1

OK than why don't you try to look for local hosts in all these places by www.couchsurfing.org for free accommodation.

2

I recently spent time in Kei and Bandas in South Maluku... flew to Bandas from Ambon and then used Pelni ship to get from Kei to Bandas and then Bandas to Sulawesi - this mode of transport is very cheap if you have the time. I voyaged on the economy side of things which is the cheapest ..and also the best way to get to know the local people. Pelni.co.id

I've been to Indonesia many times (normally Sumatra) but recently spent a total of 9 months out of 12 months travelling as much as possible within Indonesia.... I could easily live on 150,000rp per day; accommodation was normally as cheap as 50,000rp and as much as 100,000rp per day; food was eaten in local warungs or from the five legged sellers - as little as 5,000rp for a great Bakso; 10,000rp for a great local Nasi Goreng. Water and some Sampoerna cigarettes were part of my daily budget also.

Travel was done via local bus and bemos as much as possible; to be honest I tried to live like a local person would... and I had a great time and met many friendly people who invited me to family gatherings and celebrations.

Getting to some islands may cost you more than you want to spend, but try to stick with Pelni as much as possible and once you arrive at your destination you'll be able to live cheaply.

Couch surfing?? I wouldn't depend on that unless you intend on staying in the big cities; i have friends who live around Java and they say it's quite popular there; but elsewhere i'm not too sure. The way i see it; if I'm always within internet access, then I've not got to where I want to be!!

Have a great trip around Indonesia; you're experienced Sumatra (still my favourite island); wait till you visit the rest of Indonesia. :-)

3

I would say prices in Sulawesi are similar to Sumatra, Maluku is somewhat pricier, and Papua a lot more so.

I have put together budget estimates for Maluku and Papua, and a lot more info on this region here .