Dress
The diversity of the dress in Indonesia is great since the country is divided geographically and ethnically. Traditionally, these outfits vastly differed from island to island and even from city to city on the same island, but today the clothing is shifting to modern western-styled clothing. Despite the many variations on traditional dress, there are also many similarities. Traditionally, Indonesian women wore a kebaya, which is a somewhat tight-fitting blouse, which is paired with a sarong. This outfit is often brightly colored and has influences from (arguably) China, Portugal, and the Middle East, giving it great variation. Men traditionally wore checkered sarongs with a simple shirt.
Today the traditional dress is still in existence to a great degree. Most women wear this outfit for special occasion and events, while men continue to wear the sarong at Friday prayers in the mosque. However, most Indonesians today wear western-styled clothing on a daily basis. However, as a primarily Muslim country, the dress, no matter the style, remains fairly conservative as arms and legs are covered and women often times also cover their hair. In fact, in some parts of country it is required for women to cover their hair by law.
As a visitor to Indonesia there are a number of clothing items to pack. Be sure to understand where you are staying and what kind of travel you plan on undertaking. Indonesia has established itself as an island paradise and most tourists go with the intention of sitting on a beach with little clothing on. While this may seem ideal, the locals don't want to see your half naked bodies. If in the presence of locals, dress as they do and cover your arms and legs, especially your shoulders and legs at least down to your knees. If you are in a private resort wearing a swimming suit is acceptable, but nakedness and toplessness for women is strictly forbidden even in private resorts. Although you should wear long pants and shirts everywhere in public in Indonesia, on tourist islands it may seem as hedonistic as home.