Explore Indonesia from Home

Indonesia is a fascinating country with more than 17,000 islands, hundreds of languages, incredible wildlife, and a culture rich in traditions. It’s also the first destination in the MulticultiChica Mail Club—and for me, the choice was very personal.

Indonesia holds a special place in my heart.

Growing up in Suriname, I was surrounded by Javanese traditions through my maternal grandmother, who came from Java. Every summer, my mom took us to visit family on the plantation where I was born. At times our family gathered to celebrate weddings, births, and other important milestones. While I was still young, those memories stayed with me— the language, the laughter, and especially the incredible meals shared together. After ceremonies and prayer, food was served wrapped in banana leaves and enjoyed while sitting together on the floor, creating a beautiful sense of community that I have never forgotten.

My curiosity about different cultures around the world was seeded in those memories, and inspired the Multiculti Chica blog.

Here are five interesting facts that make Indonesia such an incredible country to explore:

1. It’s the world’s largest island nation.
   Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands stretching across Southeast Asia. The country is split by the Equator in both the northern and southern hemisphere.
2. Hundreds of languages are spoken.
   Although Bahasa Indonesia is the national language, over 700 local languages are spoken throughout the archipelago. One country, 700+ languages!
3. Home to amazing wildlife.
   Indonesia is one of the few places on Earth where you can find orangutans, Komodo dragons, and birds of paradise. About 1500 dragons live on Komodo Island with it’s pink beaches.
4. Rich cultural traditions.
   Each island has its own music, dances, clothing, architecture, and celebrations. No two regions are exactly alike.
5. Incredible food.
   Indonesian cuisine is full of bold flavors and aromatic spices. Some of my favorite Javanese dishes include nasi kuning (turmeric/yellow rice), gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce), sate ayam (grilled chicken skewers), soto ayam (chicken soup), and tahu lontong, (tofu and soft rice cake dish that originated in Java).

This August, I am sharing Indonesia as the first destination in the MulticultiChica Mail Club! Inside your happy mail you’ll discover cultural facts, fun activities, printed or printable keepsakes, recipes, and collectibles that help you explore the world one country at a time.

To celebrate our first adventure, I’ve also created a free Indonesian dancer coloring page that you can download and enjoy. If you love coloring, keep an eye out because I’m also working on a Indonesia cultural coloring book featuring beautiful illustrations inspired by Indonesia that will be available soon.

If you love learning about other cultures, collecting unique mail, and discovering traditions from around the world, I’d love to have you join us.

Your passport to the world starts right here and will come to your mailbox soon.

Happy exploring!

Debbie

Other explorers:  The World Travel Guy in Indonesia and The Blonde Abroad-Indonesia travel