Indonesia

Name of the Country

The name Indonesia derives from the Greek name of the Indos (Ἰνδός)and the word nesos (νῆσος),
meaning "Indian islands”. The name dates to the 18th century, far predating the formation of independent
Indonesia. In 1850, George Windsor Earl, an English ethnologist, proposed the terms Indunesians—and,
his preference, Malayunesians—for the inhabitants of the "Indian Archipelago or Malayan Archipelago". In
the same publication, one of his students, James Richardson Logan, used Indonesia as a synonym
for Indian Archipelago. However, Dutch academics writing in East Indies publications were reluctant to
use Indonesia; they preferred Malay Archipelago (Maleische Archipel); the Netherlands East
Indies (Nederlandsch Oost Indië), popularly Indië; the East (de Oost); and Insulinde.
After 1900, Indonesia became more common in academic circles outside the Netherlands, and native
nationalist groups adopted it for political expression. Adolf Bastian, of the University of Berlin, popularised
the name through his book Indonesien oder die Inseln des Malayischen Archipels, 1884–1894. The first
native scholar to use the name was Ki Hajar Dewantara, when in 1913 he established a press bureau in the
Netherlands, Indonesisch Pers-bureau.
Other names of Indonesia include Yavadvipa, Suvarnadvipa, Iabadiu, Jawi, Nanyang, East Indies,
Insulindia

Geographical information
Strategically positioned between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Indonesia is an archipelagic nation
containing over 18,000 islands. Of those, the larger islands of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (which comprises
two-thirds of the island of Borneo), Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya are quite mountainous, with some peaks
reaching 12,000 ft. Indonesia has 33 provinces (including 2 Special Territories of Nanggroe Aceh
Darussalam and Yogyakarta) and one Special Capital Region of Jakarta (DKI). East Timor was once part of
Indonesia, but then through a referendum in 1999, East Timor became the Democratic Republic of Timor
Leste. It has a total land area of 1,904,569 square km.

The highest elevations (over 16,000 ft) are found on Irian Jaya in the east, with the highest point being
Puncak Jaya at 16,502 ft. (5,030 m). Located along the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has about 400 volcanoes
within its borders, with at least 90 still active in some way.The most active volcanoes are Kelut (which has
erupted more than 30 times since 1000 AD) and Merapi (which has erupted more than 80 times since 1000
AD) on Java island. Due to its location between numerous tectonic plates, including two continental plates:
the Eurasian Plate (Sunda Shelf) and the Australian Plate (Sahul Shelf); and two oceanic plates: the
Philippine Sea Plate and Pacific Plate; natural disasters are common in Indonesia. In addition to the
mountainous landscape, much of the islands are covered in thick tropical rainforests that give way to
coastal plains. Significant rivers of Indonesia include the Barito, Digul, Hari, Kampar, Kapuas, Kayan and
Musi; as well, there are also scattered inland lakes which are relatively small in size.
Demographical Information
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country on earth after China, India, and the United States. It has a
Population of 267,742,080. About 56.7% of Indonesia's population lives on Java, the most populous island.
The popualtion density of Indonesia is currently at 140.08 individuals per square kilometer.

Indonesia has more than 300 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups, although the largest and most dominant
in terms of politics are the Javanese at over 40% of the population. Most Indonesians are descended from
Austronesian-speaking people. Another major ethnic group are Melanesians who live on the eastern part of
the country. Other major ethnic groups include: Sundanese (15.5%), Malay (2.27%), Madurese (3.03%),
Batak (3.58%), Minankabau (2.73%), Betawi (2.88%), Bantenese (1.97%), Banjarese (1.74%), Balinese
(1.67%), and Makasserese (1.13%)..

Chinese Indonesians account for about 3% of the population but they are influential, controlling most of the
country's wealth and commerce.

Indonesia Quality of Life

The median age of the population in Indonesia is approximately 30.2 years of age, 42.4% of the population
between 25 and 54 years of age. The 0-14 age group is currently just over 25%, strengthening the number
of youths that will come into the workforce as the current workers move past working age.

In terms of accessibility to clean water and sanitation facilities, approximately 87.4% have improved access
to clean drinking water while 12.6% still struggle. Only 60.8% have improved access to sanitation while
39.2% still have unimproved accessibility to sanitation services. However, Indonesia maintains a fairly high
literacy rate of 95.4% among the entire population with males having a slight advantage of roughly 4% over
females.

According to the 2010 official population data, Indonesia has 11 cities with a population over 1 million,
although estimates from 2014 show that there are now 14 cities that have populations that exceed 1
million. The 10 largest cities in Indonesia, with populations as of 2014, are:

 Jakarta (Jakarta Province): 10.135 million

 Surabaya (East Java): 2.843 million
 Bandung (West Java): 2.575 million
 Medan (North Sumatra): 2.497 million
 Bekasi(West Java): 2.51 million
 Semerang (Central Java): 2.067 million
 Tangerang (Banten): 2.001 million
 Depok (West Java): 1.869 million
 Palembang (South Sumatra): 1.561 million
 South Tanerand (Banten): 1.436 million
Jakarta isn't just the most populous city in Indonesia; it's also the most populous in Southeast Asia and the
14th most populated city on earth. The official metropolitan area, known as Jabodetabek, is the third largest
in the world, and the metropolis's suburbs extend even further. The entire area has a population of over 30
million, which makes it one of the largest conurbations on earth. It's also one of the fastest-growing cities on
earth, growing faster than Beijing and Bangkok, with a population density in the city proper of 15,342
people per square kilometer (39,740/square mile).

Another interesting statistic involves the ages of the Indonesian population and although these figures date
from the previous national census of 2000, they still tell an interesting story. Of the total 2000 population,
27.3% were aged between 0 and 14 years, 66.5% between 15 and 64, while just 6.1% of the population of
Indonesia were aged over 65.

Birth rate was healthy compared to the death rate too and based on a 2012 estimate, it’s believed that
there are 17.76 births per 1,000 people compared to just 6.28 deaths. Add in a loss of 1.08 people to net
migration and you have a total annual growth rate of 1.04%.

That final figure of 1.04% may not seem like a lot but on a population of over 250 million, it leads to some
significant increases. As the Jakarta Post reported in 2013, Indonesia's population has doubled within just
40 years from 119 million in 1971 to almost 240 million in 2010, based on figures from the Central Statistics
Agency. In another 40 years, the country's population is expected to climb much higher.

According to the Jakarta Post author, the high Muslim population in Indonesia is leading to a very high birth
rate, which cannot be sustained. The article points out that Jakarta, Indonesia's largest city, is in a naturally
flood-prone area, and the depth and extend of floods only increases as the population density increases.

Unfortunately, Indonesia's attempts at family planning education and population control have not been very
successful, and it's hard to say how sustainable the country's growth will be.

Government and Politics

Indonesian government is in the form of a presidential, representative, democratic republic.

Executive power is exercised by the President, as head of the state, and the Cabinet, as the executive’s
main organ. Legislative power is vested in both the government (executive) – this gives the colloquial
meaning that the Executive and the Legislative is nearly one and the same, and the People’s Consultative
Assembly – bicameral, consists of the Regional Representative Council and the People’s Representative
Council. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature and is mainly lead by the
Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.

Liberal democracy era

After the declaration of Indonesian Independence, the Federal United States of Indonesia was
created; only to be dissolved less than a year after its establishment. Such a government system ended
upon the declaration of martial law by then President Sukarno. Such downfall marked the start of the
Liberal Democracy Era (August 17, 1950).
Consequently, Sukarno issued a decree regarding the introduction of Guided Democracy on July 5,
1957. It saw a number of important events, including the 1955 Bandung Conference, Indonesia's
first general and Constitutional Assembly elections, and an extended period of political instability, with no
cabinet lasting as long as two years.

Guided Democracy era

Guided Democracy was the political system in place in Indonesia from 1957 until 1966. It was a
transitory government that was aimed to bring about political stability after the downfall of the federal
government, a government system that Sukarno felt was better suited for Western countries than in
Indonesia. Instead, he sought a system based on the traditional village system of discussion and
consensus, which occurred under the guidance of village elders.

Transition to the New Order

The beginning of the New Order in 1966 ousted the country's first president, Sukarno, after 22
years in the position.
Described as the great dhalang ("puppet master"), Sukarno drew power from balancing the
opposing and increasingly antagonistic forces of the army and Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). By
1965, the PKI extensively penetrated all levels of government and gained influence at the expense of the
army.
On 30 September 1965, six of the military's most senior officers were killed in an action (generally labelled
an "attempted coup") by the so-called 30 September Movement, a group from within the armed forces.
Within a few hours, Major General Suharto mobilised forces under his command and took control of
Jakarta. Anti-communists, initially following the army's lead, went on a violent purge of communists
throughout the country, killing an estimated half million people and destroying the PKI, which was officially
blamed for the crisis.
The politically weakened Sukarno was forced to transfer key political and military powers to
General Suharto, who had become head of the armed forces. In March 1967, the Indonesian parliament
(MPRS) named General Suharto acting president. He was formally appointed president one year later.
Sukarno lived under virtual house arrest until his death in 1970. In contrast to the stormy nationalism,
revolutionary rhetoric, and economic failure that characterised the early 1960s under the left-leaning
Sukarno, Suharto's pro-Western "New Order" stabilized the economy but continued the policies
of Pancasila.

New order era

The New Order is the term coined by the second Indonesian President Suharto to characterize his
regime as he came to power in 1966. Suharto used this term to contrast his rule with that of his
predecessor, Sukarno (dubbed the "Old Order," or Orde Lama). The term "New Order" in more recent times
has become synonymous with the Suharto years (1966–1998).
Immediately following the attempted coup in 1965, the political situation was uncertain, but the Suharto's
New Order found much popular support from groups wanting a separation from Indonesia's problems since
its independence. The 'generation of 66' (Angkatan 66) epitomised talk of a new group of young leaders
and new intellectual thought. Following Indonesia's communal and political conflicts, and its economic
collapse and social breakdown of the late 1950s through to the mid-1960s, the "New Order" was committed
to achieving and maintaining political order, economic development, and the removal of mass participation
in the political process. The features of the "New Order" established from the late 1960s were thus a strong
political role for the military, the bureaucratization and corporatization of political and societal organizations,
and selective but effective repression of opponents. Strident anti-communism remained a hallmark of the
regime for its subsequent 32 years.
Within a few years, however, many of its original allies had become indifferent or averse to the New Order,
which comprised a military faction supported by a narrow civilian group. Among much of the pro-democracy
movement which forced Suharto to resign in the 1998 Indonesian Revolution and then gained power, the
term "New Order" has come to be used pejoratively. It is frequently employed to describe figures who were
either tied to the Suharto period, or who upheld the practices of his authoritarian regime, such as
corruption, collusion and nepotism (widely known by the acronym KKN: korupsi, kolusi, nepotism).

Reform era (Post-Suharto Era)

The Post-Suharto era in Indonesia began with the fall of Suharto in 1998 during which Indonesia has been
in a period of transition, an era known in Indonesia as Reformasi. A more open and liberal political-social
environment ensued following the resignation of authoritarian President Suharto, ending the three decades
of the New Order period.
A constitutional reform process lasted from 1999 to 2002, with four constitutional amendments producing
important changes.

Among these are term limits of up to 2 five-year terms for the President and Vice-President, and
measures to institute checks and balances. The highest state institution is the People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR), whose functions previously included electing the president and vice-president (since
2004 the president has been elected directly by the people), establishing broad guidelines of state policy,
and amending the constitution. The 695-member MPR includes all 550 members of the People's
Representative Council (DPR) (the House of Representatives) plus 130 "regional representatives" elected
by the twenty-six provincial parliaments and sixty-five appointed members from societal groups.
The DPR, which is the premier legislative institution, originally included 462 members elected
through a mixed proportional/district representational system and thirty-eight appointed members of the
armed forces (TNI) and police (POLRI). TNI/POLRI representation in the DPR and MPR ended in 2004.
Societal group representation in the MPR was eliminated in 2004 through further constitutional change.
Having served as rubberstamp bodies in the past, the DPR and MPR have gained considerable
power and are increasingly assertive in oversight of the executive branch. Under constitutional changes in
2004, the MPR became a bicameral legislature, with the creation of the Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (DPD),
in which each province is represented by four members, although its legislative powers are more limited
than those of the DPR. Through his appointed cabinet, the president retains the authority to conduct the
administration of the government.
A general election in June 1999 produced the first freely elected national, provincial and regional
parliaments in over forty years. In October 1999 the MPR elected a compromise candidate, Abdurrahman
Wahid, as the country's fourth president, and Megawati Sukarnoputri — a daughter of Sukarno, the
country's first president — as the vice-president. Megawati's PDI-P party had won the largest share of the
vote (34%) in the general election, while Golkar, the dominant party during the Soeharto era, came in
second (22%). Several other, mostly Islamic parties won shares large enough to be seated in the DPR.
Further democratic elections took place in 2004 and 2009.

Material Culture
Tourist Attractions

Beaches of Bali
For many people, Bali is beaches. Arguably
Indonesia's most popular vacation spot, Bali
has a number of cultural landmarks and
traditions that make a visit here worthwhile.
But anyone who travels to Bali is going to
have warm sand and blue water on their mind,
and the island doesn't disappoint. Kuta is the
best known beach, and is great for those who
like to combine sun, surfing, and socializing.
Because of its popularity, you'll find no
shortage of restaurants and activities here. If
you're looking for something a little quieter and less crowded, Nusa Dua is still a beauty, but draws fewer
tourists. Sanur is the place to go for a little more culture as well as great water sports.
 Borobudur
This ancient temple is one of the most famous
and culturally significant landmarks in
Indonesia. Borobudur was built in the 8th
century and constructed in the shape of a
traditional Buddhist mandala. It is a UNESCO
World Heritage site, and is considered one of
the greatest Buddhist sites in the world. The
massive temple was forgotten for centuries,
when it is believed that much of the
population moved to eastern Java due to
volcanic eruptions. But it was rediscovered in
the 1800s and, today, is one of the main draws in Java. Visit at sunrise for a torch-light climb up the temple
and for the breathtaking experience of watching as the complex is bathed in sunlight. Borobudur lies
near Yogyakarta, an old Javanese city known for its rich cultural and historical offerings.

Orangutans of Borneo
No trip to Indonesia would be complete
without seeing some orangutans, and
Borneo is a great place to visit these
beautiful and endangered creatures.
Though orangutans still live in the wild,
several sanctuaries rescue and protect
orangutans as land development infringes
on their natural habitat. Tanjung Puting
National Park in Kalimantan, Borneo, is
home to the largest orangutan population
in the world, as well as other primates,
birds, and reptiles. If you don't make it to Borneo, you can also see orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan
Centre in Bukit Lawang, a tourism village in the Sumatran jungle.

Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a major draw
in Lombok, which has risen in popularity
among backpackers and tourists in
recent years. These picturesque islands
offer beaches that rival those of Bali in
their beauty, as well as opportunities for
diving and even snorkeling at a turtle
sanctuary. If you're looking for more
turtle action, you can check out a turtle hatchery where hundreds of these creatures are born each year.
Kayaking is also popular in the Gilis, and if you're seeking a place to reconnect with your mind and body,
you will find several options for yoga classes. The Gili Islands provide a more relaxed, though still
stimulating, alternative to popular Bali.

Komodo National Park

Who hasn't dreamed of seeing a dragon at
least once in their life? The komodos of
Indonesia are no mythical creatures,
however they are fierce and deadly animals.
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage site, encompasses five main
islands and a number of smaller ones, as
well as the surrounding marine areas. The
waters off these islands are some of the
richest and most diverse in the world. The
komodo dragons are the stars of the show on any visit to the park, but visitors can also hike, snorkel, go
canoeing, or visit small villages on the islands. Visitors must arrive by boat, and there is an entrance fee
plus additional costs for transportation, guide services, and other activities.

Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, and it's
here you'll find the Sacred Monkey Forest,
a serene space where you can feel the
ancient majesty of the island. At this Hindu
temple, you'll see many long-tailed
macaques, a species of monkey commonly
seen throughout Southeast Asia. The
temple also makes an interesting visit
because Balinese Hinduism combines
aspects of several different religions,
making it unique among other types of
Hinduism practiced today. The forest is near Padangtegal, a small village that has drawn artists of all
varieties for many years, and the temple, artistry, and stunning natural backdrop make a trip to the forest
and village a must-do in Bali.
 Mount Bromo
Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, an area
with some of the most active volcanoes in the
world. Many of the country's volcanoes, such
as Mount Merapi, are famous for their violent
eruptions and their stunning, but dangerous
beauty. Mount Bromo is among the best
known, thanks largely to its incredible views,
particularly when seen standing over the
caldera at sunrise. Bromo's peak was blown
off in an eruption, and you can still see white smoke spewing from the mountain. The volcano is part
of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which also includes Mount Semeru, the highest peak in Java.
The park is home to the Tengger people, an isolated ethnic group who trace their ancestry back to the
ancient Majapahit empire.

Tana Toraja
A visit to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi
Province will not only feel like you've
stepped far back in time, but also offers a
look at the richness and diversity of
Indonesia's long-standing cultures. The
architectural style of Tongkonan, boat-
shaped houses and other buildings, are
immediate standouts, but the people are
what make this piece of natural paradise so
special. They are, by many accounts, the
friendliest and most welcoming people you
could hope to meet while traveling. The Toraja approach to death is one of reverence and celebration.
Funerals are elaborate ceremonies involving plenty of food and traditional dance, and the dead are buried
in graves built into surrounding caves. Travelers to the area can visit villages and connect with locals, or
trek in the notoriously lush and pristine countryside.

Kalimantan, Borneo
Few places suggest wild, untamed
adventure like Borneo. One of the most
ecologically diverse places on earth,
Borneo is home to orangutans, exotic
birds, Sumatran rhinos, pygmy elephants,
and an array of other creatures. In
Kalimantan, in Indonesian Borneo, you
can travel down the Kapuas River, the
longest in Indonesia; visit villages of the indigenous Dayak people; and observe foreign influences
from China, Malaysia, and even Europe in the ports and cities along the way. You can also go trekking in
the rainforest for a chance to see some of Borneo's famed wildlife in person. Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya
National Park is a conservation area in West Kalimantan that includes two of the highest mountains in
Borneo and supports wildlife such as orangutans, clouded leopards, slow lorises, sun bears, and many
other species.

Lake Toba
Another of Indonesia's natural wonders,
Lake Toba is both a body of water and
super volcano. The lake, which sits in a
crater, was formed between 69,000 and
77,000 years ago and is believed to have
been the result of a catastrophic eruption.
The lake is 1,145 square kilometers and
450 meters deep. Volcanic activity is still
regularly recorded here and has pushed
some islands above the water's surface.
Lake Toba is a study in beauty and the
powerful forces at work on the planet. Here, you can go swimming, water skiing, canoeing, or fishing, or
stick to wandering the surrounding area on foot or bike.

Mount Krakatau
Surely, the eruption of Indonesia's most
famous volcano, Krakatau, in 1883 was
the largest in recorded history. The
eruption severely impacted climate
conditions around the world and took a
devastating toll on human life on nearby
Java and Sumatra. Anak Krakatau,
"Child of Krakatau," is the youngest of
the islands formed by the 1883
eruption, and forced itself above the
surface in 1930. This young and volatile
volcano continues to rise higher out of the sea and have significant eruptions. Anak Krakatau still belches
smoke and fire, and tourists can visit Krakatau's child for a reminder of the awesome, unseen power just
beneath the surface at every turn in Indonesia.
 Gunung Rinjani
Another of Indonesia's famed
volcanoes, Gunung Rinjani is a
top attraction on Lombok. Rinjani
itself does not see the eruptions
and activity that some of the
others have, but its caldera-
forming eruption in the late 13th
century is believed to have been
one of the most powerful in
human history. A lake sits in
Rinjani's caldera, and within the
lake sits Mt. Baru, another active
volcano. In Rinjani National Park, you may spot animals such as the rare black Ebony leaf monkey, long-
tailed macaques, the sulfur-crested cockatoo, and other exotic species. Guided treks are available, and you
can camp overnight in the park. The park does caution that treks are strenuous, so if you plan to hike the
mountain, you should be in good physical health and be prepared with the appropriate equipment.

Pura Tanah Lot

This is one of Bali's most popular
temples, built on a rock formation in
the sea. The original formation began
to deteriorate at one point, so a
portion of the rock is now artificial.
Still, Pura Tanah Lot draws people in
droves, particularly in time to catch
the sunset. This temple compound is
found on the southern coast of
Beraban village, and you can walk
out to the temple at low tide. Once
the sun goes down, browse the stalls
at Tanah Lot market to purchase unique Balinese souvenirs.

Banda Islands
Bali and Lombok are tried and true vacation
spots for a reason, but the lesser-known
Banda Islands have their own appeal as an
off-the-beaten path getaway. This cluster of
10 islands sits at the edge of the Banda Sea,
whose depths reach more than 6,500
meters. The Bandas have long been on the
radar of those involved in the spice trade, thanks to their rich source of nutmeg. Called "Eastern Indonesia's
best kept secret," the Bandas hold untold thrills for divers and sailors in particular. Pristine dive sites offer a
chance to spot sharks, sea turtles, whales, the endemic Ambon scorpionfish, lobsters, and a plethora of
other creatures. You can book accommodations and tours yourself, or opt for a live-aboard boat, which
includes stops at many great dive sites around the islands.

Jatiluwih Rice Fields, Bali

The beaches may be the first thing
that comes to mind when you think
of Bali, but the verdant rice fields are
a close second. So lush and life-
giving are the terraces of the
Jatiluwih Rice Fields that they were
designated a UNESCO Cultural
Landscape as part of Bali's Subak
System. The meticulously cultivated
and irrigated fields are a testament
to the wealth of natural resources in
Bali, as well as the carefully honed
skills of the local farmers. No visit to Bali is complete without seeing these rich acres.

Clothes
Batik, Kebaya and Songket are the most widely recognised Indonesian national costumes. These
traditional costumes represent Indonesia and are derived from Indonesian culture and Indonesian
traditional textile traditions. National costumes are worn during official national functions as well as during
traditional ceremonies.
Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, or cloth
made using this technique originated from Indonesia. Batik is made either
by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a spouted tool called a canting,
or by printing the resist with a copper stamp called a cap. The applied wax
resists dyes and therefore allows the artisan to colour selectively by
soaking the cloth in one colour, removing the wax with boiling water, and
repeating if multiple colours are desired.
A tradition of making batik is found in various countries; the batik of
Indonesia, however, may be the best-known. Indonesian batik made in the
island of Java has a long history of acculturation, with diverse patterns
influenced by a variety of cultures, and is the most developed in terms of
pattern, technique, and the quality of workmanship.
 A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress combination
that originated from the court of
the Majapahit Kingdom (today Indonesia), and is
traditionally worn by women in Indonesia, and
also Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, southern
Thailand, Cambodia and the southern part of
the Philippines. Similar blouses are found
in Burma, where it is called htaingmathein. It is
sometimes made from sheer material such as silk,
thin cotton or semi-transparent nylon or polyester,
adorned with brocade or floral pattern embroidery.
A kebaya is usually worn with a sarong, or
a batik kain panjang, or other traditional woven garment such as ikat, songket with a colorful motif.
The kebaya is the national costume of Indonesia, although it is more accurately endemic to
the Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese peoples.
The male counterpart of the kebaya is the Baju koko/ baju takwa, which is
a traditional Malay-Indonesian men Muslim shirt, worn usually during
religious occasions. It is usually worn with the sarong and peci.
Meanwhile, Beskap, Javanese traditional clothing worn usually by men for
formal traditional attire; it stands for the entire outfit that includes the batik
sarong, the baju koko and the peci.

Songket is a fabric that belongs to the brocade family of textiles of

the Malay (now Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Southern
Thailand). It is hand-woven in silk or cotton, and intricately patterned
with gold or silver threads. The metallic threads stand out against the
background cloth to create a shimmering effect. In the weaving process the
metallic threads are inserted in between the silk or cotton weft (latitudinal)
threads in a technique called supplementary weftweaving technique.

The Peci, also known as songkok or kopiah, is a cap traditionally worn

by male Muslims in the Indonesian archipelago. It is quite similar to the
Turkish-Egyptian fez. In Indonesia, the black velvet peci has become the
national headdress with secular nationalist connotations made popular
by Sukarno. A number of Indonesian nationalist movement activists in
the early 20th century, such as Sukarno, Muhammad Hatta and Agus
Salim, wore a peci to convey their nationalistic sentiments and to
demonstrate their Indonesian identity. Indonesian male presidents
always wear a peci as part of their official presidential attire.
Since then, the black velvet peci is approved to be the national head-dress for Indonesian men. It is worn
all over Indonesia, especially by government officials and men (usually Muslim men) throughout the
country. The peci is usually worn with batik shirt or western-style suits by men in Indonesia for those
attending formal occasions. It is also commonly worn during Islamic religious occasions. Senior citizen
Muslim men across Indonesia — usually in Jakarta who identify themselves as native Betawi people, also
use this peci on an everyday basis. It is also a traditional head-dress of the Betawi people and also other
ethnic groups, especially in the western parts of Indonesia which are mainly Muslims.
Most traditional costumes of Indonesian ethnic groups are equipped with a lavish headdress that adds a
majestic look to the intricately designed outfits. These are commonly used by women during special
occasions and

Food
Indonesian cuisine is a reflection of the diverse cultures and traditions derived from archipelago and hold
an important place in the national culture of Indonesia in general. Almost all Indonesian cuisine is rich in
flavor derived from spices such as Chili, Ginger, Saffron, Coconut and followed by the use of palm sugar
with cooking techniques and ingredients according to the tradition. Indonesia has around 5,350 traditional
recipes, with 30 of them considered the most important. Indonesia's cuisine may include rice, noodle and
soup dishes in modest local eateries to street-side snacks and top-dollar plates.
Indonesian cuisine varies greatly by region and has many different influences. Sumatran cuisine, for
example, often has Middle Eastern and Indian influences, featuring curried meat and vegetables such
as gulai and curry, while Javanese cuisine is mostly indigenous, with some hint of Chinese influence.
The cuisines of Eastern Indonesia are similar to Polynesian and Melanesian cuisine. Elements of Chinese
cuisine can be seen in Indonesian cuisine: foods such as noodles, meat balls, and spring rolls have
been completely assimilated.
Throughout its history, Indonesia has been involved in trade due to its location and natural resources.
Additionally, Indonesia’s indigenous techniques and ingredients were influenced by India, the Middle East,
China, and finally Europe. Spanish and Portuguese traders brought New World produce even before the
Dutch came to colonise most of the archipelago. The Indonesian islands The Moluccas (Maluku), which are
famed as "the Spice Islands", also contributed to the introduction of native spices, such
as cloves and nutmeg, to Indonesian and global cuisine.
Indonesian cuisine often demonstrates complex flavour, acquired from certain ingredients
and bumbu spices mixture. Indonesian dishes have rich flavours; most often described
as savory, hot and spicy, and also combination of basic tastes such as sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Most of
Indonesians favour hot and spicy food, thus sambal, Indonesian hot and spicy chili sauce with shrimp
paste, is a staple condiment at all Indonesian tables. Seven main Indonesian cooking methods
are frying, grilling, roasting, dry roasting, sautéing, boiling and steaming.
Some popular Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, gado-gado, Satay, and soto are ubiquitous in the
country and considered as national dishes.
Today, some popular dishes that originated in Indonesia are now common to neighbouring countries,
Malaysia and Singapore. Indonesian dishes such as satay, beef rendang, and sambal are favoured
in Malaysia and Singapore. Soy-based dishes, such as variations of tofu and tempeh, are also very
popular. Tempeh is regarded as a Javanese invention, a local adaptation of soy-based food fermentation
and production. Another fermented food is oncom, similar in some ways to tempeh but using a variety of
bases (not only soy), created by different fungi, and particularly popular in West Java.

Literature
The oldest evidence of writing in the Indonesian archipelago is a series of Sanskrit inscriptions dated to the
5th century. Many of Indonesia's peoples have strongly rooted oral traditions, which help to define and
preserve their cultural identities. In written poetry and prose, a number of traditional forms dominate,
mainly syair, pantun, gurindam, hikayat and babad. Some of these works are Syair Raja Siak, Syair Abdul
Muluk, Hikayat Abdullah, Hikayat Bayan Budiman, Hikayat Hang Tuah, Sulalatus Salatin, and Babad
Tanah Jawi.
Early modern Indonesian literature originates in Sumatran tradition. Balai Pustaka, the government bureau
for popular literature, was instituted around 1920 to promote the development of indigenous literature, it
adopted Malay as the preferred common medium for Indonesia. Important figures in modern Indonesian
literature include: Dutch author Multatuli, who criticised treatment of natives under Dutch colonial rule;
Sumatrans Mohammad Yamin and Hamka, who were influential pre-independence nationalist writers and
politicians; and proletarian writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Indonesia's most famous novelist. Pramoedya
earned several accolades, and was often discussed as Indonesia's and Southeast Asia's best candidate for
a Nobel Prize in Literature. Literature and poetry flourished even more in the first half of the 20th century.
Major authors include Chairil Anwar (Aku), Marah Roesli (Sitti Nurbaya), Merari Siregar (Azab dan
Sengsara), Abdul Muis (Salah Asuhan), Djamaluddin Adinegoro (Darah Muda), Sutan Takdir
Alisjahbana (Layar Terkembang), and Amir Hamzah (Nyanyi Sunyi) whose works are among the most well
known in Maritime Southeast Asia.

Music and dance

The music of Indonesia predates historical records. Various indigenous tribes incorporate chants and songs
accompanied with musical instruments in their rituals. Angklung, kacapi
suling, siteran, gong, gamelan, degung, gong kebyar, bumbung, talempong, kulintang and sasando are
examples of traditional Indonesian instruments. The diverse world of Indonesian music genres are the
result of the musical creativity of its people, and subsequent cultural encounters with foreign influences.
These include gambus and qasida from the Middle East, keroncong from Portugal, and dangdut—one of
the most popular music genres in Indonesia—with notable Hindi influence as well as Malay
orchestras. Today, the Indonesian music industry enjoys both nationwide and regional popularity in
Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, due to common culture and intelligible languages
between Indonesian and Malay.
The country's complex history also contributes to diversity in Indonesian dances. There are more than
3,000 original dances in the country. Scholars believe that the dances have had their beginning in rituals
and religious worship, such as war dances, dance of witch doctors, and dance to call for rain or any
agricultural-related rituals such as Hudoq. Dances in the country are historically influenced by three distinct
eras: the prehistoric and tribal era, the Hindu-Buddhist era, and the Islamic era. In recent times, modern
dances are also showcased in show business, such as those that accompany music performances or
entertainment. Influenced by Western culture, urban teen dances such as street dances have gained
popularity among the Indonesian youth. Traditional dances, however, such as
the Javanese, Sundanese, Minang, Balinese, Saman continue to be a living and dynamic traditions.
Art and architecture
Indonesian arts include both age-old art forms developed through centuries, and a recently
developed contemporary art. Despite often displaying local ingenuity, Indonesian arts have absorbed
foreign influences—most notably from India, the Arab world, China and Europe, as a result of centuries of
contacts and interactions facilitated, and often motivated, by trade. The art of painting is quite developed in
Bali, where its people are famed for their artistry.Their painting tradition started as
classical Kamasanor Wayang style visual narrative, derived from visual art discovered on candi bas reliefs
in eastern Java. It is notable for its highly vigorous yet refined intricate art that resembles baroque folk art
with tropical themes.

Megalithic sculpture has been discovered on several sites in Indonesia. Subsequently, tribal art has
flourished within the culture of Nias, Batak, Asmat, Dayak and Toraja. Wood and stone are common
materials used as the media for sculpting among these tribes. Between the 8th and 15th century, Javanese
civilisation has developed a refined stone sculpting art and architecture which was influenced by Hindu-
Buddhist Dharmic civilisation. The temples of Borobudurand Prambanan are among the most famous
examples of the practice.

As with the arts, Indonesian architecture has absorbed foreign influences that has brought cultural changes
and profound effect on building styles and techniques. The most dominant influence has traditionally
been Indian; however, Chinese, Arab, and European influences have also been significant. Traditional
carpentry, masonry, stone and woodwork techniques and decorations have thrived in vernacular
architecture, with numbers of traditional houses' (rumah adat) styles have been developed. The traditional
houses and settlements of the numerous ethnic groups of Indonesia vary widely and have their own
specific history. They are at the centre of a web of customs, social relations, traditional laws and religions
that bind the villagers together. Examples include Toraja's Tongkonan, Minangkabau's Rumah
Gadangand Rangkiang, Javanese style Pendopo pavilion with Joglo style roof, Dayak's longhouses,
various Malay houses, Balinese houses and temples, and also various styles of rice barns (lumbung).

Non-Material Culture
Language
Indonesian (bahasa Indonesia) is the official language of Indonesia. It is a standardized register of Malay,
an Austronesian language that has been used as a lingua franca in the multilingual Indonesian archipelago
for centuries. This is not only spoken by the majority of Indonesians, but also of the world because of the
country’s huge population.
Aside from speaking the national language, there exists at least one of the more than 700 indigenous local
languages; examples include Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese, which are commonly used at home and
within the local community.

Philosophy
Pancasila is the official, foundational philosophical theory of the Indonesian state. Pancasila
comprises two Old Javanese words originally derived from Sanskrit: "pañca", which means “five”, and
"sīla", which means“principles”. Thus, it is composed of five principles and contends that they are
inseparable and interrelated:

1. Belief in the One and Only God

(in Indonesian "Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa"),
2. A just and civilized humanity
(in Indonesian "Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab"),
3. A unified Indonesia
("Persatuan Indonesia"),
4. Democracy, led by the wisdom of the representatives of the People
("Kerakyatan Yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan, Dalam Permusyawaratan Perwakilan")
5. Social justice for all Indonesians
("Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia").
The formulation of such principles was heavily influenced by the socio-political conditions of Dutch East
Indies in the early 20th century all the way to the outbreak of the Second World War.
Some ideologies had been established or made their way into Dutch East Indies include imperialism and its
antithesis anti-colonial nationalism, traditional Javanese
statecraft, Islamism, democracy, socialism and communism. Proponents of these ideologies had formed
political organization or party to forward their cause. Islamist Sarekat Islam was established in 1905
followed by Masyumi in 1943. Communist Party was established in 1914, while Sukarno's
nationalist Indonesian National Party was established in 1927. In 1945, during the formation of Pancasila,
there was much debate between nationalists who called for a pluralistic state and Islamists who wanted a
religious state ruled by Islamic law or sharia.
The founding fathers had decided that the state ideology should encompass and shelter the whole
spectrum of Indonesian society, in which consensus for common good must be strived to achieve and
justice is served and satisfied. As the result, Pancasila is often viewed as a form
of pluralism and moderation, a potpourri of different ideologies, ranging from the socialist, nationalist to
religiosity. The founding fathers had hope that the establishment of the Pancasila will satisfy the elements
of Indonesian society. They had hoped that Indonesia, through the Pancasila, can continue to exist as a
a multicultural nation, a diverse country composed of numbers of ethnic groups with different languages,
culture, religions and way of life.
Pancasila was influenced and copied some aspects of world's values and ideologies,
including nationalism, humanity, democracy, socialism and religiosity. The need to unify this diverse
country also has led to the formulation of the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which can be translated
as unity in diversity. It declares the essential unity of its members despite ethnic, regional, social or
religious differences.
Pancasila encourage its proponent to practice moderation and toleration,
thus radicalism and extremism are discouraged. In order to live harmoniously in a plural society, one's
membership to a religious, ethnic or social group does not mean that they could dominate, discriminate or
be prejudiced in their relations with other groups. Favouring one ideology over another would not satisfy the
whole components of Indonesian people, thus it was decided that the new republic need to compose a new
ideology derived from indigenous Indonesian values as well as common shared values derived from
various ideologies.

Symbols
a. Flag
Indonesia's flag was officially adopted on August 17,
1945, after Indonesia became independent from the
Netherlands.
The Indonesian flag is a horizontal bicolor with two
equal horizontal bars (red [top] and white). The height
of this flag is two-thirds the width.
In Indonesian, this flag is called "Sang Saka Merah
Putih" (meaning "lofty bicolor red and white"). The red
symbolizes human blood and the white represents
the human spirit. The design of this flag is based on the 13th century Javan Majapahit Empire flag that had
nine red and white stripes.
Indonesia's flag is very similar to the flags of Poland and Monaco, two other red and white bicolors with the
white on top.

b. Coat of Arms/National Emblem

Garuda Pancasila is the national emblem of Indonesia. It is an eagle bird
and the name of symbol derived from Garuda, the mythical bird vehicle
of Vishnu. The current symbol are designed and officially recognised in
1950s. The head of Garuda faces its right side, it means that Indonesia
embraces democracy. If it faces its left side, it means Indonesia is leaning
on socialism. The Garuda's feathers represent the date of Indonesia's
independence day which is 17 August 1945. The total feathers of the wings
are 17 in each left and right wings. The total feathers in the tail are 8 and
feathers of its neck are 45 in total. Indonesian national emblem is the Garuda with a heraldic shield on its
chest and a scroll gripped by its leg. The shield's five emblems represent Pancasila, the five principles of
Indonesia's national philosophy. Those five symbols of principle has its own meaning. First, the star in the
middle symbolise sacred divinity, which means Indonesia is a state which is based on five recognised
religions. Second, the chain with square and round links symbolises male and female as well as succession
of generations of human beings that represent just and civilised humanity. Third, the big beringin (banyan
tree) with multitude of branches, leaves and roots symbolises diversity of Indonesian people that belongs
into one organism, symbolises unity of Indonesia, as well as strong and steady stance and protection under
the tree's shade. Fourth, the head of a buffalo symbolises the people power or democracy, since water
buffalo is the important domesticated animal in Indonesian agricultural culture. The last one, rice and cotton
ears as main grain yields in Indonesia symbolise the fulfilments of humans needs of food and clothing
which means prosperity. The Garuda claws gripping a white ribbon scroll inscribed with the national
motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika written in black text, which can be loosely translated as "Unity in
Diversity". Garuda Pancasila was designed by Sultan Hamid II from Pontianak, supervised by Sukarno.

c. Other official national symbols

National motto
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia. The phrase is Old Javanese translated as
"Unity in Diversity". It is inscribed in the Indonesian national symbol, Garuda Pancasila (written on the scroll
gripped by the Garuda's claws), and is mentioned specifically in article 36A of the Constitution of Indonesia.
It is a quotation from an Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular during the reign
of the Majapahit empire sometime in the 14th century. Kakawin contains epic poems written in metres. This
poem is notable as it promotes tolerance between Hindus (Shivaites) and Buddhists.

National flora
There are three categories of floral emblem that symbolise Indonesia:

1. National flower (Indonesian: Puspa bangsa) of Indonesia is Melati putih (Jasminum sambac)
2. Flower of charm (Indonesian: Puspa pesona) is Anggrek Bulan (Moon Orchid) (Phalaenopsis
amabilis)
3. Rare flower (Indonesian: Puspa langka) is Padma Raksasa Rafflesia (Rafflesia arnoldii). All three
were chosen on World Environment Day in 1990.On the other occasion Bunga Bangkai (Titan
arum) was also added as puspa langka together with Rafflesia.
In addition, Indonesia also recognised Teak as the national tree.

National fauna
Indonesian animal emblems are Indonesian endemic fauna that gain the status as national animal
symbol that represent Indonesia and describe Indonesian biodiversity. Today there are three animals that
gained the status as Indonesian animal emblems:

1. National animal (Indonesian: Satwa bangsa) of Indonesia is Komodo dragon (Varanus

komodoensis)
 2. Rare animal also National bird (Indonesian: Satwa langka) is Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus
bartelsi)
3. Animal of charm (Indonesian: Satwa pesona) is Asian arowana (Scleropages
aureus and Scleropages legendrei)
Next to national animal symbols, there are also more specific provincial animals emblems that represent
each respective provinces of Indonesia.

d. Unofficial National Symbols

National personification of Indonesia
Ibu Pertiwi (Mother Prithvi or Mother Earth) is a national personification of Indonesia, the allegory of Tanah
Air (Indonesian: land and water), the Indonesian Motherland. Ibu Pertiwi is a popular theme in Indonesian
patriotic songs and poems and was mentioned in several of them, such as the song "Ibu Pertiwi" and
"Indonesia Pusaka" . In the national anthem "Indonesia Raya" the lyrics "Jadi pandu ibuku" ("Become the
scout/guide for my mother") is a reference to Ibu Pertiwi as the mother of Indonesian people.

National monuments
If Cambodia has Angkor Wat, India has Taj Mahal and China has their Great Wall, Indonesia could easily
refer to Borobudur as its own unique landmark and monument designated as national symbol. An important
architectural wonder and also World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO. However the monument that
represent Indonesian nationhood is actually the Monas in Central Jakarta, although today it is mostly
associated with the capital Jakarta instead. Other ancient temple of Prambanan also might be used as
national symbol, although often overshadowed by Borobudur.
Other vernacular architectural features that often used to describe Indonesia are pagoda like multi-tiered
Meru roof of Balinese temples, and traditional houses such as Minangkabau's Rumah
Gadang and Torajan's Tongkonan.

Religion and Beliefs

It could be said that Indonesia culture is strongly influenced by the multitude of religions and/or
philosophical beliefs practiced in it: Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism. However,
most popular of which is Islam.
Indonesia is known to be the “most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world”, with 85.2% of its
population devoted to Islam. Given its current population, there should be around people that are practicing
Islam. Despite its overwhelming Muslim population, Indonesia did not adopt political Islam nor
proclaim Islam as its official religion, in respect of the existence of other religious beliefs or philosophical
belief systems to which the minority of identify with.

This minority of 14.8% is further divided into Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. The larger minority
(11.9%) being Christian, it is still further divided into 8.9% Protestant and 3% Catholic. The remaining 1.8%
and 0.8% are composed of Hindus and Buddhist respectively. The rest of the 0.3% are composed of other
religions or philosophical belief systems, which people believe to be Charismatic, Confucianism.
Values
1. Pluralism and Inclusiveness
Indonesia consists diverse religions, cultures and ethnicity from all kinds of regions. Pluralism is the
concept of accepting this diversity. People understand that diversity exist and so they try to maintain
equality with one another. Indonesia highly upholds the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. It means
unity in diversity.

Everyone has the right to receive the same treatments and to feel included within the community. The
people believe its important to abolish discrimination because people are allowed to have different views.
With those different views, they also earn the right to be respected.

2. Freedom of Beliefs
There are six officiated religion in Indonesia including Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism,
Buddhism and Confucianism. People are free to express their beliefs in a way that they do not harm any
other people. Religions are important in the working of the societies in Indonesia. They influence values,
traditions and cultures.

The freedom of beliefs itself is a value that people uphold. The suppression of any belief is considered to
be unfair and cruel. People are encouraged to practice their religions without facing any discriminations.
However, atheism is still forbidden and strongly frowned upon in society.

3. Being Respectful to Live in Harmony

Indonesians highly believe that respect is an important value to maintain harmony and peace. Due to the
different tribes and beliefs that exist in Indonesia, people may have different opinions on certain things.
However, the differences do not tear them apart because Indonesians understand that being respectful to
one another is necessary.

They put aside those differences and respect other people’s beliefs. Hence, conflict is seen as unnecessary
and people try to avoid it. They do not want to cause a scene or trouble that might disturb the community.
Once, even there are big differences in order to keep their own religions, Indonesians still try to being
democracy first to solve the problems together.

4. Communal Work
Communal means gotong royong in Bahasa Indonesia. Throughout the generations, this concept is proudly
carried out on certain events. It is one of the values that Indonesian believe is important to always remain
within society. It works when a group of people are working together to reach a certain goal. Other than
that, it can also serve the purpose of helping one another.

Communal work does not ask for anything in return. It strengthens the feeling of community amongst the
people. Those who may not really know their neighbors well can begin to introduce themselves. The
communal work reminds everyone that people needs other people. They cannot always live only by
themselves.

5. Discussion and Consensus

In Indonesia, discussion and consensus are called musyawarah and mufakat. This is a value that people
still uphold in different social environments such as school or family. The purpose is to come up with a
solution for a specific problem by discussing. Once the people speak out their minds, they can reach a
conclusion.

The decision depends on what is best for the situation at hand. Therefore, people usually avoid selfishness
because they understand it is for the common good. Since a lot of people are involved, this discussion and
consensus is a good way to see a problem from different perspectives too.

6. Loyalty to Parents
Family is an important aspect in Indonesia. The people believe that one should understand how to respect
parents from an early age. A reason for this is because parents provide everything that a child needs even
when they are not yet born.

It is common when a grown adult still lives with his or her parents. Even though they can provide for
themselves, they still have the duty of taking care for the parents.

The adult can also contribute to the welfare of the whole family. Loyalty to parents is a value that
Indonesians take seriously.

For example, there is a folklore entitled Malin Kundang that Indonesians know so well. It tells the story of a
young man who disowns his mother when he achieved greatness and material wealth. The mother cursed
him and turned him to stone. Clearly it shows that anybody who disrespects their parents and dismiss their
love will face a misfortune.

7. Respecting Elders
Indonesians believe in the concept of respecting the elders. The elders are seen as wiser and experienced.
Thus, the young ones must not display arrogance. Younger people are encouraged to show their respect
for the elders in an open manner. This could be in the form of using polite languages when speaking
directly with them.

Another way is to mind body language. The young one must avoid rude gestures and show good manner to
the older person.This particular attitude shows the value of humbleness. Humbling oneself in the presence
of an older person is a morally right thing to do.

8. Civilized Humanity
In Indonesia, people believe that nobody should be physically or spiritually restrained against their will. In
addition, Indonesian also upholds the value whereby the people earn the right to be protected from unjust
treatments. Nobody is allowed to be the subject of oppression. The people have the right to be treated fairly
and accordingly.
9. Social Justice for Everyone
The people have equal chances to pursue their dreams and happiness while living within their
communities. Furthermore, the people can also use natural resources of the nation to improve their
livelihoods. Every work and every effort has the purpose of improving the quality of the citizens. In
result, people can attain prosperity.

10. Surrender to Almighty God

This belief called Sumarah in Javanese cultures. Sumarah’s attitude implies a total submissive attitude to
God. Inner attitude will only manifest in people who have faith about the existence of the almighty God who
give us life. As well as believe that the God has created the world in its own way.

Norms and Customs

Do’s:
Smile and be friendly
Because most of Indonesian people are friendly and they love smile even for strangers. You can give a
smile when you’re passing the native Indonesian and give a slow nod. It means you respect them and
Indonesian love it.
Shake hand
When you want to introduce yourself to people, don’t forget to have a shake hand. Make sure that you use
your right hand.
Right hand is better
Use your right hand more often to do something, like when you’re eating or drinking. And the most
important one is when you offering something, please use the right hand. Because Indonesian always use
the left hand mostly for bathroom things, so we think it is not good for doing our main good activity.
Bargain while shopping
It’s a usual thing to bargain in Indonesia. So you can try but at least don’t ask for an extreme low price. You
can start bargaining from the half of the real price.
Left Riding
In Indonesia, we drive in the left side. So it is very important also for you especially if you’re riding
motorcycle, to get on or get off from the left side. And also it’s because there’s a very hot exhaust in the
right side of motorcycle that could burn your skin.
Greeting with someone that you don’t know: call him/her Mbak or Mas
If you meet someone you don’t know and you need to talk to that pesron, you can call him “Mas” for male
one or call her “Mbak” for female one. Mas and Mbak is a common address here so anyone can use it.
But if that person looks a bit old, you can call him “Pak” for old male one or call her “Bu” for old female one.
Take care of your belonging
The crime here is exist and it could be anywhere. So be careful! Put your belongings into a bag that has
enough space. It could be better to put your bag on your front side so you can keep your eyes on it.

Don’ts:
Touch people head

Especially for the people that older than you. Because here, touching head is a kind of offensive.

Pointing someone with your point finger

It is also really rude. People will feel insulted if you point them with your point finger!
Spit in public place
As we know that it’s also a rude thing to do, especially in public.
Wearing revealing clothes
If you wear a very sexy dress in public like very short pants or singlet, people here could think that you’re
like a sex worker. It is normal as a stereotyping. Because mostly we respect those who could dress more
politely like long trousers or rather long short pants and a T-shirt with short sleeves.
Public displays of affection
It is an eastern country, so it’s still a taboo to show our affection with couple in a public area. Other people
might stare at us weirdly. Surely it will make you feel uncomfortable, so just do it in your private room.

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