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Home » Asia » What are the do’s and don’ts in Indonesia?

What are the do’s and don’ts in Indonesia?

December 14, 2021 by Bo Lang

Treat older Indonesians with respect. Always give substantial recognition of their opinion. Try and take an unassuming attitude and be discreet about your private life with those you do not know well. Respect an Indonesian’s modesty and keep a distance from those of the opposite gender unless you know them well.

Contents

What shouldn’t you do in Indonesia?

11 Things You Should Never, Ever Do in Indonesia

  • Never joke about race, religion, and ethnicity.
  • Never underestimate how spicy a meal can be.
  • Do not drink alcohol or play card games in public places.
  • Do not drink tap water.
  • Don’t do drugs.
  • Don’t forget to say thank you.
  • Don’t disrupt the wildlife.
  • Don’t ignore local customs.

How do you show respect in Indonesia?

Indonesians never show the soles of their feet, or allow their feet to point towards another person. It is also a sign of respect when sitting to keep both your feet on the floor and adopt a straight posture. As with many Asian cultures, the left hand is considered unclean.

How do you address a woman in Indonesia?

Indonesians normally address a lady as Ibu and a man as Pak or Bapak. It doesn’t mean you look old. It is not uncommon for a lady in her 20s to be called Ibu especially if she has some social standing. Kamu means ‘you’.

Which part of someone else’s body should you never touch in Indonesia?

The left hand is considered unclean. Do not touch food, pass or receive anything, touch anyone or point with your left hand. Approval is sometimes shown with a pat on the shoulder, but American-style backslapping is considered offensive.

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How do you insult in Indonesia?

But the list as a whole isn’t actually too long. The most common insult in Indonesian might surprise you. Anjing! “Dog!”
As you can see, these normally wouldn’t be used in complete sentences.

  1. Gila kau! “You’re crazy!”
  2. Sialan! “You’re trash!”
  3. Bodoh sekali! “So stupid!”
  4. Kurang ajar! “You’re losing it!”

What is considered rude in Indonesia?

So when shaking hands, offering a gift, handing or receiving something, eating, pointing or generally touching another person, it is considered proper etiquette to always use your right hand. Pointing toward someone with forefinger is considered rude.

How can I impress my parents in Indonesia?

A Guide to Meet Your Indonesian Date’s Parents

  1. Relax and enjoy the moment.
  2. Engage in the conversation.
  3. Cut the tension.
  4. Be there for your partner.
  5. Bring them a meeting gift.
  6. Take the bill.

Is Indonesia safe?

Indonesia is mostly a safe country to travel to, though it still has its dangers from natural disasters to terrorism and petty theft. Be very cautious on the streets of Indonesia and plan your trip carefully.

Why is green forbidden in Indonesia?

Other cultural color significances
As popular as green is, don’t use it if you plan on doing business with Indonesian people. That’s because in Indonesia, green is a forbidden color. In countries with dense jungles like those in South America, green represents death. But in the Middle East, green is the color of luck.

What do Indonesians call their mom?

This word is “mom” or “ibu” in Indonesian language. As said above, “mom” means “ibu” or “mama” or “bunda” in Indonesia. The word “ibu” usually used when we talk to some old women, while the word “mama” or “bunda” is used to call your biological mother.

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What do Indonesians call each other?

Indonesians usually address with ‘Bapak’ or ‘Ibu’ or ‘Saudara/i’. Sometimes it is followed with the person’s name. For example, Bapak Ahmad.

How can I be polite in Indonesia?

Basic rules of Indonesian etiquette

  • Never use your left hand for anything.
  • Remember to remove your shoes or sandals at the door to a house, and don’t show the soles of your feet to anyone.
  • Use your right thumb to point at things – pointing with the index finger is considered rude.

What does the middle finger mean in Indonesia?

Middle Finger
It’s considered very rude and even strange to actually get angry in public, so flipping someone the bird because of their driving is considered significantly more rude than in many Western countries.

Why is the left hand considered unclean in Indonesia?

Throughout Indonesian society the left hand is used for “toilet duties” and is therefore considered unclean. In Indonesia, it is rude and offensive to hand someone something with your left hand, especially food or drink, or to shake hands with your left hand.

How do you greet in Indonesian language?

Indonesian Greetings

  1. Good Morning: Selamat pagi (sounds like: “suh-lah-mat pah-gee”)
  2. Good Day: Selamat siang (sounds like: “suh-lah-mat see-ahng”)
  3. Good Afternoon: Selamat sore (sounds like: “suh-lah-mat sor-ee”)
  4. Good Evening: Selamat malam (sounds like: “suh-lah-mat mah-lahm”)

What is the meaning of Goblok?

volume_up. goblok {adj.} dumb. foolish. stupid.

Is Indonesia overpopulated?

Indonesia is still in the top 5 of the country with the largest population in the world.With a population growth rate of 3 million per year, Indonesia has been successfully become the overpopulated country. That is a fantastic number.

See also  Is Beijing more expensive than London?

Do people date in Indonesia?

It’s no secret that the millions of foreigners who visit Indonesia or retire to Bali fall in love with the country, but many also find love when dating Indonesians. While those in the throes of passionate love may think ‘love is all you need,’ the reality of partnering up with a local man or woman is much different.

What are families like in Indonesia?

Indonesian people are very family-oriented. Family holds the most important meaning for Indonesian culture. The relationship between each member of the family is close, although it’s rare to see family members showing their feelings and affection openly.

Do they speak English in Jakarta?

Jakarta also many speak English especially when they regularly have a lot of contact with westerners. In other places like Yogyakarta, Bandung and Sumatra, far less people speak English. Often you will find that the Indonesians of Chinese ethnicity speak much better English as they often go to Catholic schools.

Filed Under: Asia

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About Bo Lang

Bo Lang loves exploring the world. A self-proclaimed "adventurer," Bo has spent his life traveling to new and exciting places. He's climbed mountains, explored jungles, and sailed across the ocean. He's even eaten the beating heart of a king cobra!

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