Greetings and Respecting Local Customs
In Indonesia, greetings are an important part of the culture, and how you greet others can say a lot about your respect for local customs. A common greeting is the “Salam Sejahtera” (peaceful greeting), often accompanied by a slight bow or placing your hands together in a prayer-like position, especially in more traditional settings. When meeting people, a handshake is common, but it is usually softer than what you might be used to in Western cultures. Women and men generally don’t shake hands unless initiated by the woman, so it’s a good idea to wait for the other person’s cue. Always greet people with a smile and a polite demeanor to show respect for local customs.
Dress Modestly, Especially in Religious Sites
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, and although it’s a popular tourist destination, it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, mosques, and other religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, particularly when in religious or rural areas. For women, covering the shoulders, cleavage, and knees is considered respectful. For men, wearing long pants and avoiding tank tops or overly casual clothing is recommended. If you’re visiting a mosque or temple, you’ll likely be asked to wear a sarong or scarf to cover your body, which is usually provided at the entrance.
Be Cautious with Your Head and Feet
In Indonesian culture, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are seen as the lowest and least sacred. It’s important to avoid touching someone’s head, including children, as this can be seen as disrespectful. Similarly, avoid pointing your feet at people or religious symbols, as this is considered impolite. When sitting, try to avoid sitting cross-legged or with your feet facing others. If you’re entering someone’s home or a temple, it’s also polite to remove your shoes before stepping inside.
Respect for Elders and Authority
Indonesian society places great importance on respect for elders, so be sure to show deference to older individuals. This can be reflected in how you speak to them—using formal titles like “Bapak” (Mr.) or “Ibu” (Mrs.)—and by listening attentively when they speak. If you’re interacting with people in a position of authority, such as teachers or religious leaders, always use respectful language and gestures. Demonstrating patience and humility in your interactions with locals will help foster positive relationships and show that you respect their cultural norms.
Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection, such as kissing or holding hands, are frowned upon in Indonesia, especially outside major cities like Jakarta and Bali. While it’s becoming more common in tourist areas, it’s still considered inappropriate in rural or conservative regions. If you’re traveling with a partner, it’s best to keep physical contact to a minimum, especially in public spaces. Avoid any behavior that might be interpreted as overtly romantic in public, as it could make locals feel uncomfortable.
Gift-Giving Etiquette
Gift-giving is an important part of Indonesian culture, particularly during festivals or special occasions. If you’re invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift such as fruit or a souvenir from your home country can be a thoughtful gesture. When presenting a gift, always do so with both hands, as this shows respect. Additionally, it’s customary to politely decline a gift a few times before accepting it to show humility. Gifts should be given privately or in a small circle, and never in a public setting where it might make others feel left out.
Using Your Right Hand
In Indonesian culture, the right hand is considered more polite and is used for most social interactions, such as eating, giving and receiving gifts, or shaking hands. The left hand is seen as impolite for such tasks, as it is traditionally associated with personal hygiene. Always try to use your right hand when engaging in any social interaction, and if you must use your left hand, be discreet about it. This small act of attentiveness can go a long way in showing respect for local customs.
Avoiding Sensitive Topics
While Indonesians are generally friendly and welcoming, there are a few topics that should be approached with caution. Politics, religion, and sensitive historical events can provoke strong opinions, so it’s best to avoid these topics unless you know the person well. Respectful curiosity about local culture, traditions, and daily life is always appreciated, but it’s essential to avoid making comparisons between your home country and Indonesia, as this can sometimes come off as judgmental. In general, try to keep conversations light and respectful to avoid any misunderstandings.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is not a widespread custom in Indonesia, but it is becoming more common in tourist-heavy areas. In restaurants, tipping is generally not expected, though leaving a small tip for good service is always appreciated. In some places, a service charge of 10% is added to your bill, and it’s up to you whether you want to leave additional gratuity. For taxis or drivers, rounding up the fare is customary, and for hotel staff, leaving a few thousand rupiah for housekeeping is a polite gesture. Always keep in mind that tipping is optional and should be done based on your satisfaction with the service.
Be Mindful of Local Food Customs
Indonesian food is diverse and rich in flavors, but when dining with locals, it’s important to follow local food customs. For example, it’s customary to eat with your right hand when eating traditional foods like rice and satay. If you’re invited to eat with a group, wait for the host to start the meal before digging in. In some areas, eating together is a communal activity, and it’s seen as a sign of respect to share your food. If offered food, it’s polite to at least try a bite, even if you’re not familiar with the dish. Politely declining might be seen as rude.
