Not long ago, Indonesia was one of Southeast Asia's business hot spots and a growing travel destination. Bali, especially, was (and still is) an easy and enjoyable place to visit, full of stunning sights, interesting Hindu culture, friendly people and comfortable amenities.
But Indonesia has become a troubled land. A series of terrorist bombings in Jakarta and Bali caused a significant decline in tourism, and bloody civil conflicts in other parts of the country discourage nonessential travel to such areas.
And if Indonesia's social and political troubles weren't enough, the country has suffered a number of devastating natural disasters in recent years. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake, a mud volcano eruption and two tsunamis have rocked the nation, killing and injuring thousands, and recovery is a slow process.
With an estimated 240 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, and there are 350 cultures and many languages scattered across its widespread islands. All that diversity strains the government's ability to meet the needs of the populace. It's also one of the best reasons to visit Indonesia. Visitors often return home more appreciative of what they have after witnessing the hard life many Indonesians lead.
