Indonesia Culture & Customs

Culture & Customs

Indonesia does not have one unified culture. Instead, the peoples which make up this eclectic nation belong to over 300 distinct cultures, each adding unique traditions, customs, cuisine, art and music to the colourful fabric of the archipelago. As a whole, the people are warm, friendly and polite. Locals tend to be easygoing and readily warm to visitors who make an effort to learn and respect their customs and conventions. Levels of sophistication vary wildly within Indonesia. Whilst the larger cities are in many ways very similar to other centres of population in South East Asia, some of the Indonesian islands such as Papua, are home to primitive tribes which have only recently come into contact with the outside world.

Tipping is not generally expected in Indonesia. Many of the larger and more upmarket hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge. It is customary to give a small tip to taxi drivers and for having your bags carried at airports and hotels, 1,000 to. IDR 2,000 is usually sufficient.

Haggling is widespread in Indonesia, with shops and markets often showing no fixed prices. Prices will normally start high, with the expectation that this will be haggled down to a mutually agreeable and fair price. Haggling can be fun if you enter into the spirit of the process and keep a good sense of humour.

Although the framework for much of Indonesian art and music is derived from ancient Hindu and Buddhist influences, between 80 and 90% of the population is Muslim, making Indonesia the largest Muslim-majority nation on Earth. Indonesia is not an Islamic State, and along with the largely liberal form of the religion practised there, the government does officially recognises a few others including, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Most Indonesian Hindus are Balinese, whilst Christians are found mostly in areas of Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara.

As one might expect from a nation who’s predominant religion is Muslim, the annual 30 day festival of Ramadahn is a major affair which requires a level of respect and restraint from non-Muslim visitors. Ramadahm requires that nothing may be passed between the lips between sunrise and sunset, including food, water and even smoke from cigarettes. This is only a requirement for Muslims, yet non Muslims are can show respect by being discreet and not eating and drinking in public during these times. A modest dresscode at all times is also considered respectful.