The time difference between Indonesia and the United States is quite large. Because the two countries are located on opposite sides of the world, the time gap can range from 12 to 15 hours.
In this article, @america will break down why the time difference is so significant and explain how the time zone systems work in both countries. Let’s take a closer look!
Time Zones in Indonesia
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation, stretches across a vast area from 94°45′E in Sabang (Aceh) to 141°05′E in Merauke (Papua). Because of this wide geographical span, Indonesia is divided into three official time zones, which have been in use since January 1, 1988.
Here are three Indonesian time zones:
1. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) – UTC +7
This zone covers the western regions of the country, including Sumatra, Java, West Kalimantan, and Central Kalimantan.
2. Central Indonesia Time (WITA) – UTC +8
WITA applies to South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, all of Sulawesi, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara.
3. Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT) – UTC +9
This time zone covers Maluku, North Maluku, Papua, West Papua, and the newer provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, South Papua, and Southwest Papua.
Time Zones in the United States
The United States spans a vast area from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, which is why it has a wide range of time zones.
There are six main time zones used across the continental U.S. and its territories. These time zones are determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation in coordination with individual state governments.
The U.S. also observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), a seasonal adjustment where clocks are set forward by one hour during spring and summer to make better use of daylight in the evening.
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In most parts of the country, DST starts on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m. (when clocks are moved ahead to 3:00 a.m.), and ends on the first Sunday in November, when clocks are set back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Here’s a look at the main time zones in the U.S.:
1. Eastern Time (ET) – UTC -5
This zone covers the eastern part of the country, including states like Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Parts of Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee also fall under Eastern Time.
During DST, it shifts to UTC -4.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (EST / UTC-5): +12 hours
- Daylight Saving Time (EDT / UTC-4): +11 hours
2. Central Time (CT) – UTC -6
This zone includes Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Other states—such as Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas—are partially in the Central Time zone.
During DST, CT changes to UTC -5.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (CST / UTC-6): +13 hours
- Daylight Saving Time (CDT / UTC-5): +12 hours
3. Mountain Time (MT) – UTC -7
Mountain Time is used in states like Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as parts of Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Texas.
When DST is in effect, Mountain Time (MT) shifts to UTC -6.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (MST / UTC-7): +14 hours
- Daylight Saving Time (MDT / UTC-6): +13 hours
4. Pacific Time (PT) – UTC -8
This time zone covers California, Washington, and parts of Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho. When DST period, Pacific Time changes to UTC -7.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (PST / UTC-8): +15 hours
- Daylight Saving Time (PDT / UTC-7): +14 hours
5. Alaska Time (AKT) – UTC -9
As the name suggests, this time zone is used in Alaska. During DST, Alaska Time moves to UTC -8.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (AKST / UTC-9): +16 hours
- Daylight Saving Time (AKDT / UTC-8): +15 hours
6. Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAT) – UTC -10
This zone is used in Hawaii and parts of the Aleutian Islands. HAT does not observe DST, as its location near the equator means there’s little variation in daylight throughout the year.
Time Difference to Jakarta:
- Standard Time (HAST / UTC-10): +17 hours
- No DST observed
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How to Calculate the Time Difference Between Indonesia and the U.S.
To calculate the time difference accurately, follow these steps:
1. Identify the Time Zones in Both Countries
First, determine the specific Indonesian time zone—WIB, WITA, or WIT. Then, identify the U.S. time zone you are comparing—ET, CT, MT, PT, AKT, or HAT. Knowing these zones helps you find the correct UTC offset for each location.
The UTC offset is the difference in hours and minutes between a specific time zone and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the world’s primary time standard (similar to GMT—Greenwich Mean Time).
2. Check DST Status in the U.S.
Make sure to check whether the U.S. region in question is currently observing DST. As mentioned earlier, DST runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
3. Calculate the UTC Offset Difference
To figure out the time difference, subtract the UTC offset of the U.S. location from that of the Indonesian location.
- Example 1:
Jakarta (WIB: UTC+7) and New York (ET during DST: UTC-4)
Difference = 7 – (-4) = +11 hours
Jakarta is 11 hours ahead of New York during DST. - Example 2:
Jakarta (WIB: UTC+7) and New York (ET, standard time: UTC-5)
Difference = 7 – (-5) = +12 hours
Jakarta is 12 hours ahead of New York during standard time.
4. Apply the Time Difference
Once you know the time difference, you can simply add or subtract it to figure out the local time in the other country.
For example, if it’s 9:00 AM in Jakarta and New York is 11 hours behind (during DST), then it would be 10:00 PM the night before in New York.
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5. Use a World Clock or Time Zone Website
If you prefer not to calculate manually, simply use the world clock feature on your smartphone or desktop, or visit a time zone website like Time and Date.
That wraps up the explanation of the time difference between Indonesia and the United States. In summary, the time gap is quite wide. Indonesia has three time zones: WIB, WITA, and WIT. Meanwhile, the U.S. has six major time zones: ET, CT, MT, PT, AKT, and HAT. Some U.S. time zones observe DST, which shifts the UTC offset by one hour.
Understanding this time difference is essential for better communication and collaboration across the globe. As a hub for American culture, @america continues to enrich your knowledge about the United States, from culture to education.
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