Customs

and
Traditions
of
Indonesia

 Location: South-eastern Asia,

archipelago between the Indian Ocean
and the Pacific Ocean
Capital: Jakarta
Population: 241,973,879 (July 2005
est.)
Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%,
Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%,
coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%
Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant
5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%,
Buddhist 1%, other 1%

Marria
ge

Family

Marriage and Family

Women in rural areas of Indonesia
are often married by the time they
are 20 years old.
People throughout the country have
more freedom to choose their own
marriage partners than they had in
the past, rural families are generally
more involved than urban families
are in the choice of their children's
spouses, and men generally have
somewhat more freedom in choosing

Marriage and Family

Engagement is more than an
agreement between the future
bride and groom; it binds the
two families. Members of the
extended family often live
under the same under the
same roof or near one another.

General Etiquette
Guidelines

Food
Meeting and
Greeting
Dining Etiquette

Food
Rice is the staple and is eaten at
every meal in Indonesia.
Vegetables, fish, and hot sauces are
often served with the rice; specific
dishes vary according to the region.
Tea and coffee are the most common
drinks.
Many Indonesians eat with a spoon
and fork.

Meeting and Greeting

A handshake is the most common
greeting accompanied with the word
"Selamat".
Many Indonesians may give a slight
bow or place their hands on their
heart after shaking your hand.
If you are being introduced to
several people, always start with the
eldest or most senior person first.

Dining Etiquette
Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest
you will have a specific position.
Food is often taken from a shared dish in the
middle. You will be served the food and it
would not be considered rude if you helped
yourself after that.
In formal situations, men are served before
women.
Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
Eat or pass food with your right hand only.

Communication Styles
Indonesians are indirect communicators. This
means they do not always say what they mean.
It is up to the listener to read between the lines
or pay attention to gestures and body language
to get the real message.
Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly
and with a subdued tone. Loud people would
come across as slightly aggressive.
Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the
potential loss of face. To be polite, they may tell
you what they think you want to hear.

Recreation (sports)
Badminton and soccer are the most
popular sports in Indonesia, and many
people play volleyball and tennis.
Shadow-puppet theater is a traditional
art, and performances are particularly
common in rural areas and on special
occasions. Other recreational activities
include watching television and going to
the cinema. Censorship is strict.