Cultural Do’s and Don’ts of Traveling and Doing Business in Indonesia
Do’s:
Greetings and Conversation:
Understand It is Unlikely You Will be Told “No” Directly: This tendency is in accordance with their value towards harmony with one another, so they try to avoid conflict when possible. This indirect communication style often extends to when criticism or correction is needed (International Trade Administration)(UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Ask Clarifying Questions to Ensure Understanding: Because of their indirect communication style, it is often advised to ask Indonesians the same questions in multiple ways to avoid misunderstanding a potentially vague response (Cultural Atlas).
Give Handshakes When Greeting Others: Handshakes are common forms of greeting, however one should avoid long or hearty handshakes as well as other forms of additional physical contact. Handshakes are also generally more limp than the standard, firm handshake common in the U.S. (International Trade Administration)(UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Be Aware that Some Indonesians may Prefer to Avoid Touching Those of the Opposite Gender: This is primarily for religious reasons relating to Islamic Values. Women may choose to clasp their hands and bow instead of shake hands (International Trade Administration)(UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Be Aware that Close Relatives Are Often Greeted More Intimately: A common greeting for people one is closely related to involves either a handshake or can also involve kissing each other on both cheeks (Cultural Atlas).
In Formal Settings, Address Everyone by Their Full Name and Title, if Applicable: Status is very important in Indonesia, so if a title (whether honorific or academic) is known, it should be used. This should particularly be used in business settings. People should also be addressed in order of age when greeting, with elders being first and the youngest last (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
If They Do Not Have a Title, Refer to Them as Ms., Madam., Mrs., or Mr.: Note that this is commonly used with the person’s first name instead of their last name (Cultural Atlas)(UT Dallas).
Note Some Common Naming Practices: It is common for women to keep their maiden name legally, although they might informally adopt their husband’s surname. The man might even adopt the woman’s last name. Furthermore, it is common that people will have one name that they would like to be addressed by in both formal and informal situations, and do not generally include their last name in casual conversation (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Be Sincere in Friendship and Flattery: Indonesians appreciate explicit acknowledgement that you enjoy their company and friendship, but you should also be sincere in expressing this. Flattery is also liked because it adds to their “face”, but only legitimate compliments should be given because they can lose face if your remarks are obviously insincere (Cultural Atlas).
Try and Speak Quietly When First Meeting Someone: It is common for strangers to communicate with each other more quietly, however once they get to know each other, they are much more likely to raise their volume in excitement. Shouting and demonstrating anger are still frowned upon, and for many indicate being raised poorly (Cultural Atlas).
Social and Home Visits:
Accept Coffee or Tea When It Is Offered:You should not decline the offer when these beverages are provided, especially in a business setting (International Trade Administration).
Remove Your Shoes When Entering Certain Places: This can include anywhere carpeted or intended for religious purposes. When visiting someone’s home you should also observe whether the host/hostess removes his/her shoes and follow his/her example (Cultural Atlas).
When Visiting Friends, Try and Bring a Gift: This is considered polite, but these gifts are generally small and inexpensive. For special occasions flowers are a welcome gift (Cultural Atlas).
Business Etiquette:
Try and Travel There September Through June: School holidays and vacation time can interfere with being able to meet up with business people outside of this time. Also be aware that during the month of Ramadan and the two weeks following it is more difficult to meet with people since many travel to visit with family (International Trade Administration).
Wear Long-Sleeves for Formal Occasions and Short-Sleeves for Informal Occasions:A batik shirt is most common to wear, and for informal occasions a white shirt/blouse with slacks/skirt is also acceptable, with business suits and dresses being considered more formal (International Trade Administration).
Develop Strong Trusting Relationships with Business Partners: Although things such as price and quality are still important in making business decisions, Indonesians’ opinion and trust towards business partners rank higher in their decision making process (International Trade Administration)(Cultural Atlas).
Expect Significant Interest in You as a Person: Rather than consider a person as primarily part of a company, they view people as individuals first. Because of this they may ask questions as to your personal life and family to try and understand more of who you are as a person and if they can trust you (Cultural Atlas).
Present your Business Card Following Introductions: Introductions are important and should not be rushed. Following introductions people will generally present their business cards. Take the time to read the cards, paying attention to details, and then place the card on the table in front of you. The card is presented either with both hands or with the right hand with the left hand supporting the right wrist, facing so the recipient can read the print. The card is received with both hands or the right hand (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Understand that Business Processes and Negotiations May Take Some Time: Indonesians may conduct business at a much slower pace than many Westerners are accustomed to. This can likely be attributed to their desire to make strong, trusting connections with their business partners before moving forward in deciding to work with them. They also tend to prefer encouraging the idea of harmony and enjoyment within the workplace over productivity and profit (Cultural Atlas).
Expect Significant Opportunities to Share Your Opinion: It is common for Indonesians to allow the people they are negotiating with to speak first because they want to be able to better present their own proposal to include what their counterpart wants. Because of this tendency, their indirect communication style and dislike for conflict it may be hard to gauge their true opinion (Cultural Atlas).
Understand that Decisions are Made as a Group: In accordance with their value for harmony, large decisions are made through group consensus. However, it should be noted that leadership is still generally paternally based and the eldest individual usually leads the discussion (Cultural Atlas).
Consider the Apparent Hygiene and Safety of the Food Before Eating: Major hotels are generally considered reliable, however caution is advised elsewhere for a foreigner to avoid getting sick (International Trade Administration).
When Eating, Try and Keep Your Hands Above the Table: This habit is considered good table manners (Cultural Atlas).
Be Aware that It Is Likely the Host Will Serve You: Food is generally placed in the center of the table to be easily reached by everyone, but the first portion of food is commonly served by the host. Additional helpings are more often self-served (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from goindonesiatours.com
General Information:
If Possible, Learn Some of the Language or Get a Translator: The national language is Bahasa Indonesia. Although there is often someone around who speaks some degree of English, it is best to have some way of translation because this is not guaranteed, including in business contexts (International Trade Administration).
Carry an Umbrella During Rainy Season: This takes place from September – February (UT Dallas).
Be Aware of the Importance of Family: Indonesians hold a high regard for the family’s image or “face”, and the actions of the individual family member reflect back on the family as a whole. It is, therefore, expected that people act in the best interest of their family and their family’s honor before their own interests. Although this can put significant pressure on individuals, their efforts are returned through the support they can expect to get from their family (Cultural Atlas).
Receive Gifts with Either Both Hands or Only the Right Hand: (Cultural Atlas)
Always Treat Elders with Respect: Within the home and in many other facets of Indonesian Society, the social hierarchy is largely contributed to by age, with elder males towards the top. The opinions of elders should always be asked and considered (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from blogspot.com
Gender Considerations:
If a Woman, Wear Long Sleeves, and Skirts to Below the Knee:In general, women should dress relatively conservatively. If working in an office, women should wear hosiery with a suit, and women should only wear muted or dark colors. Women should also always cover their upper arms, even when dressing casually (UT Dallas).
If a Man, Follow the Lead of Those Around You for How to Dress for the Occasion:It is common to wear long dark pants, with a long sleeved, light colored shirt. But follow the example of others with formality, and if it says “lounge suit” as the dress code, be aware this will require a business suit to be worn (UT Dallas).
Be Aware that Men Do Not Offer Women Handshakes: However, if a woman initiates a handshake, the man should return the gesture (UT Dallas).
Be Aware of the Presence of Gender Roles: Indonesia is primarily a patriarchal society, and the eldest male in the household is generally considered the patriarch of the home, with the women attending to household duties and chores. Women in Indonesia do have more personal rights than some other Islamic societies, however, it is still common for wives to consider their personal success a result of their husband’s permission and support (Cultural Atlas).
Image taken from img.traveltriangle.com
Don’ts:
Greetings and Conversation:
Do not Use Your Index Finger to Gesture Someone Over to You:Crooking your finger and using it to gesture someone over is actually seen as a vulgar gesture and should be avoided (UT Dallas).
When Talking with Someone, Don’t Put Your Hands in Your Pockets: This posture is seen as rude. Placing the hands on the hips is also generally viewed as a sign of anger and should also be avoided, particularly because public displays of anger are so frowned upon (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Never Raise Your Voice In Public: Regardless of the emotion, this behavior should be avoided. Expressing anger in public is always inappropriate and other dramatic shows of emotion are also frowned upon (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Call Someone Older than You by Their First Name: Instead they are called by “Bapek”, “Ibu”, or “Kakak”, which mean Mr., Mrs., or elder, respectively (Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Discussing Overly Personal Matters: Until you know someone well, it is best to keep details about your private life to yourself (Cultural Atlas).
Never Blatantly Point out Someone’s Shortcomings or Mistakes: Criticism is taken very harshly, so it is best to go about gently broaching the subject through indirect communication, and it is better to do this in private to help the recipient save face (Cultural Atlas).
Conversation Topics to Avoid Include: Discussion about the government and military and potential corruption. You should also not joke at the expense of others or about another’s mistakes (Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Try and Fill Silence during Conversation Unnecessarily: Indonesians tend to prefer not to use unnecessary words, and instead prefer to speak concisely and think through what they are saying. Silence is an indication of this intentional thinking and can show respect and politeness towards the listener (Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Looking at Those of Higher Social Rank than You in the Eye: When speaking with people older than you or of a higher hierarchal standing, you should avert your eyes as a sign of respect. Even when speaking with peers, direct eye contact is broken frequently to avoid awkwardness they may feel (Cultural Atlas).
Social and Home Visits:
Don’t Bring a Dog to a Social Setting or Home Visit: Dogs are generally viewed as dirty and not liked as pets. If you happen to have your pet with you, be aware that their reception will likely not be a welcoming one, so it is better to leave them somewhere safe (Cultural Atlas).
Business Etiquette:
Never Write on a Business Card: Indonesians consider how one treats someone’s business card as a demonstration of how respectful they will be towards the individual or company, so writing on a card is frowned upon. It is also advised that you should never carry your own business cards, or place someone else’s cards in your back pocket as this is considered rude (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
When Working with Chinese Indonesians, Never Use Red Ink: Whether for writing or printing this should be avoided (UT Dallas).
Avoid Rushing Business Processes: It may take several meetings before the business at hand is even discussed seriously. Do not get frustrated, though, because developing a positive relationship is necessary before successfully conducting business and showing frustration may come across as being overly aggressive (Cultural Atlas).
Don’t Use Aggressive Business Tactics: This extends both to communication volume and wording as well as into negotiation. Most things are seen as negotiable, but if an Indonesian’s initial offer is too steep, gradual adjustments might need to be made throughout the meeting instead of relying on high-pressure bargaining strategies intending to get an immediate response (Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Show Much Emotion or Allow Feelings to Affect Business Discussions: However, it is good to still be personable and compassionate with those you interact with (Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Interrupt: Indonesians will give plenty of opportunity for input, but if you interrupt them they may be even more unlikely to share their true opinion on a matter which can make negotiation and communication difficult. They are also unlikely to tell you if they do not understand something to save face (Cultural Atlas).
Dining:
Do Not Eat Until Given Approval: It is best to wait until the host/hostess indicates that it is acceptable to begin eating (Cultural Atlas).
Don’t Use Tap Water for Drinking or Cooking:Bottled water is a safer alternative for foreigners to avoid getting sick and is widely available (International Trade Administration).
Don’t Leave Uneaten Food on Your Plate: It is considered rude to leave uneaten food, so you should eat all the food you are served. However, having an empty plate can imply to your host that you would like more food. Simply try to be aware of these situational interpretations (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Conversing Over Dinner: Conversation is reserved for before or after dinner, but not during the meal (UT Dallas).
Don’t Leave Your Chair or the Table Until Everyone Has Finished Eating:(Cultural Atlas)
General Information:
Never Wear Shorts: Both men and women should never wear shorts in public (UT Dallas).
Don’t Show the Soles of Your Shoes/Feet When Seated: Feet are considered very dirty, so this behavior is generally interpreted as rude or offensive. Feet should also not be used to move things or placed on furniture (International Trade Administration)(Cultural Atlas).
Don’t Try and Visit with Less than 6 Months Validity Left on Your Passport: Indonesian authorities will commonly deny entry to foreigners who have less than 6 months left on their passports before expiring. It is also necessary to be able to present your ticket proving when you are leaving the country (International Trade Administration).
Avoid Bringing in Medicine Without Checking Its Legality First: Many medicines common to the United States, such as sleeping pills and other prescription medication, are illegal in Indonesia. You should check with the Indonesian Embassy before departure to ensure your medicine’s legality (International Trade Administration).
Never Touch Another Person’s Head: For Indonesians, the head is considered pure and somewhat sacred to the individual. Even for touching a child’s head, this is not acceptable. Out of respect, Indonesians may duck their head beneath someone’s head of higher status when passing them (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Give Gifts with Images of Dogs:Dogs are considered unclean, so avoid gifts with pictures of them (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Open Gifts Immediately Upon Receival: One should avoid opening gifts right after they are given. This shows gratitude instead of appearing greedy (UT Dallas)(Cultural Atlas).
Don’t Expect Punctuality: Indonesians have a more relaxed approach towards time keeping, so when attending appointments, do not be surprised if they might be an hour or two late (Cultural Atlas).
Avoid Giving Gifts that Violate Islamic Values: This includes any sort of food that includes pork, alcohol, and leather products. One should also be aware of the prevalence of Chinese Indonesians and their gift giving habits to avoid causing offense (See “China” cultural profile for more information.) (Cultural Atlas).
Do Not Use the Left Hand for Anything But Cleaning: The left hand is often viewed as unclean and it is for this reason that all other activities primarily take place with the right or both hands, and never only the left hand (Cultural Atlas).
Gender Considerations:
Do Not be Surprised if You Encounter Polygamy: According to Islamic law, a man can have up to four wives, so this practice is legally permitted in Indonesia, although it is uncommon. Also, do not be alarmed by arranged marriages, particularly for women since this is still a very common practice (Cultural Atlas).
