Indonesia

Facts and Statistics

Location: South-eastern Asia, archipelago
between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific
Ocean
Capital: Jakarta
Population: 241,973,879 (July 2005 est.)
Currency: Rupiah
Climate: Tropical temperature
Season: Dry and Wet

Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal

Malays 7.5%, other 26%

Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%,
Buddhist 1%, other 1%
 Diversity
Indonesia is made up of 17,500 islands, and thirty-three
provinces, meaning that the cultural landscape is also a
diverse one, mixing both foreign and indigenous
customs. There are different ethnic groups, languages
and religions.
Indonesians place great value upon social harmony, and
behaving according to custom maintains harmony.
Indonesians dislike a “scene”. The concept of “face” is
important and no one should be treated with less than
respect in public. Bluntness is rude, loudness is vulgar,
and aggressiveness is bad manners.
Indonesian Society &
Culture
 Meeting and Greeting
. Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show
respect.
. A handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with
the word "Selamat".
. Many Indonesians may give a slight bow or place their hands
on their heart after shaking your hand.
. If you are being introduced to several people, always start with
the eldest or most senior person first.
. Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you
know of any titles ensure you use them in conjunction with the
name.
 Name
- The Indonesian way for naming does not always use the
surname or family name. If a person is named ‘Arif
Perdana,’ it does not mean his family name is Perdana.
Feel free to call him with just ‘Pak Arif’. Some
Indonesian even named with one single first name,
without middle name or family name.
- Don’t be offended if an Indonesian you barely know
addresses you by your first name. Indonesian people use
first name basis in daily life, with whomever they meet.
The exceptions are married women, nobles and royalty.

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 FACE
 Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is
important to understand.
 In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame
("malu"). It involves avoiding causing shame to others, meaning care
should be taken to avoid criticism of others in public and in the
workplace. ‘Forgive and forget’ may be an appropriate motto to bear
in mind if wanting to avoid causing any cultural offense. Answers
and communications may be more indirect than you are used to, for
this same reason
 Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak.
 Language
The official language of Indonesia is known as
Indonesian or 'Bahasa Indonesian'. Indonesian is a
standardized dialect of the Malay language. Malay
and Indonesian remain very similar. Although the
official language, in reality it is most of the
population's second language. Due to the sheer size
and fractured, island make-up of the country most
people speak regional dialects such as Minangkabau
or Javanese. These will usually be spoken at home
and in the local community but at work or at school
Indonesian is used.
 Group Thinking
- Due to the diverse nature of Indonesian
society there exists a strong pull towards the
group, whether family, village or island.
- People will define themselves according to
their ethnic group, family and place of birth.
- The family is still very traditional in structure.
- Family members have clearly defined roles
and a great sense of interdependence .
 HIERARCHY
 Value is also placed on social hierarchy, with positions of
status, position and age respected and maintained. The use
of ‘bapak’ and ‘ibu’ (‘Sir’ and ‘Madam’/‘Mr’ and ‘Mrs’)
may often be more commonly used in the workplace than
you are accustomed to.
 This can be seen in both the village and the office where
the most senior is expected to make group decisions.
 Although those higher up the hierarchy make decisions
Indonesians are advocates of group discussion and
consensus. This ties back to the idea of maintain strong
group cohesiveness and harmonious relationships.
 Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the
ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:
Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:

. It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting

it. This shows that the recipient is not greedy.
. Items to avoid include scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as
they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
. Elaborate wrapping is expected - gold and red and considered
auspicious.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:

. Offer gifts with the right hand only.

. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as
these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
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Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims:

. In Islam alcohol is forbidden. Only give alcohol if you know the

recipient will appreciate it.
. Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal
include anything with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork
derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has
been slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
 Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and
context. The more formal the occasion the more formal the behaviour. Below are
some basic dining etiquette tips.
 Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle. You will be served
the food and it would not be considered rude if you helped yourself
after that.
 If food is served buffet style then the guest is generally asked to help
themselves first.
 In formal situations, men are served before women.
 Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
 A fork and spoon are often the only utensils at the place setting.
Depending on the situation some people may use their hands.
 Eat or pass food with your right hand only.
 Communication Styles
 Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do
not always say what they mean. It is up to the listener to read
between the lines or pay attention to gestures and body
language to get the real message.
 Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly and with a
subdued tone. Loud people would come across as slightly
aggressive.
 Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through
communication to build a strong relationship. Dealing with
someone face-to-face is the only effective way of doing
business.
 Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of
face. To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want
to hear. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and
maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or
acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.
 Business Meetings
 Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-
you rather than business. Do not be surprised if
business is not even discussed.
 It is common for Indonesians to enter the meeting
room according to rank. Although you do not have to
do this, doing so would give a good impression.
 Indonesians do not make hasty decisions because they
might be viewed as not having given the matter
sufficient consideration. Be prepared to exercise
patience.
 FAMILY
 The family is Indonesia’s central institution. It defines one’s position in life and
provides security, status, and identity.
 The extended family is alive and well in Indonesia, and family relationships are
clearly defined.
 The recognized head of the family is the eldest male, affectionately known as
bapak, and members are ranked by age rather than sex, down to the newly born.
 The relationship becomes more distant as they grow up. The elder siblings may
spend some time away living with other relatives. An older relative may take a
mentoring role as “uncle” or “aunt”, but the parents retain the position of
highest honor.
 FAMILY (Cont.)
The communal aspects of living in an extended family
provide security but also responsibilities. In particular,
children are expected to care for their parents throughout
their life and, if living away, to contribute to their welfare.
Elder children look after their younger siblings and, when
working, are expected to contribute toward their
education.
To a certain extent the individual is restricted by these
duties; on the other hand, the family provides refuge and
safety.
Many family members may live in the same house, their
ages spanning the generations. Members of the family may
come and go.
What to Wear?
. Business attire is generally
conservative.
. Women should dress
conservatively ensuring that they
are well covered from ankle to
neck. Tight fitting clothes are
best avoided.
. Remember it is hot, so cotton or
at least light clothing is best.
 In most of Indonesia,
what to wear is largely Dress
determined by the Muslim code
of dress, which is that both
men and women should dress
modestly.
In general terms this means
that most of the body should
be covered. Clothing should
not be tight fitting or
revealing.
In practical terms, shorts may
be worn by children, bather,
and for sport, but not in the
street. In private you can wear
what you like and in tourist
areas and beach resorts scanty
clothing is accepted.
General dress for men is a
loose cotton shirt worn
with light trousers and
comfortable shoes or
sandals.
Women should wear a
cotton blouse with (long
or short) sleeves and a
skirt reaching below the
knees, or a dress
providing similar
covering, and light,
comfortable shoes or
sandals. A bra should be
worn at all times.

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 Meeting Clothes
Indonesians in some
official or formal
capacity or attending a
business meeting, men
should wear a
lightweight suit or a
long-sleeved shirt and
tie. Women should
wear a below-knee-
length skirt and smart
long-sleeved blouse, or
a long-sleeved dress.
 Wedding
For formal social occasions
such as weddings and
receptions, dress code is
usually indicated on the
invitation. Men may be
permitted to wear a long-
sleeved batik shirt. These
are of cotton and are
colorfully patterned,
smart, and cool.

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 Getting To Know You
If asked questions about
your personal life, be prepared
to respond politely and to ask
similar questions. It is
courteous to do so, and those
you ask will feel that you wish
to know and understand their
status in their society in order
to define their status within
your life. It also provides a
ready topic of conversation
when you first meet people.
 FLEXIBLE TIME

In Indonesia, time is elastic. People operate to a

different sense of time. Punctuality is not ingrained.
Relationships are more important, so a friend never needs
to make an appointment, nor is it polite to bring a
meeting to an end hastily. Government offices apparently
have set hours, but the individuals you wish to see may
keep to more flexible times. Things get done, but not
necessarily to a timetable. If a meeting has been
arranged, or if you have reason to deal with a government
department, take a book and go with the flow.
 ATTITUDES TO FOREIGNERS
Courtesy to
strangers is normal.
Indonesians will regard
you as a guest in their
country and if you live
and work there you will
soon have Indonesian
friends. In tourist areas
courtesy may be tinged
with commercial
expectations, and touts
or scalpers may be a
problem, but generally
foreigners are treated as
welcomed guests.
 MAKING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION

Relations with your Indonesian hosts

can be smoothed if you understand and
respect their sensibilities. In the tourist
resorts certain behavior is tolerated, though
not admired, but people who offend local
susceptibilities will receive less respect.
Whether you are a tourist or are working in
the country, you will improve your standing if
you conform to local norms of behavior.
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