The Cultural Diversity Dimension of Indonesia
Author: Nabil Ishak - Fontys Hogescholen
The family has the most important meaning for Indonesians. The relationship between each member of the family is close, although you would seldom see each member showing their feelings and affection openly. Without words, everybody knows that the other members of the family also know, that they love each other and will always take care of each other.
Parents especially fathers, have a very dominant role in the family. This is why the decision-making process in the family tends to be authoritarian. No matter how old a person is, he will always be his parents “child”. This means that a university student who is 22 years old or even a young married couple who still lives with the parents has to involve and consider the parent’s opinion in making their decision. To ask for the parent’s opinion and permission is not viewed as a form of dependency, but more as a form of respects toward them, as they are considered to have more experiences in life. It is very common in Indonesia that children live with their parents even after they are married.
Obedience is a very important value in the family. Children are seldom questioning the parent’s decisions and rules. As this is usually HARD to adjust, especially for those of you coming from a liberal and independent society, please remember that it is as hard for Indonesian family to be more liberal as it is for you to be more obedient.
No less important, Religion. “Belief in God” is the first of five Indonesian National Principles. Indonesians are known as religious people, no matter what religion a person belongs to. Therefore, you are advised NOT to expose yourself as a non-believer even if you are one. Religious and ethnic differences may be related. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, and many ethnic groups are exclusively Muslim. Today many ethnic groups are exclusively Protestant or Roman Catholic. They are heavily represented among upland peoples in North Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and the eastern Lesser Sundas, though many Christians are also found in Java and among the Chinese. Tensions arise when groups of one religion migrate to a place with a different established religion. Political and economic power becomes linked to both ethnicity and religion as groups favor their own kinsmen and ethnic mates for jobs and other benefits.
The way a person dress-up is important. People tend to read you and make an impression of you through your clothes. Students may dress rather casually, except when they are in school, where uniforms are required. A more formal dress such as a suit, a jacket or a gown is used when attending a wedding or other formal occasions. For men, Indonesian’s long-sleeved “batik” shirt is considered formal.
High Context Culture
Indonesians are generally indirect in their approach
The implication of this characteristic in the daily-life is that people tend not to talk or request something directly. They would avoid embarrassing the other party by saying “no” at the beginning and also avoid embarrassing themselves by getting their request turned down by the other party. Usually people will make a request if they know that they have a fairly good chance of getting a “yes” answer. This indirectness, however, cannot be generalized. Usually the closer the relationship is, the more straightforward one can be.
Most Indonesians don't outwardly express anger and will often continue to smile in the face of an upset. Avoid prolonged periods of eye contact with an Indonesian, as it could be taken as a signal of challenge. It's also very important not to stand with hands on hips, as this is a sign of anger or aggression. The thumb inserted between the index and middle finger is how Indonesians "flip the bird." It is considered very strong language and will offend anyone at whom it is directed. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.
One must consider others in the way they speak
If you talk rapidly, it is suggested that you talk slower, otherwise you might have to repeat some of the things that you have already said. Using common words is advisable. Slang expressions should be avoided, because they might not be understood or it may create misunderstanding. Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is important to understand. In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu"). Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always be hidden and addresses privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at any individual or group publicly.
Body language and gestures are important
A picture is worth a thousand words; this is also true in the case of body language. Some body language can be so degrading that a thousand words still cannot describe the meaning. Unfortunately, some body language which is common in one place, can be very insulting in other place. The following are some common body language that should not be done.
Right hand as the “good” hand
The right hand is known by almost all Indonesian as the “good” hand, while the left is considered to be the “dirty” one. Also, when you hand something over, please do not do it as if you are throwing it, as this is also considered very impolite.
Touching other person’s head, it is very impolite
The head is regarded as the center of being and the most respected part of the body. Touching somebody’s head, especially if it is the head of an older person, is considered very disrespectful.
Me and my society greeting
The family has the most important meaning for Indonesians. The relationship between each member of the family is close, although you would seldom see each member showing their feelings and affection openly. Without words, everybody knows that the other members of the family also know, that they love each other and will always take care of each other.
Parents especially fathers, have a very dominant role in the family. This is why the decision-making process in the family tends to be authoritarian. No matter how old a person is, he will always be his parents “child”. This means that a university student who is 22 years old or even a young married couple who still lives with the parents has to involve and consider the parent’s opinion in making their decision. To ask for the parent’s opinion and permission is not viewed as a form of dependency, but more as a form of respects toward them, as they are considered to have more experiences in life. It is very common in Indonesia that children live with their parents even after they are married.
Obedience is a very important value in the family. Children are seldom questioning the parent’s decisions and rules. As this is usually HARD to adjust, especially for those of you coming from a liberal and independent society, please remember that it is as hard for Indonesian family to be more liberal as it is for you to be more obedient.
No less important, Religion. “Belief in God” is the first of five Indonesian National Principles. Indonesians are known as religious people, no matter what religion a person belongs to. Therefore, you are advised NOT to expose yourself as a non-believer even if you are one. Religious and ethnic differences may be related. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, and many ethnic groups are exclusively Muslim. Today many ethnic groups are exclusively Protestant or Roman Catholic. They are heavily represented among upland peoples in North Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and the eastern Lesser Sundas, though many Christians are also found in Java and among the Chinese. Tensions arise when groups of one religion migrate to a place with a different established religion. Political and economic power becomes linked to both ethnicity and religion as groups favor their own kinsmen and ethnic mates for jobs and other benefits.
The way a person dress-up is important. People tend to read you and make an impression of you through your clothes. Students may dress rather casually, except when they are in school, where uniforms are required. A more formal dress such as a suit, a jacket or a gown is used when attending a wedding or other formal occasions. For men, Indonesian’s long-sleeved “batik” shirt is considered formal.
High Context Culture
Indonesians are generally indirect in their approach
The implication of this characteristic in the daily-life is that people tend not to talk or request something directly. They would avoid embarrassing the other party by saying “no” at the beginning and also avoid embarrassing themselves by getting their request turned down by the other party. Usually people will make a request if they know that they have a fairly good chance of getting a “yes” answer. This indirectness, however, cannot be generalized. Usually the closer the relationship is, the more straightforward one can be.
Most Indonesians don't outwardly express anger and will often continue to smile in the face of an upset. Avoid prolonged periods of eye contact with an Indonesian, as it could be taken as a signal of challenge. It's also very important not to stand with hands on hips, as this is a sign of anger or aggression. The thumb inserted between the index and middle finger is how Indonesians "flip the bird." It is considered very strong language and will offend anyone at whom it is directed. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.
One must consider others in the way they speak
If you talk rapidly, it is suggested that you talk slower, otherwise you might have to repeat some of the things that you have already said. Using common words is advisable. Slang expressions should be avoided, because they might not be understood or it may create misunderstanding. Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is important to understand. In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu"). Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always be hidden and addresses privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at any individual or group publicly.
Body language and gestures are important
A picture is worth a thousand words; this is also true in the case of body language. Some body language can be so degrading that a thousand words still cannot describe the meaning. Unfortunately, some body language which is common in one place, can be very insulting in other place. The following are some common body language that should not be done.
Right hand as the “good” hand
The right hand is known by almost all Indonesian as the “good” hand, while the left is considered to be the “dirty” one. Also, when you hand something over, please do not do it as if you are throwing it, as this is also considered very impolite.
Touching other person’s head, it is very impolite
The head is regarded as the center of being and the most respected part of the body. Touching somebody’s head, especially if it is the head of an older person, is considered very disrespectful.
Me and my society greeting
- Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show respect.
- A handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with the word "Selamat". Many Indonesians may give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart after shaking your hand.
- If you are being introduced to several people, always start with the eldest or most senior person first. Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you know of any titles ensure you use them in conjunction with the name.
Indonesia as Ultimate of Diversity
Whilst unity has been a result of history, different cultures are based on many different ethnic groups found throughout the country which have maintained their traditions, languages and dialects. Protected by adat (customary law) which differs from one region to another, modernization is only a superficial veneer covering the daily life in the cities. Ultimately, adat is man's ties to his family and to his community and is applied to his way of life.
The Indonesian culture originated from the farming activities of the indigenous people. It was influenced by the waves of traders from India, China, Saudi Arabia and Europe which brought along their religious teachings.Customs and traditions which have merged with religious teachings, have brought about different ceremonies and festivities, which vary from area to area.
The Indonesian culture originated from the farming activities of the indigenous people. It was influenced by the waves of traders from India, China, Saudi Arabia and Europe which brought along their religious teachings.Customs and traditions which have merged with religious teachings, have brought about different ceremonies and festivities, which vary from area to area.
