Not less 9 million people live in Jakarta representing nearly all the ethnic groups in the archipelago. The major groups are Sundanese, javanese, Chinese, and the native Orang Betawi ( people of Betawi ). Other large groups arethe Minangkabau people, the Bataks, the Manadonase, and the other people from Sulawesi and the Ambonase.

The native Orang Betawi emerged in the 19th century from a melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. They have their own culture distinc from other ethnic's cultures. In 1923 they founded an organization called Kaum Betawi which was in fact a statement about the existenceof the Betawi ethnic group.
Islam is professed by the majority. But it does not mean that Indonesia is an Islamic state. It is a Pancasila state. And one of the principles of Pancasila, the state ideology, is " belief in the one Supreme God ". This means that the various belief systems must be respected and respect each other. This expalins the ubiquitous Moslem prayer houses in the city beside many churches and a few temples.

In Taman Mini Indonesia Indah ( Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park ), the prince Diponegoro Mosque is juxtapositioned with the saint Catherina Church, the Halleluyah Curch, the Pura Penataran Agung Kertabumi Temple, the Aria Dwipa Arama Monastery and the Indonesian Mystic Convention Hall, synbolizing the motto : Bhinneka Tunggal Ika ( Unity In Diversity ) in matters of religions and belief - systems.

Indonesians are known to the frendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things which are not done among Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or reciving things with the left hand is no - where acceptable. The hand shake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody.