Indonesia's culture is somewhat alien to the west,
so a list for etiquette would never be exhaustive
Making friends is the single easiest way to
learn local customs
Many traditions and norms are implicit, so
they won't take offense if you ask about
how things work or what just happened
Like anywhere in the world, treating people with
a high level of respect goes a long way
Be kind and
They will be kind in return
Indonesians are a polite people and
adopting a few local conventions will go a long way
to smooth your stay
Better results will be gained by remaining polite
and humble at all times, never raising your voice,
and smiling
Asking the person to help you find a solution
to the problem, rarely, if ever, is it appropriate
to try to blame or accuse
When meeting someone,
be it for the first time ever
or just the first time that day,
Meetings often start and end with
everybody shaking hands with everybody
Some Muslim women may prefer a friendly smile
and held nod over a handshake
It is also respectful to bend slightly
(not a complete bow)
When greeting someone older
or in a position of authority
Children may go to the extreme
and kiss your hand or bow down to it
Never use your left hand for anything!
It is considered very rude
This is especially true when you are shaking hands
or handing something to someone
It can be hard to get used to, especially if you are left handed
However, sometimes special greetings are given with both hands
Don't point someone with your finger,
if you want point someone or something
It is better use your right thumb, or with a fully open hand
Polite forms of address for people you don't know are :
"Bapak" ("Mr")for men
and Ibu ("Mrs")for women
You can address them respectfully
as "Pak Budi " (for men)
or "Bu Novi" (for women)
If you know the name of the person
you're talking to
The Javanese terms "mas" ("older brother")
and "mbak" ("older sister")are also heard,
but best reserved for equals, not superiors;
It also implies youth, so is often used
for unmarried people
Using their name signifies openness
(so as if not to talk of them secretly)
and acknowledgment
Remove your shoes or sandals outside
before entering a house, unless the owner explicitly
allows you to keep them on
When others are sitting, while walking around them,
it is customary to bow slightly
Lower a hand to "cut" through the crowd;
avoid standing upright
Don't walk in front of people,
instead walk behind them
Do not stand or sit with your arms crossed
or on your hips; this is a sign of anger or hostility
If you're wondering about a person's reaction
or you see any peculiar gesture you don't understand
They will appreciate it if you ask them directly,
(casually later, in a friendly and humble manner) ,
rather than ignoring it
And if all this seems terribly complex to you
Don't worry about it too much —
Don't worry about this kind of thing
Other than laws or common-sense,
breaking a rule won't get you in trouble
In general such a question is more than an apology;
it shows trust
Indonesians are an easygoing bunch and don't expect foreigners
to know or understand intricacies of etiquette
Here I am Indonesian - feel the pride of being
the part of such a glorious nation: Indonesia
Have a great independence day
On August 17 my beloved country!
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem