Cultural differences

To truly appreciate the cultural differences in Indonesia, it’s essential to understand how daily life, social etiquette, and local values differ from those in the West. At Shanti Travel, our years of guiding travelers across the archipelago have shown us that embracing these nuances not only enriches your journey but also leads to deeper, more meaningful exchanges with local people. If you're preparing for a trip to Indonesia, familiarizing yourself with the country's distinct social codes and traditions will make your stay more enjoyable and respectful.

Indonesia’s cultural landscape is shaped by a strong sense of community, religious devotion, and the importance of harmony. Even if locals are accustomed to foreigners and generally very kind, being aware of these differences can make a tremendous difference during your visit.

Religion and Social Conservatism

Religion pervades nearly every aspect of Indonesian life. It is one of the only countries where it is mandatory to declare a religious belief—atheism is both socially and legally prohibited. This results in a society where religious practices are integrated into daily routines, and religious identity is a sensitive issue. Respect during religious conversations is critical—avoid questioning or making jokes about faith, and never interrupt prayers or ceremonies.

Marriage and family are of high social priority. If you're traveling as a couple, public displays of affection are best avoided, as they may be seen as inappropriate. You’ll likely notice that discussions around family, marriage, or children are very common, even with new acquaintances—these are not considered intrusive subjects but a genuine sign of interest.

Communication and Social Interaction

Indonesians prize preserving social harmony, which means interactions are usually indirect and gentle. Smiles are universal—disagreements are handled with care, and anger or complaints in public are discouraged. Instead, expect a soft, polite tone and a real emphasis on avoiding confrontation or causing someone to "lose face."

Seniority matters—address elders or those in authority respectfully, often by using their title with "bapak" (Mr.) or "ibu" (Ms.). Criticism or direct refusals should be handled with subtlety; pointing out an error in public is best avoided.

Questions are welcome, but avoid pressing for very personal details unless offered. Striking a balance between friendliness and respect is key to positive encounters.

Dress, Behavior, and Public Spaces

With its variety of religions, from Islam and Christianity to Hinduism and animism, dress codes in Indonesia are generally modest, especially outside tourist areas. Revealing clothing is discouraged, and in some religious settings, covering the head or wearing ceremonial attire is required. The tone and volume of one’s voice matter too—Indonesians usually speak quietly, and loud or brash speech can appear disrespectful.

Don’t be surprised if you are asked to remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and sometimes even shops. Acts of courtesy, such as tipping and learning a few Indonesian words, are always appreciated. Be cautious with photography—always ask permission before taking someone’s picture, particularly in religious or rural areas.

Everyday Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts

To do

• Wear a sarung in Balinese temples
• Wear a veil and cover up in Muslim places
• Wear dark and covering clothes if you attend funerals in Toraja area
• Take your shoes off before walking in a house or temples
• Ask permission before taking a picture
• Careful with monkeys
• Tip staff in hotels and restaurants
• Learn a few words of Indonesian
• Be patient and smile!
• Use your right hand for eating, handing over objects, and greetings (the left is considered unclean)
• Respect religious and cultural customs—pause and observe if you come across public prayers or ceremonies

To avoid

• Use your index finger to point at someone or something (the thumb is more appropriate)
• Talk to someone with your hands on your hips or with crossed arms
• Wave at someone to beckon them (best to use an open hand gesture facing downward)
• Use your left hand to eat food, greet someone, or give/receive objects
• Touch the head of a child (it is considered sacred)
• Stand above a priest or someone officiating a ceremony
• Get angry or raise your voice—keep calm and composed
• Drink tap water (or from a non-sealed bottle)
• Give candies or money to kids
• Public displays of affection—save these for private settings
• Dress immodestly in rural or religious sites
• Pressure locals to drink alcohol

Subtle Social Norms

• The concept of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is at the core of Indonesian society. Community comes before individualism—offering help and participating in local efforts is highly valued.
• Respect local traffic rules. Helmets are required for riding scooters and motorbikes, and police may enforce regulations strictly, particularly for foreigners.
• In group situations, consensus is prioritized—decisions are rarely made unilaterally or with strong disagreement.
• Indonesians tend to maintain physical boundaries in public, except in crowds or markets where some jostling is unavoidable.

With thoughtful preparation and an open mind, your understanding of Indonesia’s cultural differences will turn every encounter into a memorable exchange. At Shanti Travel, we accompany our travelers in decoding these subtle nuances, ensuring that each journey is harmonious, respectful, and deeply rewarding.