World without words
Indonesia - Republik Indonesia Lucy Duijf, Chantal Vruggink, Lieveke Heijn
Indonesia in locates in south-eastern Asia, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and has 33 provinces with over 238 million people. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation and is currently the largest Islamic nation. The capital city is Jakarta which is located on the island Java and Bahasa Indonesian is the official language. The Indonesian culture is influenced by various religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and the Islam. The country has huge diversity on cultures and has about three hundred different ethnic groups. Families structures are still very traditional and people will define themselves according to their ethnic group, family or background.
Beckoning
Pointing fingers
Beckoning with a
Pointing at
finger is considered
something using
rude in Indonesia. It
the index finger is
is more acceptable to beckon with the
impolite in Indonesia.
palm down, with fingers or whole hand
When pointing,
waving.
Indonesians will point with the thumb extended, instead the index finger.
Handshakes When meeting
Sitting positions
someone for the first
When sitting in Indonesia it is important
time in Indonesia,
to keep both feet on the floor. Sitting
offering a hand
with good posture and both feet on
to be shaken and
the floor is seen as a sign of respect. It
slightly nodding
is important not to face or point the
the head is common. When shaking
bottom of the feet at another person.
hands upon greeting and leaving it is usual to always use the right hand. The handshake is limp and lasts ten to fifteen seconds. Men do not offer a handshake to an Indonesian woman and most Indonesians give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart after shaking hands. 93