Business and Social Etiquette 101: The Indonesian Culture

Doing business successfully in Indonesia means understanding the country's culture and taboos. Good etiquette and the willingness to adapt to another culture means that you can maintain great relationships and perhaps a great businessman (woman). As always, when you go to a foreign country, keep an open mind. Learn a few basic phrases in their language and do not be afraid to use them. The native would be happy that you are trying your best to learn about their culture.

Indonesian Etiquette:

Greeting someone involves shaking their hands, a gentle light palm-touching shake, and then bringing your hands to your heart. It is conventional to shake hands with everyone at the start of a meeting, but never initiate shaking hands with a Muslim woman, as she must extend her arm first.

The Indonesians are polite people and are concerned (much like the Chinese) with "Saving Face." Saving face means stopping anything that may particularly be embarrassing to oneself or one's family. For example, one would avoid confrontation with a government official. If a cop stops you for speeding, one would follow the rules and accept the ticket and not make a spectacle at the scene.

Like almost all Asian countries, one should take off his or her shoes before entering the house. Never show the bottom of your feet, as it is considered rude.

When sitting or standing avoid crossing your arms or putting them on your hips. This implies that one is hostile or angry.

The left hand should not be used. Eating, passing food or anything else should only be done with the right hand. Even if you are left-handed, try to use your right hand when eating, because when you are sitting at a table everyone would be using his or her right hand and you don't want to elbow the person sitting to your right, as you would be the only one using the left hand.

At the beginning of a meal in a restaurant, you'll most likely find "air kobakan" or a bowl of water with lemon. This is used to wash your hands before you meal. Indonesians eat with their hands (yes, even rice) but you are welcome to use forks and spoons. Belching at the table is not a taboo as it is in the West. When dinner is at 7:00, plan on arriving at around 7:30. It is impolite to drink the whole drink and leave your cup completely empty. Instead, if you want more, leave a little bit left in your cup (around 3 cm). Your host would know that you would like more.

Chewing gum or eating while walking is considered rude.

As 90% of Indonesia's population is Muslim (the largest Muslim population in the world) you would have to avoid eating in public during Ramadan. This is a sign of respect. You would find many restaurant windows clothed or boarded so Muslims would not have to watch others eat or drink. Also, in this Islamic nation, you would not be able to find much pork dishes.

And because most Indonesians are Muslims, thoroughly consider the gift you bring. Some gifts to avoid are: knives, pork or pigskin, perfumes with alcohol, alcohol, gifts with dogs on them, underwear, and other personal products.