Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Indonesia has several traditions and customs and it is best if you know them before hand. Some of them are:

1. Even though hand shaking is deemed appropriate between men and women, bear in mind that a number of women moslem prefer to introduce themselves to men by nodding their head, smiling and clasping their hands without any physical contact.
2. Traditionally, when you greet someone, both hands are used when shaking, without grasping
3. Be sure to smile when you meet people you know. Javanese people appreciate a ‘polite smile’.
4. Bending down a bit when passing a group of older people is considered polite.
5. In Indonesia, when you address some one, it would considered more polite if you use these specific terms before mentioning the name : Bapak (Pak) for Mr, Ibu (Bu) for Mrs, Mas for young man, and Mbak for Miss/ young woman.
6. It is considering polite to make a phone call first before visiting
7. Shoes must be taken off before entering a house or place of worship like mosque
8. Usually drink are offered to guests. It is polite to accept
9. When eating, receiving or giving something, always use your right hand. Right index finger should not be used to point a place, items or people. Use the right hand thumb and fold the remaining fingers to be more polite.
10. Most Indonesian moslem do not consume alcoholic drinks and pork is prohibited.

 

Don’ts

1. Don’t wear non-sleeve shirts, T-shirts, short pants, and sandals in classrooms and offices.
2. Don’t put your hands on your hips during conversation with Indonesians since this is considered impolite/insulting.
3. Don’t demonstrate affection in public.
4. Don’t do impolite things in sacred places.
5. Don’t put your feet up on tables or chairs, or use them to point with.
6. Don’t be angry when someone on the same sex holds your hands or walks arm to arm, it’s the Indonesian way  of showing a friendly relationship.
7. Don’t hesitate to reject the merchants trying to sell things to you. You might refuse by saying “saya tidak perlu.” (I don’t need it) or just said “tidak” (No).
8. Don’t be offended when people ask you personal questions. It’s just the way they show friendliness and you don’t have to answer the question if you don’t want to.