GREAT PEOPLE,
You may have been in Indonesia and came across finding some situation that you did not know when you interact with Indonesia people. the following is a little knowledge to equip you mingling with local people. hope It will develop your confidence in speaking Bahasa,
SALUTATION
In most polite situations, use the honorific ‘Mas’ or ‘Pak’ or ‘Bu’ or ‘Mbak’
(pronounced emba) before a person’s name. ‘Mas’ (sir or brother) is a friendly term
for contemporary males; ‘Pak’ is formal for males of position; ‘Bu’ is for a married
female; ‘Mbak’ is for young unmarried females, e.g. Mas Bayu (young male); Pak
Mulyawan (male, formal); Bu Kartini (married female); Mbak Elita (Ms. Elita). While
for married females the honorific ‘Ibu’ does not often change. You might also hear
‘Bapak’ (father) when a young person speaks to a male who is clearly older or has
higher position, which can also be the case with Ibu for females, e.g. a middle-aged
person named Djoko might be addressed as ‘Bapak Djoko.’ It is safer to use the more
formal Pak or Ibu to ensure you are being respectful. Also the terms Mbak and Mas
(literally older sister and brother in Javanese) but these can change depending on where
you are located (it is good to observe what the local use for salutations).
The Indonesian way for naming does not always use a surname or family name. If a
person is named ‘Arif Perdana,’ it does not mean his family name is Perdana. Feel free
to call him with just ‘Pak Arif’. Some Indonesians have one single first name, without
a middle name or family name.
Married women will likely be using their husband’s name, but in the way they like.
Use the name she told you when you were introduced to her. Do not forget to add
‘Bu/Ibu’ before you speak her name.
CULTURE
While working and/or living in Indonesia, it is both necessary and polite to understand
the culture and customs you will be exposed to daily. As a foreign professional, you
will be required to train Indonesian employees.
Care should be taken in terms of developing an intimate relationship in Indonesia,
as expectations may vary considerably than from a western perspective. It would
be prudent to understand what the expectations are of a potential partner before
becoming too intimate.
You should never display negative emotions such as anger, screaming and yelling.
Such outbursts will confuse and offend Indonesians. Maintaining a calm exterior is a
must. The following list details some of the different customs and social regulations
you will be expected to learn and practice:
• Keep smiling regardless of how you inwardly feel
• Remaining calm and quiet is a mark of respect
• Jam Karet means ‘rubber time’, indicating a relaxed view of punctuality
However, most site operations still try to keep things on time
• Respect for religious customs and their potential impact on
workplace productivity
• Affection and touching in public is not appropriate
(Never touch someone on the head)
• Gift-giving is common; presents are opened in private
• Do not eat or drink until your host begins
• Never point with your fingers or feet
(palm down if you are calling someone); and
• Never give or receive anything with your left hand
as it is considered to be unclean
• Limit swearing as much as possible
• Burping in public is considered impolite
• Respect the Indonesian flag, President, Vice President,
national symbol, national anthem and anything related to Government
hope you find it useful, happy sunday
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