Culture: What You Need to Know Before Moving to Indonesia

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Embarking on an adventure in Indonesia means diving into a world where ancient traditions and modernity coexist harmoniously, offering a fascinating cultural prism for any expatriate. However, to successfully navigate this country of thousands of islands and languages, it’s essential to understand the specificities that shape the daily life of the local population.

From the importance of family, which represents a cornerstone of Indonesian society, to the subtleties of non-verbal communication, and the ever-present religious norms, this article explores the key cultural differences to grasp for a successful Indonesian adventure.

A deep understanding of these nuances can transform your experience in Indonesia, allowing you to build authentic connections and avoid cultural misunderstandings.

Proper Etiquette in Indonesia

Respect for Elders and Social Interactions

• Respect for elders is a fundamental value: address them with deference, avoid openly contradicting them, and give them priority during meals or ceremonies.
• Greetings are typically made with a smile and a slight nod of the head. Physical contact (handshakes, hugs) remains moderate, especially in traditional settings.
• Using the right hand to give or receive objects is imperative, as the left hand is perceived as impure. This rule also applies when giving gifts, making payments, or exchanging documents.

Modesty and Appropriate Attire

• Modesty in dress is essential, particularly in places of worship (mosques, temples, churches).
• It’s recommended to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, for both men and women, and to remove shoes before entering a home or sacred place.
• In public spaces, discreet behavior and modest attire are required, especially in rural areas and on predominantly Muslim islands.

Meal Protocols

• Meals are often eaten in silence, without unnecessary conversation. Avoid speaking to someone while they’re eating.
• Traditionally, people eat with their right hand, sometimes using a banana leaf as a plate. Utensils are more common in cities or modern restaurants.
• Elders and guests are served first.
• At the end of the meal, it’s customary to thank the host and leave a small amount of food as a sign of respect (depending on the region).

Importance of Community and Family

Value	Description
Community	Collective life takes precedence, with strong neighborhood solidarity.
Family	Patriarchal structure, parents’ and elders’ opinions carry authority.
Banjar (Bali)	Local community organization governing village life.

• Family events (births, weddings, funerals) are key moments that bring the community together.
• Mutual aid and cooperation are valued in all spheres of daily life.

Regional Differences

Region/Context	Cultural Specificities
Java, Sumatra	Strict Muslim practices, high standards of modesty in dress.
Bali	Hindu majority, greater tolerance in clothing, importance of offerings.
Urban Areas	Western influence, more casual clothing and behavior.
Rural Areas	More pronounced traditional customs, increased respect for hierarchies.

Religious Sensitivities

• With Islam being the majority, alcohol and pork consumption is prohibited in many regions.
• Meal times and activities may be adjusted during Ramadan (fasting from sunrise to sunset).
• Religious diversity (Hinduism in Bali, Christianity in Flores, animism in some islands) implies local specificities in practices and holidays.
• When visiting places of worship, it’s essential to show respect, dress appropriately, and maintain a calm demeanor.

Key takeaway: Indonesian customs are based on respect, modesty, and social cohesion, with great importance placed on family, community, and regional diversity. A smile, a nod of the head, and using your right hand are often enough to show your respect for the local culture.

Local Customs: Between Traditions and Modernity

Enduring Traditional Indonesian Customs:

• Nyepi (Day of Silence in Bali): A day dedicated to meditation and introspection, during which the entire island comes to a standstill, with no noise or light.
• Galungan: Balinese festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, with processions and traditional dances.
• Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan): Family gatherings, sharing meals, wearing festive clothing.
• Waisak (Buddhist festival at Borobudur): Lantern release to commemorate Buddha’s life.
• Wayang Kulit: Shadow puppet theater using puppets to tell mythological stories.
• Traditional Dances (Legong, Kecak, Saman): Performed during ceremonies and festivals.
• Batik: Fabric dyeing technique, worn during important events and ceremonies.
• Canang Sari: Daily offerings of flowers and incense in Bali.
• Traditional Cuisine: Iconic dishes like nasi goreng, rendang, or satay shared during celebrations and ceremonies.
• Megibung: Balinese communal meal, symbolizing conviviality.

Blend of Traditions and Modernity:

Festivals and ceremonies are often broadcast on social media, allowing young people to share and value their cultural heritage with a wider audience.

Traditional clothing, such as batik or kebaya, is reinterpreted by local fashion designers, blending ancient patterns with modern cuts.

Wayang Kulit performances are sometimes streamed live or adapted into digital animations, reaching an international audience.

Traditional dances are integrated into contemporary shows or viral videos, contributing to their popularity among new generations.

Offerings like Canang Sari are sometimes made with modern materials, while preserving their spiritual significance.

International tourism encourages the preservation of traditions, while adapting them to visitors’ expectations (batik workshops, dance performances, temple visits).

Concrete Examples of Tradition-Contemporary Coexistence:

Tradition	Modern Adaptation	Societal Impact
Batik	Local designer clothing	Valuing craftsmanship
Wayang Kulit	Digital animations, streaming	Wide cultural dissemination
Traditional Dances	TikTok videos, mixed performances	Popularity among youth
Nyepi	Urban meditation, digital detox	Wellness practice
Offerings (Canang Sari)	Recycled materials, creative design	Ecological awareness

Balance of Younger Generations:

• Young Indonesians actively participate in religious and cultural celebrations, while integrating elements of global culture (music, fashion, social media).
• They create digital content highlighting their traditions, contributing to a modern and dynamic image of Indonesian culture.
• Many wear batik at official or university events, and adapt traditional dress codes to urban daily life.
• Tourism and globalization push for a redefinition of rituals, sometimes more open and accessible, but with a strong will to preserve roots.

Why These Aspects Are Essential for Expatriates:

• Understanding and respecting local customs facilitates integration and avoids cultural blunders.
• Participating in festivals and ceremonies, showing interest in crafts or cuisine, helps gain Indonesians’ trust and acceptance into the community.
• Adopting a respectful attitude towards traditions (appropriate clothing, respect for rituals) is perceived as a mark of politeness and openness.
• Knowledge of social and religious norms (holidays, behavior in temples, importance of respecting elders) helps navigate daily life smoothly, both personally and professionally.

Integrating in Indonesia means combining open-mindedness, curiosity, and respect for local customs, while appreciating the dynamism of a society that blends ancestral traditions with modern innovations.

Tips to Avoid Cultural Mistakes in Indonesia

Practical advice to avoid misunderstandings and cultural mistakes in Indonesia

Appropriate Dress Codes

• In public spaces, it’s recommended to wear modest and covering clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered, especially for women in conservative regions like Java or Sumatra.
• Light clothing (summer dresses, shorts) may be tolerated in big cities, but should be avoided in villages and rural areas.
• For visits to Hindu temples (especially in Bali), you must wear a sarong, a top covering the shoulders, and sometimes a scarf around the waist. Temples often lend these accessories at the entrance.
• Men traditionally wear batik shirts on Fridays or during official meetings.
• Swimwear is reserved for the beach or pool and should be covered elsewhere.
• Anecdote: A shirtless tourist on a street in Yogyakarta attracted disapproving looks, with locals not daring to reprimand him, but the discomfort was noticeable.

Importance of Family and Hierarchy

• Family holds a central place, and it’s common to live with multiple generations under one roof.
• Hierarchy is respected, whether in family or business: age and status dictate politeness, speaking order, and decisions.
• Always greet the oldest or highest-ranking person first in a meeting.
• Example: In a company, a young employee will rarely address their superior directly without going through intermediate hierarchy.

Greetings and Gestures to Avoid

• Handshakes are common but light. Among women, greetings may be a simple smile or slight nod.
• Never touch a child’s or adult’s head, as the top of the head is considered sacred.
• Avoid pointing at someone with your finger: use your thumb with a closed hand instead.
• Don’t show the soles of your feet or sit in a way that directs your feet toward someone.
• Public displays of affection (kisses, hugs) are poorly perceived.

Behavior During Meals and Social Events

• Eat mainly with your right hand (the left hand being considered impure).
• Wait for the host to start eating before touching your plate.
• Guests don’t serve themselves alcohol unless the host offers it (and this remains rare in the Muslim majority).
• Leaving a little food on your plate can mean you’re full.
• Ask for permission before taking photos, especially during family events.

Respect for Local Religious Beliefs

• Indonesia is predominantly Muslim but also hosts many Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist communities.
• Respect prayer times and dietary restrictions (no pork, no alcohol in certain contexts).
• During religious holidays (Ramadan, Nyepi in Bali), adapt your behavior: avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours, respect the silence in Bali during the Hindu New Year.
• It’s strictly forbidden to enter a temple or mosque during menstruation (for women).
• Anecdote: During Nyepi in Bali, even tourists must stay indoors and respect total silence, under penalty of fine.

Patience and Open-Mindedness

• Patience is an essential virtue: Indonesians avoid confrontations and prefer gentle solutions.
• Never raise your voice or show anger in public, as this would be very poorly viewed.
• Keeping a smile even when facing misunderstandings or administrative delays promotes peaceful and respectful exchanges.

Always be curious, respectful, and ready to learn from differences: open-mindedness turns every potential misunderstanding into a discovery opportunity.

Situation	Recommended Behavior	To Avoid
Temple/Mosque	Sarong, covered shoulders, shoes removed	Shorts, tank tops, shoes, photos without permission
Meal	Right hand, wait for host	Eating with left hand, serving yourself without invitation
Formal Meeting	Greet the elder, batik for men	Ignoring hierarchy, excessive physical contact
Public Life	Modest clothing, discretion	Displays of affection, shirtless, feet pointed at others

Always keep in mind that patience, discretion, and respect for local codes are the keys to a positive experience in Indonesia.