Indonesia cultural etiquette is something you should know to avoid accidentally offending the locals during your visit to Indonesia. Whether you are travelling for leisure or work, learning about Indonesian culture and its etiquette won’t hurt. Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and religions with over 1,300 ethnic groups, so the etiquette in Indonesia can change, but if you follow our basic guide, you should be fine.
A Guide to Indonesian Etiquette, A Must-Read For Any Foreigner
Indonesia etiquette is known for its modesty and politeness. In every part of Indonesia, manners are important for you to be polite. Let’s look at the basic cultural etiquette in Indonesia that you should know before you arrive in Indonesia.
Using Right Hand is Polite
In Indonesian etiquette, it’s considered impolite to hand things or shake hands using your left hand. Indonesia is the largest Muslim population in the world, according to Muslim and Hindu teachings, your left hand is considered unclean as it’s used for personal hygiene. So, use your right hand when you’re pointing, handing, and greeting.
Respect the elders and those in the higher hierarchy
Beside a handshake, Indonesians hold deep respect for elders, it is important to put the senior person first. Addressing them with proper titles and showing deference is crucial. Sometimes, it’s best to bow a little bit when talking to the elders with a smile. Failure to do so, you will be labelled as someone who is disrespectful and lacks manners.
Never forget to smile
Smiling goes a long way in Indonesia plus, it’s contagious. A smile is a universal language of friendliness and politely. Indonesians are known for their warm smiles, and reciprocating this gesture can go a long way. This is also perfects for integrating business in Indonesia.
Customs and Traditions: Greetings in Indonesia
The etiquette of greeting in Indonesia emphasises politeness, respect (especially for elders/superiors), and friendliness, which are summarised in the 5 culture (Smile, Greet, Say hello, Be polite, Be courteous). Use common greetings in Indonesian language such as ‘Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening’, familial greetings (Sir, Madam, Brother, Sister), and appropriate eye contact to show respect.
Indonesia Dining Etiquette
Typically, people eat with a spoon, fork, and knife. But for food or drink in Indonesia, it doesn’t always work that way. There are some cuisines exchange like from Sundanese or Minangnese, which are traditionally eaten with your hands.
Before you dig into Indonesian food, kobokan will be prepared for you to wash your hand. Remember not to drink the water in the kobokan nor does Indonesia’s tap water not consumable.
Be respectful of religions
Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country but there are other religions living here as well. Muslims follow a halal diet, which means consuming pork and alcohol is prohibited. During the Ramadhan month, it’s rude and insensitive behaviour for eating lunch in front of Muslims who are fasting. There are a lot of sacred temples throughout Indonesia. Be sure to ask the person in charge, if possible, to take a picture or enter.
Etiquette tips for travelers when visiting place of worship in Bali
The main etiquette for visiting temples in Bali is to respect the sanctity of the place of worship by wearing modest clothing (sarong/kamen and shawl), behaving appropriately, and not entering sacred balinese areas while in a state of cuntaka (menstruation, childbirth, or mourning).
Men and women must cover their shoulders and legs, refrain from using foul language, and not step over offerings or canang sari.
Dress Code? Dress Modestly
Overall, Indonesians may be conservative. Dress modestly to avoid scrutiny on the streets, especially in sacred places. For business, it’s also encouraged to dress conservatively to exude professionalism. Tank tops, shorts, and sandals are not allowed in religious sites such as mosques, churches, shrines, and temples. The same rules applied to museums and keratons (Sultan’s palace) too. As Indonesia is a tropical country, cotton-made clothes or bright colour clothing are the best.
Besides that, public displays of affection is strictly prohibited in some of Indonesian society. It’s also considered rude if you touching someone in public with romantic or sexual intentions. In some parts of Indonesia, the consequences of bad manners range from forced marriage to social punishment. Don’t forget to also dress modestly during Ramadan month.
Etiquette in Indonesia: When in doubt about Indonesian Culture, ask!
Indonesia has diverse religions and cultures. It’s natural, not able to understand everything in one go especially you are a first timer traveller. Asking questions to the locals as Indonesians are proud of their culture, as it shows that you are willing to learn about Indonesian culture.
That’s the basic Indonesian cultural etiquette that you can follow during your stay in Indonesia. How was it? It’s not that hard to follow. Always remember to smile and ask questions. It will make your stay in Indonesia much easier.
Cover Photo by Victoria Dovzhuk
