Indonesia is consisting of more than 17 thousands islands and islets.
Indonesia has hundreds of native languages and dialects, as well as cultures.
We unite through our national language, Bahasa Indonesia. The descendant of
immigrant, like Chinese, Arabian, Indian, etc, speaks, read and write fluently
in Bahasa Indonesia. We sing our National Anthem, Indonesia Raya, together from
west to east. We also have similar culture despite we have different details in
each culture. We are the locals of Indonesia.
Me? I was born in Indonesia as Indonesia Citizen. I’m the youngest but
the first born child as Indonesia Citizen. My parents were also born in
Indonesia, as well as my big brother and sisters, yet they were holding some
kind like China’s Passport until around late 70’ies. My grandparents were born
in China and came to Indonesia when they were teens (in early 20th century). I
don’t deny my Chinese thingy which run through my blood, yet I prefer people
call me as Indonesian not Chinese, because by the law, by the birth and (first
of all) by my heart, I am an Indonesian.
I’ve been traveling since I was a child. My parents did love traveling
so much. I started to capture my travel moment in early 2000. I love traveling
because by that time, I think I can completely being myself. Yet I can’t do traveling as many as I wish, because of the money and the time. Currently I
work as financial planner in a listed company and I only get (max) 15 days for
my annual leave.
And here the 11 things that you have to know and aware, while you were
traveling in Indonesia.
1.
RIGHT HAND (left hand is inappropriate)
I’m not sure why, but for sure
left hand is considered as “dirty” hand. So, even for left handed, use your
right hand to shake hand and to hand over anything to someone else in
Indonesia. If somehow you have to use your left hand, “maaf menggunakan tangan
kiri” (sorry to use my left hand) is the magic words to make your left hand
forgiven.
2.
BURP (inappropriate)
Burp, for most Indonesian
(especially in big city) is considered as inappropriate. If by accident you
burp, just say “maaf” (sorry) to make all sneers addressed to you into smiles. However
in some specific area it is considered as a satisfaction and respect to the
hostess after you finished the meal.
3.
FART (not cool)
In all around Indonesia, fart in
public is not cool, especially when it follows by bad smell, period.
4.
HUMIDITY (high humidity)
Even in the coldest day, you
only need a thin jacket. Long coat is not common being used because it will
make you sweating really badly even in the coldest day. However, in some place
the weather could be up to minus. Like when you go to plateau and mountain.
5.
SHOWER
(every day in the morning and in the evening)
Because of high humidity, it is
common in Indonesia (especially in city) that locals take a bath at least twice
a day. In the morning before you start your daily activities and in evening
after you get home from office or work places.
Most Indonesian modern bathroom
is equipped by water closet, most, with water mini spray. Like all Asian,
Indonesian prefers to wash and clean up with water, than only using a toilet
paper. However in traditional bathroom, Indonesian still using squat toilet (is
it the right term?) and some without water mini spray or toilet paper. You have
to use water scoop to wash. Be gently guys or it will be messy.
6.
FOOTWEAR (take off or used)
Footwear is always used in
public area, restaurant, etc, like in other country, except praying area in
Mosques and Buddhist Temple (Vihara).
However if you come visit to
local’s private house, is considered as politeness to take off your footwear. Sometimes
even when the house’s owner welcome you to come inside the house with footwear,
it’s Indonesian way politeness to leave your footwear outside the house,
especially when the floor is very clean with shiny tiles.
7.
SPICY LEVEL (high)
Spicy could means herby and hot
as well. Indonesian delicacies for sure have complex flavors, mostly could be
very herby. Yet, not all Indonesian delicacies are hot spicy. However you
should be aware that Indonesian chili is one of the most hot spicy in the
world, as well as chili paste.
Your circumspection to add chili
paste to your meal or to order hot spicy delicacies in Indonesia may save you
from burned mouth. For mostly Western and European, trust me dude, you r level
of hot spiciness is way down than Indonesian.
Please aware that in all
restaurant (traditional and international fast food brands) around Indonesia,
they serve not only tomato sauce (ketchups) but also a chili sauce. For some
western and European, Indonesian Chili Sauce is considered spicy.
8.
PERMISI (excuse me) and TERIMA KASIH (thank you)
The word “permisi” (or locals
mostly say it as its short urban word “misi”) is common and considered as
politeness when you will interrupt something, walking in front of sitting
people, or walking through between people.
The word “terima kasih” (or
locals mostly say it as its short urban word “makasih”) is common and
considered as politeness like in other country.
9.
BULE (insulting? NO)
Bule (or Londo – Javanese) is
the word for describe a white people especially as tourist/expatriates in
Indonesia. For some, bule is considered as rich people and generous people.
That’s why, in some tourist area, bule may will served with higher priority
than domestic tourist. Please alert of spamming.
In some area, bule is not
common. So, prepare yourself to be treated like a superstar. Some local may
take your picture and/or ask you in frame with them. What should you do? say
yes, because it will made their day and you will considered as a nice polite
bule (not the cocky one).
However, base from my bule
acquaintance’s story, in some place, you may find difficulties to get services
that you need, because most of Indonesian do not speak English (especially in
non-tourist and international business district). They don’t even to be around
you and the worst, the waiters may ignore your hand waves. Be patient, your
language could be a high barrier for them to understand what you want to say.
“The power” of bule is still has
big impact in some place and some locals easily get intimidated by bule. Yes,
it may follow by benefit and problems as well. So please keep your attitude,
voice and tone nicely and locals will respect you more.
10.
Women’s Clothing (moderate)
Most Indonesian are
conservative, especially in non-tourist area and small cities. Yet, it doesn’t
require covered clothing for women, like in any Moslem’s country (except in
Aceh Province). Tank top and hot pants are accepted in tourist area, big cities
and cosmopolitan areas. Bikini is mostly accepted in tourist beaches but please
be aware that bikini could be considered as inappropriate in some conservative
tourist area.
11.
Staple Food (rice)
Like other Asian, steamed white
rice is a staple food for Indonesian. Indonesian loves carb. Noodles and potato
are sometimes considered as side dishes and eat with steamed rice.
All international brand fast food serves
steamed rice in Indonesia, like Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Carls Jr.,
Mc Donald’s, Wendys, A&W, etc. Don’t look too surprised when you see
Indonesian eat steamed rice with Mc Donald’s French fries. It’s a common thing
here.
Why Eleven? No particular reason. Ijust wrote this article and stop in
11. Hopefully it helps, even little.
