PTR3113/CHAPTER 4 YY/AT101

Chapter 4.3 : Indonesia ; Guide To Indonesia - Etiquette,

Customs, Culture & Business

Geography
 
Indonesia is a beautiful country and a unique destination, famous for its enchanting
islands, ancient temples and gracious people. It is a vast archipelago, consisting of
17,500 islands situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in South East
Asia.
 
Population
 
With an estimated population of over 253 million, Indonesia is highly diverse, comprised
of over 300 different ethnic groups. As the fourth most populous country in the world, it
is a nation of contrasts and rich cultures, with influences deriving from a mix of Chinese,
European, Indian and Malaysian. For travellers, it is an adventure, for expatriates and
international financiers; it is a country boasting one of the fastest growing economies in
the world and an opportunity to live in a remarkable part of the planet.
 
Jakarta
 
The capital, Jakarta is a sprawling megalopolis and home to an estimated 10 million
people. Most travellers view Jakarta as a gateway to the islands, an overlooked and
unavoidable stopover. However, for a large community of expatriates, it is the business,
political and cultural heart of Indonesia, a global city and home. Love it or hate it, but
explore Jakarta more and it is a city break you´ll always remember.
 
Bahasa Indonesian & Other Languages
 
Indonesian, or ´Bahasa Indonesian´, a standardised dialect of Malay, is the statutory
national language of the country, formalised during the declaration of independence
from the Netherlands in 1945. Although recognised as the only official language of the
nation, used in commerce, formal education and the media, most Indonesians are
bilingual. Most will speak a regional dialect as their mother tongue, such as Javanese,
Sundanese or Madurese. There are more than 700 indigenous languages spoken
across the archipelago, making the country one of the largest multilingual populations in
the world.
 
English & Learning Bahasa Indonesian
 
English is spoken quite widely in Indonesia but much less outside the major cities and
tourist spots. As an expatriate, traveller or business owner you may want to consider

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lessons in Bahasa Indonesian, which are readily available in Jakarta and the islands.
However, be aware that business with foreigners is often conducted in English.
 
Religion
 
Religion plays a significant part in the daily lives of many Indonesians, with over 80% of
the population Muslim, followed by smaller minorities of Protestants, Roman Catholics,
Hindus and Buddhists. The Indonesian government only recognises these six religions,
although according to data reports there are 254 non-official religions practised in the
country.

 
Indonesian Unity, Loyalty & Honour
 
Due to the incredible diversity of the country, the government has worked hard to
establish a strong sense of cohesion throughout the archipelago, hence the motto ‘Unity
in Diversity´. Along with this strong unity and conformity to society´s rules, honour and
respect for the individual form the basis of Indonesian culture. Indonesians value loyalty
to friends and family above everything. The nation as a whole is viewed by its people as
an extended family, with the President, school teachers and business leaders referred
to as, ´fathers´ by society.
 

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‘Loss of Face’
 
In Indonesia, it is important to understand the cultural concept of ´loss of face´, which is
about avoiding the cause of shame, ´malu´, creating social embarrassment – to others
and yourself. Never mock or insult anyone and shortcomings should be addressed
privately. Likewise, blame should never be discussed publicly. Another manifestation of
a desire to avoid ´loss of face´ is that Indonesians can communicate very indirectly,
which means they do not always mean what they say. Indonesians have more than ten
ways to say ´no´ and even more ways of saying ´yes´ whilst meaning no.
 
Cultural Dos and Don’ts
 
Indonesia is an open, friendly and peaceful country. Nevertheless, good cultural
awareness will ease the culture shock and assure you avoid any unnecessary faux pas
in daily life and business. Indonesians are taught from a very young age to remain calm
in public, avoid disagreements, speak quietly with consideration and not get angered by
little things. You should do the same. Adopt a humble demeanour, practice patience
and remember to smile!
 
Greetings
 
 Greet an Indonesian with “Selamat” (sell-a-mat), which means peace. This should be said slowly
and with sincerity.Initial greetings will involve a slow handshake (always with the right hand)
accompanied by a slight nod of the head or bow.
 Only shake an Indonesian woman´s hand if she initiates the greeting.
 Hierarchical relationships are very important to Indonesians, as is respect for age, status and
power. In group introductions, always greet the eldest or most senior person first.
 Do not back slap an Indonesian, or touch their head, as this is very disrespectful.
 An Indonesian may show their approval with a pat on the shoulder.
 Avoid extended eye contact as this can be interpreted as a sign of hostility and never chew gum
or yawn.
 Displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon. However,
affection between members of the same sex is common.
 
Visiting an Indonesian’s Home
 
Indonesians are known for their generosity, and it is an honour to be invited into their
home. Try to accept all the offered hospitality, as a rejection may be taken personally.
On arriving at your host´s home, always remove your shoes at the door, and it is also
respectful to bring a small gift. 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. Do not touch food, pass or
receive anything, touch anyone, or point with your left hand.
 The host and hostess are invariably the last to sit and eat. Men are usually served first.

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 The guest of honour or senior person begins the meal; this is an honour. If you are called to
start the meal, you should refuse twice and then start.
 Do not refuse food or drink, but never finish it completely and compliments about the meal
are always welcome.
 
Corporate Culture
 
Understanding the nuances of Indonesian culture and customs is essential for healthy
business relationships and ultimately the success of your company. Try to adopt and
adapt to the culture in both manner and speech; speak quietly, avoid conflict or
pressure and remember disputes can always be dissipated with a smile!
 
By Western standards, business dealings can be slow and very frustrating.
Relationships in Indonesia must be allowed to grow over time, and numerous visits are
often necessary to complete business transactions. Personal visits, as opposed to
emails and telephone calls, are always appreciated. Indonesians are not rash decision
makers, as this is perceived as not giving the subject adequate thought.
 
The First Meeting
 
´Jam Karet´ or ´rubber time´ best describes the Indonesian attitude towards time.
Matters are approached slowly, the philosophy implying that everything has its time and
place. Time does not bring money – good relationships and harmony do. Dress is also
critical, and men should wear a suit and jacket while women should observe and
respect Muslim rules of modesty.
 
 Westerners are expected to be punctual for business meetings, although it is common for
Indonesians to arrive late.
 Arriving at the location of your meeting, present your business card to the receptionist;
otherwise, you may experience delays.
 It is normal for Indonesians to enter the conference room according to rank. Although you will
not be expected to do the same, behaving as such will present a good impression.
 Exchange business cards when being introduced. Present and receive the card slowly and
with interest.
 Indonesians want very much to please you. Sometimes an untruthful answer is given, so as
not to disappoint anyone.
 
Dining & Entertainment
 
Social events usually start late in Indonesia and expect the Indonesians to arrive thirty
minutes later than the given time. As a predominantly Muslim country, most of the
population does not consume alcohol or pork, and in certain restaurants, fingers are
used for eating. Again, always remember to eat with your right hand, keeping your
hands above the table. As a Westerner, you should avoid talking about business at the
dinner table unless the subject is raised by your host.
 

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It is also the normal protocol for the person who extends the invitation to pay the
restaurant bill.

Business Opportunities
 
Indonesia is the 16th largest economy in the world and projected to be the seventh
biggest economy by 2030. Business in Indonesia can be challenging, and investors
should be prepared to exercise tolerance and a willingness to wait for financial returns.
Nevertheless, business gains can be considerable.
 
The country has a burgeoning and increasingly cash-rich middle class, hungry for
international brands, opening up promising opportunities for international brands to
establish themselves in the market. Opportunities exist across the consumer and retail
sectors, creative industries, engineering, education, renewable energy, finance,
infrastructure, transport and within Indonesia´s abundant natural resources.
 
Indonesia is the world´s biggest producer and exporter of unrefined palm oil and the
second largest producer of coal, cocoa and tin. The country has a wealth of other
natural resources including nickel, gold, coffee and forestry and marine sources.
 
There are several ways to operate a business in Indonesia including setting up a joint
venture company, establishing a representative office and appointing an agent,
distributor or importer.
 

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Foreign and domestic investments are regulated by the Investment Coordinating Board
(BKPM). BKPM manages Company Law and Foreign Investment Law. Investors must
apply for approval from BKPM. BKPM does not assign licenses for investments in
banking, financial institutions, insurance, and oil and gas. These are awarded by the
industry-specific regulating bodies.
 
Relocation & Expat Advice
 
Moving to another country can often be overwhelming, with an incredible number of
details requiring your time and attention. This is often accompanied by lengthy and
confusing bureaucratic processes. However, help is available from specialist relocation
companies, offering tailor-made services, to assess the individual or family’s needs,
helping them to adapt, settle in and enjoy their new home and surroundings.
 
Many companies offer complimentary pre-visit consultations, paid on-arrival orientation
tours and face-to-face support, covering all the daily essentials of living in Indonesia;
accommodation, immigration, working visas, schooling advice, shopping, recreation,
healthcare, transportation, health and safety, banking, cultural adaptation and language.
 
Expatriates in Indonesia can also find a wealth of online support covering all aspects of
life in Indonesia and, of course, on the ground counsel and support from a broad and
lively expatriate community.