Indonesian Etiquette

Indonesia is an archipelagic state located in South East Asia. Primarily an Islamic society, Indonesia also has a considerable population of those that follow the Hindu faith, as well as around 300 diverse ethnic groups. There is also a sizeable Chinese-Indonesian population, in which case Chinese customs and etiquette tends to be the norm. But generally, the social customs followed in Indonesia can be decidedly different to those of the Western world.

Greeting and Meeting

‘Salam’ is also standard greeting between Muslims, and it would perhaps be considered polite to follow this form salutation. Generally in Salam, the equivalent of the handshake is to proffer both hand and gently touch your counterpart’s extended hands. Before finally bringing one’s hand back to the chest to demonstrate that you welcome from the heart. The greeted party will then reciprocate this gesture. Remember that is good manners to always make sure that you acknowledge and greet the most senior person present first. It is also polite to formally greet a person with the phrase ‘Selamat’ – this literally translates as ‘peace’ and should never be used flippantly

Body Language

Both the Muslim and Hindu faiths somewhat abhor the use of the left hand. It is considered as ‘unclean’, so when shaking hands, offering a gift, eating or generally touching another person, it is considered proper etiquette to always use your right hand. You should also never touch the head of another adult, as it is commonly believed that the soul inhabits the head, and the head is therefore sacred.

Table Manner

- Use your Right hand, beside your left one to shake hands, to give or receive  

something from others, use the left hand is impolite. But if your right hand is busy, or another condition, so you can say sorry or maaf (in indonesian) before

- If you are talking to somebody older so avoid to see straight to their eyes, its also impolite

- Do not take a piss on the street or in front of tree, its not good, try to hide your body 

Religious Places

Masjid or mosque is a house of worship of Muslims. Mosque means place of prostration, and a small mosque is also called ‘Musola’, Langgar’, ‘Surau’. Apart from places of worship mosques is also the center of the Muslim community. Activities - a big celebration activities, discussions, religious studies, lectures and study the Koran is often carried out in the mosque. Even in the history of Islam, the mosque also plays a part in social activities to military.

Photos by: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3 and Photo 4