Business and Social Etiquette 101: The Indonesian Culture

Doing business successfully in Indonesia means understanding the country's culture and taboos. Good etiquette and the willingness to adapt to another culture means that you can maintain great relationships and perhaps a great businessman (woman). As always, when you go to a foreign country, keep an open mind. Learn a few basic phrases in their language and do not be afraid to use them. The native would be happy that you are trying your best to learn about their culture.

Indonesian Etiquette:

Greeting someone involves shaking their hands, a gentle light palm-touching shake, and then bringing your hands to your heart. It is conventional to shake hands with everyone at the start of a meeting, but never initiate shaking hands with a Muslim woman, as she must extend her arm first.

The Indonesians are polite people and are concerned (much like the Chinese) with "Saving Face." Saving face means stopping anything that may particularly be embarrassing to oneself or one's family. For example, one would avoid confrontation with a government official. If a cop stops you for speeding, one would follow the rules and accept the ticket and not make a spectacle at the scene.

Like almost all Asian countries, one should take off his or her shoes before entering the house. Never show the bottom of your feet, as it is considered rude.

When sitting or standing avoid crossing your arms or putting them on your hips. This implies that one is hostile or angry.

The left hand should not be used. Eating, passing food or anything else should only be done with the right hand. Even if you are left-handed, try to use your right hand when eating, because when you are sitting at a table everyone would be using his or her right hand and you don't want to elbow the person sitting to your right, as you would be the only one using the left hand.