in economy and business and full rate in executive.
Buses
Indonesia is the land of jam karet (literally ‘rubber time’), and complicated journeys involving more than a single change should not be attempted in a day. Bus fares are relatively low; most are fixed, with a higher price for the air-conditioned buses which have more room than on the cramped regular buses. There are night buses on a number of long-distance routes; pre-booking is essential. Visitors should note that buses can be extremely crowded, and some drivers can be careless.
Taxis
Widely available in cities and towns. Ojek, motorbike taxis are available in cities and towns and they congregate at road junctions. www.airenergi.com
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time - 45 minutes). To/from the airport: A bus goes to the city every 30 to 60 minutes. Buses leave Jakarta from Gambir railway station and from Rawamangun, Blok M and Pasar Minggu bus stations. Taxis are also available to the city centre. Facilities: Banks/ bureaux de change, a post office, internet, duty-free shops, gift shops, restaurants, snack bars, car hire, left luggage and medical facilities.
Bali
Denpasar (DPS) (Ngurah Rai) (www. ngurahrai-airport.co.id) is 13km (8 miles) southwest of Denpasar city centre, Denpasar is the main airport in Bali (journey time - 30 minutes). To/from the airport: A bus goes to the city centre. Taxis are available to the city and to Kuta, Urud, Nusadua and Sanur. Facilities: Restaurant/bar, newsagent, bank/ bureau de change, left luggage, post office, internet and car hire.
Airport Customs Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Indonesia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 1l of liquor. • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco. • A reasonable quantity of perfume. • Gifts up to a value of US$250 per person or US$1,000 per family. Note: Cameras must be declared on arrival. Video cameras, portable radios, tape recorders, binoculars and sport equipment may be imported provided exported on departure. Films, tapes, CD/DVDs, records and computer software must be screened by the censor board. There are also restrictions on fruits and animal, fish and plant products.
Prohibited Imports
Cordless telephones, Chinese medicines or printings, pornography, and non-prescription drugs.
Departure Tax:
Rp100,000 from Jakarta and Denpasar; Rp75,000 from other airports; transit passengers continuing their journey on the same day, and infants under the age of 2 are exempt.
Taxation
Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. An individual is a resident if he has stayed in Indonesia for 183 days in any 12-month period or if resident in Indonesia with the intention of staying in the country. Married couples may opt for either joint or separate taxation.
Income Tax
Income is classified as follows: • Income from business or independent profession • Employment income • Other income (including interest, dividends, 3
insurance payments, royalties, lottery prizes, gains on sales or transfers of property, foreign exchange gains, insurance premiums Taxable income from different sources is computed separately. Taxable income from all sources are then aggregated and taxed at progressive rates.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
10% Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on gross rental income.
Property Tax
Property tax is levied at 0.5% on the assessed value of the property. The assessment value of taxable property is determined as a percentage of the deemed fair market value of the property, as follows: • 40% for forestry and plantation land • 20% for mining land • 40% for any other type of land where the sale value of the land is more than IDR1 billion (US$90,716) • 20% for any other type of land where the sale value of the land is less than IDR1 billion (US$90,716)
Communication
Telephone / Mobile phone
Country code: 62 (followed by 22 for Bandung, 361 for Bali, 21 for Jakarta, 61 for Medan and 31 for Surabaya). Many hotel lobbies have public phones which take credit cards and phone cards. State-operated phone booths or offices (Telkom) and privately-owned companies (wartel, warpostel or warparpostel), which work on a pay-as-you-leave basis, can be found in towns and cities throughout the country.For mobile phones, roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet
There are internet cafes in all major cities and www.airenergi.com
tourist destinations.
Postal Service
Airmail to western Europe, the USA and Australia takes about 10 days. An express service is available. Post office hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00 and Saturday 08:00-13:00 (hours may be longer in city centres).
Embassies
While in Indonesia, should you need to contact an official representative from your home country, the following contact information in Jakarta can help you out: American Embassy tel. (62-21)3435-9000; Canadian Embassy tel. (011 62 21) 25507800; Australian Embassy tel. +62 21 2550 5555; New Zealand Embassy tel. +62-212995-5800.
Education & Schools
The Indonesian school system is immense and diverse. With over 50 million students and 2.6 million teachers in more than 250,000 schools, it is the third largest education system in the Asia region and the fourth largest in the world (behind only China, India and the United States). For many expatriate children, their time in Indonesia may be their first exposure to living in a society where their native language is not spoken by everyone around them. Encourage your children to learn the basics of Bahasa Indonesia as it will ease their everyday dealings with shopkeepers, household staff, your driver and other Indonesians they meet. Many activities are available for expatriate children, including a wide range of sports, music, performing arts, visual arts, and boy/girl scouts. Such activities are generally organised through the international schools as part of the curriculum or by parents or community organisations as extra-curricular © Air Energi 2013
activities. Many activities are available through private organizations, e.g. horseback riding and ice-skating. Sports activities include swimming, soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, cricket, golf and gymnastics. Private lessons are generally much cheaper in Indonesia than in the West, so it might be a great time for your kids to take up a new hobby or sport.
Leisure & Entertainment
The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are strung like beads across the equator. Clear blue seas lap pristine beaches, gentle breezes carry scents of spices and flowers, and divers are entranced by the oceans riches. Inland, dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest. The nature lovers should enjoy trekking or paddling in a dugout canoe through Ujong Kulon National Park at the extreme south western tip of Java in search of the elusive Java rhino or take a tour up the great Mahakam River in Kalimantan, Borneo (www.visitborneo.com), which is dissected by a network of rivers running from the mountainous interior to the coasts. Visits to active volcanoes, orang-utans and the tsunami museum are also on the top of many visitor lists of things to do. For the adventurous, there are many opportunities to engage in activities such as surfing and diving. The best surf spots are in Bali, Flores, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, Sumba and Sumbawa. Some well-known surfing beaches, such as Ulu Watu on Bali, tend to get overcrowded, and are for very experienced surfers, however organised trips to isolated areas are widely available.
theatres providing cultural performances. Dancing is considered an art, encouraged and practised from very early childhood. The extensive repertoire is based on ancient legends and stories from religious epics. Performances are given in village halls and squares and also in many of the leading hotels by professional touring groups. The dances vary enormously, both in style and number of performers. Some of the more notable are the Legong, a slow, graceful dance of divine nymphs; the Baris, a fast moving, noisy demonstration of male, warlike behaviour; and the Jauk, a riveting solo offering by a masked and richly costumed demon. Many consider the most dramatic of all to be the famous Cecak (Monkey Dance) which calls for 100 or more very agile participants. Many of the larger hotels, particularly in Bali, put on dance shows accompanied by the uniquely Indonesian Gamelan Orchestras. Throughout the year, many local moonlight festivals occur; tourists should check locally. Indonesian puppets are world famous and shows for visitors are staged in various locations.
Pets
Indonesia requires a pet import license. If the pet arrives as cargo, and not as excess baggage, one will have to request a permit from the Ministry. Obtaining a pet permit is the owner’s responsibility. The following information will be needed: • A copy of employee’s passport. • The pet’s name, age, colour, sex and breed. • The shipping mode selected. • Date of rabies certificate. • A copy of the Health Certificate (issued
Shopping
Favourite buys are batik cloth, ikat fabrics, woodcarvings and sculpture, silver-work, woven baskets and hats, bamboo articles, krises (small daggers), paintings and woven cloth. At stalls and small shops, bartering might be necessary. Shopping hours: Monday - Sunday 09:00-21:00; some shops have shorter hours on Sundays. Most local markets open either very early in the morning or at dusk. In the smaller towns, shops may close between 13:00 and 17:00.
Vaccinations
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where ‘Sometimes’ appears in the table below, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited.
Special Precautions
Diphtheria Yes Hepatitis A Yes Malaria Sometimes* Rabies Sometimes Tetanus Yes Typhoid Yes Yellow Fever No** * The risk of malaria varies according to area, check before travel. **A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas.
Health
Other Risks
Vaccinations for tuberculosis, Japanese B encephalitis, and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.
Health Care
Health insurance to include emergency repatriation cover is strongly advised. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities, but emergency services are generally inadequate outside major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payments before any treatment is given. Although medical costs are relatively cheap, drugs can be expensive.
Emergency Numbers
For the divers, Indonesia’s coastline is reputed to contain 15% of the world’s coral reefs. Bunaken National Park and Lembeh Strait, both in North Sulawesi, are magnificent. Beginners can even go wreck-diving to Tulamben Wreck off east Bali.
Nightlife
Jakarta nightclubs feature international singers and bands and are open until 0400 during weekends. Jakarta has loads of cinemas and some English-language and subtitled films are shown. There are also © Air Energi 2013
within 20 days of arrival) • An airway bill number, flight number, estimated date and time of arrival in Jakarta, should you ship pets as air cargo. • Transit permits for travel through Singapore if booked on that route. Warning: Pets from non rabies-free countries will be banned from entering Indonesia as the government is embarking on a rabies-free Java Island campaign. If you are uncertain whether this ban applies to your pet, consult your vet and/or the nearest Indonesian consulate/embassy. www.airenergi.com
Below are some of very useful telephone numbers when in Jakarta, Indonesia: Police Department 110 Fire Department 113 Medical Assistance 118 or 119 Search and Rescue Team 115 Natural Disasters 129
Contact Us
PT Air Energy Indonesia CEO Suite 36, Wisma GKBI 39th floor JI. Jend. Sudirman Kav 28 Kakarta 10210, Indonesia Tel: +62 21 57 99 81 23 Fax: +62 21 57 99 8080
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Tra vel Tips Be prepared
Generally, overseas travellers are more likely to be injured through unintentional injuries than to be struck down by exotic infectious diseases. In fact, accidents and traffic collisions are the most frequent cause of death among travellers, so ensure you have good insurance and if you are hiring a vehicle, ensure it is in good working order. It will be beneficial to have some vehicle maintenance knowledge if you are planning on travelling to the more remote areas of the world, where a breakdown in harsh conditions can cost your life.
Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over5
the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
Your health on long-haul flights
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
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Lost Luggage
If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Personal Safety
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.
Unsafe Water - What to do
If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
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Malaria Awareness The Mosquito - Disease Carrier
Mosquitoes transmit the viruses responsible for yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, several forms of encephalitis and, most famously, malaria. Mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever there is standing water, ponds, salt water marshes, or even puddles and discarded containers. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they require blood to produce their eggs.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most deadly strain being plasmodium falciparum. The mosquito unwittingly transmits this parasite when biting its victim. These parasites then spread to the liver where they take one to four weeks to multiply. Once mature, they spread throughout the red blood cells resulting in the first symptoms - a flu-like fever, which, if left untreated will lead to liver failure, coma and ultimately, death.
Symptoms
Malaria symptoms are very similar to flu, however you may not suffer from all of them: • • • • • •
High Fever Headache Vomiting General ill feeling Muscle and joint aches Jaundice / yellow skin tone
Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have any symptoms that could be malaria. Ensure that you can get to medical facilities 24 hours a day, and know your options when in developing countries. Bear in mind that once malaria symptoms strike, you will not feel like travelling very far. Malaria can kill within 48 hours of developing symptoms.
Risk Areas
Mosquitoes have been found all over the world, however not all mosquitos carry malaria. The countries below are malaria hotspots, if you are travelling to them, it is necessary to take medicinal precautions. Malaria is one of mankind’s oldest known killers, dating back almost 5000 years.
What attracts mosquitoes?
• Carbon Dioxide - we exhale it when we breathe and also secrete it from our pores. • Fragrances such as deodorant, soap, shower gel, even cosmetics on the skin • Body heat and sweat • Dark Coloured clothing © Air Energi 2013
Repel Mosquitoes
• Cover up after dusk. • Use a repellant on your skin. • Close doors and windows at night. • Avoid lingering near stagnant water. ponds, lakes, and old containers are breeding grounds. • If you are out after dusk, wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers in a closely woven fabric and cover feet with socks. • If you must wear thin clothing, buy a fabric friendly insect repellent, as mosquitoes will bite through the fabric.
On Skin
Choose insect repellents with DEET, on any exposed skin highly effective against all biting insects. Do not put your trust in products without DEET, no known natural remedies have been scientifically proven to provide a barrier for your skin. When visiting countries high in temperature or humidity, choose a repellent with 50% DEET protection, as humidity coupled with sweating will evaporate the repellent and reduce its effectiveness. Read labels carefully and do not be complacent with re-application.
Aroma Repellants
• Buy a pyrethroid coil or a plug-in insecticide. • Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella are natural fly repellents. It is not recommended that you rely on them as their potency wears off quickly, but they may be of use alongside the above. • Ultrasonic devices and bug ‘zappers’ are not effective against mosquitoes • Make sure window and door screens are intact so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Mosquito Nets
If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, a mosquito net is advised. Nets come in a range of mesh weaves - choose wisely depending on your situation. Heavy-duty nets get hot and uncomfortable, whereas others may not offer enough protection, so do some careful research into the climate your are going to be in. A permethrin spray can be used on a mosquito net and sometimes clothing. It will instantly kill any mosquito that lands on it. This, coupled with a skin repellant creates a formidable barrier.
minimise allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter for the first time.
If you think you have Malaria
Seek advice from a medical professional to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for your needs. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for emergency treatment. If you go to an area where a wellequipped hospital cannot be reached within 24 hours, take emergency medicines with you.
Precaution Summary • Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed • Screen doors and windows • Sleep under a mosquito net • Spray your room with insecticide • Wear long trousers and sleeves after dusk • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors
Awareness
of the risk of malaria if you are travelling to a foreign country.
B
ites Avoid bites and reduce the chances of getting malaria.
C
omply with the appropriate drug regimen for the area you are visiting.
D
iagnosis Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective.
Antimalarial Drugs
There are several different types of medication depending on such factors as area to be visited, length of stay, type of travel, your own medical history and drugs you may already be taking. Highly sensitive persons may consider antihistamines to www.airenergi.com
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Frequently asked questions Do I need a visa to enter Indonesia? Yes we will make these arrangements for you in advance and keep you informed at all times. Do I need a local bank account? Most banks offer a ‘migrant account’ while in the UK. You can transfer funds to it for your arrival. It is also useful when obtaining a driving license, or credit. Will I need a medical? You may be asked to complete a medical examination for the client you are working for, before you go. Will you provide medical insurance? No, you will need a personal medical insurance scheme, but we will help you where possible to set this up.
Contacts Air Energi Indonesia Citylofts Sudirman, 8th Floor, Suite 807 Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur No. 121 Jakarta Indonesia 10220 Tel: +6221 2555 8936 Email: asiapacific@airenergi.com