What to know before traveling to Indonesia - etiquette and cultural features

Indonesia is a country with a rich religious history and a diversity of beliefs. Here, it is important to remember local customs and etiquette in order to avoid misunderstandings and show respect to local people. Almost all the religions of the world are woven together here: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, as well as animism - some groups believe that objects and places have a soul. And all this is combined with the mentality and the "general spirit" of Indonesians.

Do not be surprised if someone local sends you in the wrong direction or gets offended when you offer your left hand for a handshake. We have collected the details that will help you avoid awkward situations during your trip to Indonesia.

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What you need to know about Indonesians

• They are not known for punctuality. Do not be surprised if you have to wait half an hour at the meeting place. Indonesians live at a more relaxed pace, and stress and rushing are not for them, which may surprise visitors from Western countries.
• Do not believe everything people say. For example, if you ask for directions to some attraction. If a person does not know, they may not admit their lack of knowledge on this matter. And they may send you wherever they want.
• Sincerity. Indonesians may surprise you by immediately asking personal questions that in the Western world are simply considered improper. For example, have you been married? And if not, were you engaged then? They will ask about your family, where you work, what you do, where you studied, and so on. Indonesian society is very hierarchical, and this leaves its mark.
• A common question that you will be asked all the time: "mau ke mana" - "Where are you going?" This is simply a polite phrase, and no one expects a detailed explanation of your plans. You can answer something like "I am just going."
• Squatting. Walk through the streets of Indonesia, and you will definitely see groups of men or children by the roadside just passing the time, chatting, and squatting. From infancy, they are used to taking this position with their feet flat on the ground, which is very difficult for most Westerners.
• Here, it is considered impolite to eat while walking in public places.
• Be ready for stares. In Indonesia, looking at people is not considered rude. Sometimes, when you are in public, you will feel fixed looks. Adults will point at you to their children. Some Indonesians call Western foreigners "bule". The best response is simply to smile and nod. The fewer foreigners there are in an area, the more looks will be directed at you.
• Personal space and lack of privacy. Because of the high concentration of population, especially in big cities, Indonesians have almost no privacy. There is no word for "privacy" in the Indonesian language. Sometimes you will have to automatically take a couple of steps back because a local person has reduced the distance between you too much.

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Greetings and etiquette

• Handshake. The most common way of greeting, but it is important to use the right hand, since the left is considered "unclean". The handshake is usually light and is accompanied by the word "Selamat" (peace). Muslims sometimes greet each other with "salam": two people extend both hands. In some places, especially in Java, people greet each other by putting their palms together, slightly extending the right hand forward and touching the other person’s right hand. A handshake between both sexes is generally acceptable, but a man should not shake a woman’s hand unless she offers it first.
• Physical contact between people of the opposite sex is minimal. In Indonesia, you can often see young men walking arm in arm, or girls holding hands. This is a sign of friendship, not of sexual preference.
• Respect for older people is highly valued. In villages and even in cities where middle-class people live, local elders have great influence and authority.
• A bow and a nod of the head. Depending on the situation, you can slightly bow or nod your head as a sign of respect, especially when meeting older people or people in a high position.
• Forms of address. The use of titles shows respect. Men are addressed as "Bapak" (Mr.) or "Pak", and women as "Ibu" (Mrs.) or "Bu".
• Business cards. Exchanging business cards is an important ritual. Offer and receive business cards with both hands or with the right hand, and carefully look at the card you receive before putting it away.
• Feet. You should not point the soles of your feet at people or religious objects, as this is considered disrespectful. Take off your shoes before entering a house, mosque, or temple.
• The head is considered sacred, so do not touch another person’s head, even a child’s.
• Pointing. Use the thumb of your right hand. Do not point with your index finger or with your left hand.
• Sitting. Only with a straight back, both feet on the floor. Do not cross your legs, do not put your ankle on your knee, and do not point the soles of your feet at other people.

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Etiquette rules in public places

1. Public behavior should be restrained and respectful.
2. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places or rural areas. In Muslim regions, women should cover their shoulders and legs to the knees.
3. Avoid loud conversations and public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex.
4. Publicly humiliating someone is considered unforgivably bad manners in Indonesian culture.
5. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
6. In Indonesian culture, a raised thumb means "you go first."
7. Do not keep your hands in your pockets when talking to locals.
8. You should not talk with your hands on your hips. This pose shows anger.

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Etiquette when visiting someone’s home

• Hospitality is an important part of Indonesian culture. An invitation to a home is a sign of respect and trust.
• Smile and friendliness: Indonesians are very friendly and hospitable. Respond to them in the same way.
• Gifts. Giving and receiving gifts should be done with the right hand. Keep religious restrictions in mind when choosing a gift: avoid alcohol and pork for Muslims, and leather goods for Hindus.
• Food. Accept the food and drinks offered to you. People eat with the right hand, a fork, a spoon, or a special rice spoon. Do not finish everything to the last bite, so as not to offend the host: it may mean that there was not enough food for you.
• Take off your shoes before entering the house. Sit on the floor with crossed legs for men, or with legs tucked under for women.
• In front of guests, strong emotions and quick, sharp movements should be avoided.
• Indonesians are comfortable with silence.
• At parties, people are often asked to give a speech or sing a song in karaoke.

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It is important to remember that Indonesia is not a single culture, but a combination of different ethnic groups. Each people on different islands has its own etiquette features.