Indonesia: greetings, food, celebrations and working together

Indonesia at a glance

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands and about 280 million people, the fourth most populous country in the world. Hundreds of ethnic groups, including the Javanese, Sundanese, Minangkabau, Batak, Balinese and Bugis, live here, and hundreds of local languages are spoken alongside the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. Most Indonesians are Muslim, and there are also large Christian, Hindu and Buddhist communities, which means customs on Java, Bali, Sumatra or Sulawesi can differ.

Greetings and first meetings

A soft handshake, sometimes followed by touching your hand to your chest, is the common greeting, and men and women may prefer a nod and a smile if unsure. Younger people often greet elders with salim, taking the elder’s hand and touching it to the forehead. Greetings depend on the time of day: selamat pagi, siang, sore and malam. Muslims often say Assalamualaikum, answered with Waalaikumsalam.

Address people with Bapak, sir, or Ibu, madam, followed by a name, and use Mas, Mbak or Kak for slightly older peers. Many Indonesians have only one name, which is not a surname, so do not insist on a family name.

Etiquette and everyday customs

Use your right hand to give, receive and eat, since the left is considered unclean. Do not point with your index finger, but use your right thumb or an open hand. Avoid touching someone’s head, and take your shoes off when entering a home or prayer room. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially in mosques and rural areas.

Indonesians value harmony and avoid open conflict, so a smiling “yes” may mean “I understand” rather than agreement. Hospitality is generous; accept a drink offered, even if you only take a sip, and expect hosts to insist that you eat more. Events often start later than announced, but be punctual yourself. During Ramadan, eating or drinking in front of fasting colleagues is discouraged.

Food and table manners

Rice is the base of most meals, with side dishes shared in the middle: vegetables, tempeh, tofu, fish, chicken or beef, and sambal, the chilli sauce that comes in many forms. Nasi goreng, fried rice, soto soup, gado-gado salad with peanut sauce and satay are common across the islands, while rendang comes from the Minangkabau of West Sumatra and Balinese food includes babi guling, roast pork, in Hindu communities.

Eat with a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left, which pushes food onto the spoon, and use your right hand if eating by hand. Wait for the host to invite you to start. Halal food is the norm, and pork and alcohol are avoided in Muslim communities, so ask before offering. Tipping is not expected, though a small amount is welcome in restaurants without a service charge.

Major celebrations

17 August marks the 1945 declaration of independence with flag ceremonies, neighbourhood games and decorations. Lebaran, Eid al-Fitr, ends the fasting month of Ramadan; millions travel home for mudik, ask forgiveness with “mohon maaf lahir dan batin”, and share ketupat and opor ayam.

• 17 August: Indonesia’s Independence Day
• Lebaran: Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia

Other major celebrations include Eid al-Adha, Nyepi, the Balinese day of silence, Christmas, Vesak, Chinese New Year and many local festivals.

Weddings

Indonesian weddings vary by religion and region, with traditional dress, ceremonies and large receptions. Our guest’s guide to an Indonesian wedding explains clothing, gifts and customs.

• How to attend an Indonesian wedding: a guest’s guide

Working or studying with people from Indonesia

Hierarchy and relationships guide working life. Address managers with Bapak or Ibu, wait for senior people to speak first and avoid contradicting someone in front of others. A direct “no” may be softened, with phrases such as “we will try” or “it is a bit difficult”, so ask open questions and confirm details politely. Start meetings with some small talk, and invest time in lunch or coffee with colleagues.

Indonesia has three time zones, WIB (UTC+7), WITA (UTC+8) and WIT (UTC+9), and no daylight saving. Friday prayers and Ramadan affect working patterns, and employers must pay a holiday allowance, THR, before Lebaran, when many people travel and offices close for several days. WhatsApp is widely used at work, and voice messages are common. Colleagues may come from different islands, religions and languages, so avoid generalising from one island or one community.

Frequently asked questions

How do I address someone in Indonesia?

Use Bapak for men or Ibu for women, followed by the name. Mas and Mbak are common for slightly older colleagues, especially on Java.

Why is the left hand avoided?

It is traditionally associated with washing after using the toilet. Use the right hand for giving, receiving and eating.

What is mudik?

The annual journey home before Lebaran, when millions travel to their home towns to celebrate with family.