Etiquette

Big cities in Indonesia like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali are modern and by large tolerant, but visitors should also respect that Indonesia is a Muslim country. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Places of worship – Be respectful. Remove shoes and dress modestly when visiting mosques; wear a sash and sarong at Bali temples.

Body language – Use both hands when handing somebody something. Don’t display affection in public or talk with your hands on your hips.

Clothing – Avoid showing a lot of skin, although many local men wear shorts. Don’t go topless if you’re a woman (even in Bali).

Photography – Before taking photos of someone, ask – or mime – for approval.

Conflict – Indonesians don’t like conflict. For this reason saving face, and not being caustic towards others, is important for travelers to remember.

Embarrassment – People in Indonesia embarrass easily, and it’s considered very rude to deliberately embarrass someone. This might include raising your voice, or making accusations.

Private Problems – Problems should be solved in private, not on the streets, and ego-based or emotional outbursts are inappropriate.