raman
Amit Khanna Staff answered 2 months ago
Cultural Norms and Etiquette in Indonesia: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
General Etiquette
Greetings:
Handshakes: A gentle handshake accompanied by a slight bow is common. For men, a handshake should be gentle and can be combined with placing the other hand on the heart.
Selamat: This is a versatile greeting that can be used for various occasions, such as “Selamat pagi” (Good morning) and “Selamat malam” (Good evening).
Respect and Politeness:
Titles: Use titles (Bapak for Mr., Ibu for Mrs./Ms.) when addressing people, especially older individuals or those in authority.
Soft Voice: Speak softly and avoid raising your voice, as it is considered impolite.
Modesty:
Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.
Public Displays of Affection: Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered inappropriate.
Social Etiquette
Visiting Homes:
Gifts: Bringing a small gift, such as sweets or fruit, is appreciated when visiting someone’s home.
Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Respect: Respect the host’s customs and follow their lead.
Dining:
Food Sharing: Meals are often shared. Take small portions initially and do not waste food.
Right Hand: Use your right hand for eating, passing food, and giving/receiving items, as the left hand is considered impure.
Leaving Food: It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you are satisfied.
Religious and Cultural Sensitivities
Islam:
Mosques: When visiting mosques, dress modestly, remove your shoes, and avoid interrupting prayers. Women should cover their hair.
Ramadan: During the fasting month of Ramadan, be mindful of eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Other Religions:
Temples and Churches: Follow the dress code and behave respectfully. Remove your shoes before entering temples.
Communication and Interaction
Body Language:
Touching: Avoid touching someone’s head, as it is considered the most sacred part of the body.
Pointing: Avoid pointing with your index finger. Instead, use your thumb with the fingers folded.
Feet: Do not point your feet at people or religious objects. Avoid showing the soles of your feet.
Conversation:
Personal Space: Indonesians may stand close during conversation, so be comfortable with less personal space.
Smiling: Smiling is important in Indonesian culture and is often used to diffuse tension or discomfort.
Travel Etiquette
Public Transportation:
Priority Seating: Give up your seat for elderly people, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.
Quietness: Keep conversations quiet and avoid loud phone calls.
Tipping:
Service Charge: In high-end restaurants and hotels, a service charge is often included. Otherwise, tipping 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory.
Environmental Awareness
Littering:
Cleanliness: Avoid littering and be mindful of the environment. Dispose of trash properly.
Wildlife:
Respect: Do not disturb wildlife and follow guidelines in natural reserves and parks.
By following these cultural norms and etiquette, you will show respect and appreciation for Indonesian customs, making your visit more enjoyable and culturally enriching.