Indonesia has a vibrant and diverse culture, and its customs and etiquette offer unique insight into local customs. Therefore, understanding the etiquette of the Indonesian people can help travelers have a more meaningful and enjoyable experience when visiting the country.
In this article, we’ll discuss the essential cultural customs and etiquette unique to Indonesia and how you can be respectful of local culture during your time there:
Overview of Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago containing more than 17,000 islands situated off the coast of Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is a vast nation with more people than any other Southeast Asia. Given its size and cultural and linguistic diversity, Indonesia is often considered a nation of many cultures. Located on the equator, Indonesia has a tropical climate, and due to its proximity to the equator, it experiences both rainy and dry seasons.
Indonesia’s population consists of multiple ethnic groups and dozens of languages. One major factor that unifies these groups is their shared adherence to Indonesian culture with its centuries-old traditions, societal norms, and rituals, which numerous cultures, including influences, have shaped from Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and pre-Islamic indigenous customs. Adherence to these customs has helped create an environment prioritizing respect for elders and community positivity.
Understanding the basics of Indonesian cultural etiquette can help individuals visiting or residing in Indonesia navigate unfamiliar situations and facilitate better interactions with locals by adhering to local customs. In addition, being conscious of social norms helps ethnically diverse Indonesians live harmoniously within various societies across this nation’s 17 thousand-plus islands.
Cultural Customs
Indonesia is rich in culture, customs, and many diverse ethnic groups. It is important to be aware of the cultural customs of Indonesia to ensure that visitors can avoid potential conflicts when interacting with its people.
This section will cover the most essential cultural customs of Indonesia and how they should be respected while traveling or living in the country:
Greetings
Greetings are an important part of Indonesian culture and customs. The most common greeting is to shake hands with the right hand, accompanied by a pleasant smile. In addition, Indonesians often use honorific titles when addressing each other, such as “Bapak” (for male elders) and “Ibu” (for female elders), depending on the age difference between them. Also, it is customary to take off one’s shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque.
Eye contact is an important part of communication in Indonesia since it conveys respect and acknowledgment of the person. It’s considered polite to exchange greetings when passing by – even between strangers – as well as nodding and offering a slight bow. Handshakes should be firm but gentle and usually last for a few seconds with both hands.
Gift-giving is also an essential cultural practice in Indonesia, and presents are sometimes exchanged with friends or relatives during gatherings such as weddings or funerals. However, refusing a gift should always be avoided because Indonesian culture sees it as disrespectful.
Social protocols also exist around eating meals in Indonesia. For example, although there are no religious customs related to food consumption, it is polite not to start eating until everyone has received their meal or until the oldest male at the table has started his meal.
Language
Over 700 languages and dialects are spoken in Indonesia, but the official language is Indonesian. English is not widely spoken outside of cities and tourist destinations, so it is always appreciated if visitors take some time to learn the basics of Indonesian before their travels. A gentle ‘lulur’ for respect or ending sentences with a ‘makasih’ for thanks will undoubtedly be noted among locals.
When encountering unfamiliar things in Indonesia, think twice before getting involved in something you don’t understand. Various customs and even simple body gestures carry a different meaning than you may be used to. For example, a polite nod or handshake should suffice when meeting another person, while a bow should be used to greet elders or respected figures such as a village chief. Even when interacting with someone closer to your age group, use polite language and follow traditional courtesies like asking about family and friends each time you meet them; this is considered respectful in Indonesian culture. Paying due respect when visiting somebody’s home – such as taking off your shoes upon entering – will also guarantee more hospitality from your hosts during the visit.
As part of interpersonal etiquette, avoid touching someone on the head or passing something from one hand to another using both hands simultaneously; this signifies inferiority in Indonesian culture and may offend.
Dressing
A nominally Muslim society marks Indonesian culture with many pre-colonial agrarian and handicraft traditions. Therefore, it is important to dress conservatively when visiting Indonesia, especially in more rural or devoutly Muslim communities. It is considered polite for men and women to cover their shoulders, upper arms, knees, and chest and keep clothing loose fitting. It can be done tastefully with light fabrics like linen or cotton. Comfortable, casual clothes are accepted countrywide, but visitors should use discretion when selecting clothing for formal occasions or any outings in conservative areas of the country.
The color of your clothing can also be an important factor in determining appropriateness. Some colors can hold religious significance, such as white (the color of death) or red (representing passion). As a rule of thumb, it is good practice to keep styling modest but not too dull – bright-colored sarongs are always popular coastal side! On the other hand, showing too much skin in public can offend people around you, so it is best to err on the side of caution – stick with closed shoes rather than sandals and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Eating Habits
In Indonesia, it is important to be aware of certain cultural norms and areas of etiquette, especially when it comes to eating and behavior in public. For example, Indonesians generally follow a clean eating policy, which holds that food should not be left on the plate, and you should leave something on your plate if you’ve been offered more than you can eat.
Eating habits vary throughout the region. To greet someone with food is seen as a sign of affection and respect; food sharing among guests and family members is common practice at dinner tables throughout Indonesia. Dining out or eating in public may require some tact, as no-smoking rules must be observed. In general, soup courses should be eaten using a spoon or fork; noodles are taken up with chopsticks; meat and other solid food items may use either utensils (a spoon is preferred). Elbows should remain off the table during meals – except when taking tea or coffee – and conversation around the table should remain light, cordial, and polite.
When greeting people for the first time or meeting someone new, it is best to show admiration for them or their appearance before engaging in discourse about work or politics. When discussing facts with an Indonesian, it’s worth considering that particularly Americans have a reputation for stating facts brashly without seeming concerned for who they might upset by doing so, which might come off as more abrasive than intended; while others may take an interest in the debate over discussion–which differs greatly from the conferencing style adopted in America & Europe–it will is unnecessarily longer than would result had one stuck to facts than unraveling stories & anecdotes before setting forth towards one main point.
The above tips will surely make anyone more attuned to the underlying currents they find themselves traveling around this particular nation’s culture!
Etiquette
Etiquette is an important part of Indonesian culture, and many customs must be observed if one wishes to make a positive impression. A good understanding of the local customs and etiquette can greatly impact how you are perceived by people while visiting Indonesia. Knowing the correct manners can help you feel confident and respectful when interacting with locals, so let’s explore the different aspects of Indonesian etiquette:
Respect for Elders
In Indonesian culture, respect for elders is a highly valued concept. It is customary to always address those older than you by an honorific title and to show reverence. It especially applies when the person in question is a family member or other close relative. It is also considered a sign of politeness to offer your parents and any respected elders an ‘Izin’. It refers to seeking permission or blessing before taking action, such as venturing out of the house.
On the flip side, it is also important to always allow elders to precede you when entering or leaving a room and when eating meals; this includes allowing them access first at the buffet table, if applicable. Furthermore, conversations with others should involve giving and taking due respect with some distance between the parties. For example, it is not acceptable for young people to stumble into an adult conversation while they chat among themselves until invited in by an elder. Prolonged eye contact with adults should also be avoided because it can be seen as disrespectful behavior.
Finally, speaking too loudly around elderly persons or anyone respected should be strictly avoided as it may rudely interrupt their train of thought or view of what constitutes polite conversation norms; such ignorance will surely not be taken lightly.
In conclusion, be sure to grant proper respect for all elders during your travels in Indonesia by following these mandates of public etiquette and displaying cultural understanding wherever you go!
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an important part of the culture in Indonesia. It’s common to bring a gift when invited to someone’s home or visiting in a business capacity. Be sure to show up with an appropriate gift. For Muslims, it is customary for men and women not to exchange gifts on any social occasion, as it is considered inappropriate.
When deciding on an appropriate gift, know what is accepted and what might be seen as offensive – for example, a Muslim family may not welcome a piggy bank with a piggy shape. Additionally, try to keep the gift modest. For example, flowers are always well received when welcoming visitors into one’s home; however, some flowers have different meanings and can be associated with funerals, so check beforehand that your choice of flowers is appropriate for the occasion!
In general, items deemed useful are best such as small souvenirs from your home country and handwritten cards in which you can express your gratitude in whichever language you are comfortable speaking or writing. Tip: Gift wrapping always adds that special touch!
Table Manners
Table manners in Indonesia are not complicated, but there is a traditional way of behaving when eating, which visitors should be aware of. Indonesians love to show hospitality and welcome guests into their homes, particularly at religious festivals, where great feasts are often prepared.
When eating food with fingers, it is polite to ensure your left hand does not touch the food or plate, as the left hand is considered unclean. Always use your right hand when accepting anything from another person’s hand. When pouring drinks, such as tea, the Malays always pour with their right hand and never use their left.
At a formal Indonesian gathering or in an official setting, it is important to remember to address people formally; elders should be treated with great respect and feel at ease. For this reason, some important phrases in the Indonesian language may help if you wish to go around the table introducing yourself:
- Selamat Petang – Good Evening
- Boleh Saya Berkenalan – May I Introduce Myself?
- Mohon Maaf – Sorry/ Excuse Me
- Terima Kasih – Thank You
- Sama-Sama – You’re Welcome
Table manners are also important when attending an Indonesian dinner party. It is customary for guests to wait until all members present have been served before someone takes their seat and starts eating; however, once everyone has been served, people can start eating at similar times if they choose to do so. During dinner, it is polite not to talk with one’s mouth full or make noise while eating – slurping or smacking lips – so this should be avoided if you want to find yourself invited back!
Conclusion
Investigating Indonesia’s cultural customs and etiquette is essential to understanding the country more fully. It is important to recognize that Indonesian culture is changing as modern technology, urbanization, and western influences continue to shape the nation. Therefore, it is vital to remain respectful of any customs you may encounter.
Some common tips for travelers are to:
- Dress respectfully.
- Avoid public displays of affection.
- Enter conversations with a polite demeanor and try to smile often.
- Research any unfamiliar dishes or ingredients beforehand to ensure they do not cause any adverse reactions.
Whether holidaying or on business, these cultural tips should ensure an enjoyable stay in Indonesia.