Customs, Language, And Religion
Customs
With a different land, comes a different set of customs, a different language, and many religions we don't have much of.
Indonesia is filled with different things, from the land and agriculture to the people.
In Indonesia there is great respect to those with high power, position, and age, this is called hierarchy and is used mainly towards those who make the big decisions and have great power, though Indonesians are people of group discussion and decision as well as consequences. Superiors are called "bapak" or "ibu" which roughly translates to father and mother, or sir and madam.
Another custom they have is called Face. Face is very important to understand, the concept being a way to avoid shame and causes of shame, otherwise known to them as "malu". People are careful with how they interact and speak with each other. They are always very careful not to offend anyone and they believe imperfections MUST be hidden. Also it's a strong rule that no one should ever be blamed for anything in public or be caused any form of shame. It is also a strong rule that no one should ever be given a negative answer.
While greeting someone new, or even a familiar person, many will bow their head in respect or place their hand over their heart after shaking another's hand as a handshake is most common while speaking the word "selamat". Greetings are always meant to respect the other.
Indonesia is filled with different things, from the land and agriculture to the people.
In Indonesia there is great respect to those with high power, position, and age, this is called hierarchy and is used mainly towards those who make the big decisions and have great power, though Indonesians are people of group discussion and decision as well as consequences. Superiors are called "bapak" or "ibu" which roughly translates to father and mother, or sir and madam.
Another custom they have is called Face. Face is very important to understand, the concept being a way to avoid shame and causes of shame, otherwise known to them as "malu". People are careful with how they interact and speak with each other. They are always very careful not to offend anyone and they believe imperfections MUST be hidden. Also it's a strong rule that no one should ever be blamed for anything in public or be caused any form of shame. It is also a strong rule that no one should ever be given a negative answer.
While greeting someone new, or even a familiar person, many will bow their head in respect or place their hand over their heart after shaking another's hand as a handshake is most common while speaking the word "selamat". Greetings are always meant to respect the other.
Language
Along with a new set of customs, Indonesia has a different language officially called Bahasa Indonesian. Bahasa is the standard dialect of the Malayu language, however it is the second language of most of the population, though they still speak with it in school and work.
To tie in with their customs, there are 12 ways to say "no" in Bahasa and an abundance of ways to say "yes" while actually meaning "no".
To tie in with their customs, there are 12 ways to say "no" in Bahasa and an abundance of ways to say "yes" while actually meaning "no".
There are many different religions and ethnicities in Indonesia.
In the country there are a few more than six religions practiced, including Muslim, which approximately 88% of the population practices, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Hinduism, and Buddhism. There are more religions but only 1% of the population practices them.
There are a few different ethnicities inhabiting the population as well, 45% being the Indonesians, or as they call themselves, the Javanese. 14% are Sudanese, who originate from Sudan Africa. 7.5% are Madurese who are Indonesian people, originally from the island of Madura. Another 7.5% is Costal Malays and 26% of the people are from other ethnicities.
In the country there are a few more than six religions practiced, including Muslim, which approximately 88% of the population practices, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Hinduism, and Buddhism. There are more religions but only 1% of the population practices them.
There are a few different ethnicities inhabiting the population as well, 45% being the Indonesians, or as they call themselves, the Javanese. 14% are Sudanese, who originate from Sudan Africa. 7.5% are Madurese who are Indonesian people, originally from the island of Madura. Another 7.5% is Costal Malays and 26% of the people are from other ethnicities.