You may not know it, but Indonesia is actually one of the largest countries in the world. It is currently the 4th in population, just behind the United States and ahead of Brazil. That means it’s definitely a place business travelers might land one day.
To help business travelers avoid potential cultural issues when traveling to Indonesia, About.com business travel expert David A. Kelly interviewed cultural expert Gayle Cotton, author of the best-selling book, Say anything to anyone, anywhere: 5 keys to a successful cross Cultural Communication . For more information on Ms. Cotton, visit www.GayleCotton.com.
With her experience, Ms. Cotton was pleased to share a variety of tips with About.com readers to help business travelers avoid potential cultural issues when traveling to Indonesia.
What advice do you have for business travelers heading to Indonesia?
- Indonesia is a country of many cultures, although greetings among all Indonesians are conducted politely and formally, slowly and deliberately. A hasty introduction will be perceived as disrespectful.
- Most of the Indonesian businessmen are Chinese, and they are likely to be on time for meetings and appointments. Other businessmen and many government officials are ethnic Malays, and may place less emphasis on efficiency, punctuality and deadlines.
- Among Indonesian Chinese, handshakes are the standard greeting. Most Indonesian handshakes are gentle and last 10-12 seconds. For later meetings, it may also be appropriate to bow instead of initiating more handshakes. Tilt your head, lower your eyes and smile as you say the Indonesian greeting ‘Selamat’, which means ‘peace’.
- The traditional greeting for Indonesian Hindus involves a slight bow with the palms of the hands together, as if praying. Older and traditional Hindus often use this greeting, called “Namaste.” It is also an acceptable alternative to a handshake when a Western businesswoman greets a Hindu man.
- Among Indonesian Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered impure, so it should not be used in public whenever possible. The right hand should be used exclusively for greeting, accepting gifts, storing cash, eating, and touching people. These guidelines apply even if you are left-handed. However, you can use your left hand when there is absolutely no other realistic alternative.
- Physical contact between people of the same sex is perfectly acceptable. You are likely to observe men holding hands with men or even walking with their arms around each other. These displays are strictly viewed as gestures of friendship.
- There is a belief in Indonesia that the office is the only place to discuss business. Therefore, refrain from discussing business in a social situation, unless your Indonesian colleagues discuss the matter. Meals are often enjoyed with very little conversation.
- To have a successful conversation, it is essential for Indonesians to know if they are talking to a person who is superior, inferior or equal. In general, they will be uncomfortable until they know their status, so there is a tendency to ask very personal questions.
- Be careful when asking an Indonesian Chinese a question. For example, English speakers would give a negative answer to the question “Is the document not available?” answering “no”. The Chinese interpretation is the opposite. The answer would be ‘yes’, which means ‘Yes, the document is not available’.
- Although many government officials will speak some English, they may prefer to hold meetings in Bahasa Indonesian. Fortunately, English-speaking translators are usually easily accessible. Presentation material and company literature must also be translated into Bahasa Indonesian.
- When you receive someone else’s card, demonstrate by examining it carefully for a few moments and then observing it before placing it in its case or on a nearby table. Accepting a business card and then immediately shoving it in your back pocket will be perceived as disrespectful.
- Indonesians tend to be very friendly and you should reciprocate this immediate friendship. They are more likely to buy from people they really like. Taking the time to develop strong long-term personal relationships is vitally important. In Indonesian business culture, relationships are based on respect and trust.
What is important to know about the decision-making process?
- Meetings and negotiations tend to be on the formal side. Indonesian participants will enter the room based on their hierarchical position and then take their seats. You are expected to remain standing until this ritual is complete.
- Negotiations are discussed amongst those present, however they should be directed to the highest ranking individual in the meeting
Any advice for women?
- With the exception of handshakes, there is no public contact between the sexes in Indonesia. Hugs and kisses, even between husbands and wives, are prohibited in public. Also, if a woman touches a Muslim man, she must ritually cleanse herself before praying again.
Any advice on gestures?
- Since the foot is also considered impure, do not use this part of the body to point, move, or touch things. Also, refrain from resting your feet on desks or tables. Don’t show the soles of your feet or shoes. You can cross your legs at the knee, but not with an ankle over the knee.
- Note that many Indonesians believe that the head is the ‘seat of the soul’. Consequently, never touch someone’s head, not even to willingly stroke a child’s hair.
- To call someone, you extend your hand, palm down, and make a movement with your fingers. Gesturing palm up to someone and waving a finger, as in the United States, will often be perceived as an insult.
- Point with your open hand rather than your index finger, which is considered rude.
- Chewing gum in public is discouraged.
What are some good suggestions for conversation starters?
- What are some good suggestions for conversation starters?
- Talk about Indonesian traditions, culture, and architecture.
- Families and friends are always a welcome topic.
- Food, especially about the variety of local cuisine.
- Sport in general is always a good topic.
- The success or future plans of your organization.
What are some conversation starters to avoid?
- Commenting on Indonesian customs that you find unusual
- Human rights, politics, military influence, bureaucracy, corruption.
- Sex and roles of the sexes.
- Over emphasizing your personal successes
- It’s best to avoid religion and your personal religious preferences.
