How to behave in Indonesia? Actions to avoid, those to adopt

China has reopened its borders… Letting predict a sharp increase in the number of flights to all of Asia.

And Indonesia intends to take advantage of this to consolidate the recovery of tourism in the archipelago.

Are you planning a trip there?

There are some habits and customs on which it is better not to overlook.

Addressing someone, showing gestures of affection, wearing a certain dress code... Overview of what it is and what it is not recommended to do on the archipelago and near of the 273 million Indonesians.

Read alsoIndonesia: itinerary, budget, safety... All our advice for preparing your trip

What behavior to adopt in the public space?

If Indonesia is a tolerant country, a golden rule prevails: keep your calm in any situation.

AdobeStock/Dudarev Mikhail

Despite a great tolerance, some attitudes are to be avoided during your stay in Indonesia.

In general, don't lose your

.

Indonesians are not fans of outbursts of anger and loud laughter, preferring more sober reactions, in harmony with the surrounding environment.

In general, the silence will be appreciated by the local population.

The largest Muslim country in the world believes that the head is the seat of the soul.

It is therefore frowned upon to touch children's heads.

In Bali, it is strongly advised to adopt the Balinese greeting, with hands joined – the handshake being very rare there.

You attend a

where many Indonesians are in traditional costume and you want to take someone's picture?

Do not hesitate.

Indonesians are very happy to pose in their costumes.

Same advice if you want to join the said procession: foreigners are welcome.

These often travel through villages and rice paddies before arriving at a temple or shrine.

Just one warning: don't interfere with the pace of the procession.

If you want to go to a temple during a ceremony, it may be more difficult to access.

But entry will generally not be refused.

Golden rule, in a place of worship: be respectful and make as little noise as possible.

All while wearing a sarong.

Read alsoIndonesia: three reasons to discover Nusa Penida, Bali's secret little sister

What about

 ?

The rules of propriety observed in France are to be applied in Indonesia.

There is no law prohibiting smoking outdoors or drinking at a sidewalk café – as long as such activities do not disturb public order.

Note that Indonesia is the sixth country most affected by smoking in the world: the majority of the population smokes.

You will come across, placed on the ground, many

in Indonesia.

Whether in front of stalls or houses, Indonesians have the habit of placing small baskets in which they slip flowers, incense and various foods.

In Bali, a Hindu island, the "

" made to ward off demons and the "

" made to thank the ancestors and the gods litter the sidewalks... Difficult to avoid them all!

But, do not panic, the Balinese will not be offended if you step on it.

Read alsoOne hour from Bali, a heavenly (and accessible!) resort for holidays cut off from the world

What attitude to adopt towards the Indonesians?

On the island of Nusa Penida, Kelingking Beach attracts tourists from all over the world every year.

AdobeStock/tawatchai1990

In general, it is strongly recommended to learn several

in Indonesian before going to the archipelago.

This will facilitate your exchanges and will be very pleasant for your interlocutors, who will see it as a mark of respect.

"

" is "

", "

" is translated "

".

For "

", things get trickier, since there are four customary greetings, each characterizing a time of day.

Between midnight and 11am, opt for “

”.

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., “

” is the most appropriate, against “

between 2 p.m. and sunset time, around 6 p.m.

From sunset to midnight, “

” is the proper greeting.

Use “

” (“

”) before addressing a woman, and “

” (“

”) if your interlocutor is a man.

In the same vein: learn a few words relating to negotiation before going to the archipelago of 17,000 islands.

This will allow you, on the markets (and even in the stalls), to negotiate more fluidly.

To ask the price of an object, you can split a “

".

If you're just window shopping, a simple "

" ("

") should suffice.

It is also recommended to learn to count.

Read alsoBali is a temple

Were you invited

during your stay?

Before entering his home, take off your shoes.

Accept what he offers you to eat or drink – yes, yes, even if you come out of a restaurant where you have tasted a delicious Nasi Goreng or another local culinary specialty.

On the other hand, avoid serving and eating with your left hand, which is considered impure.

In general, don't grab or give anything with your left hand.

If you are invited to sit, make sure your feet do not touch those of your hosts – or anyone else.

What about the attitude to adopt if an Indonesian offers you a

 ?

Thank him warmly and avoid the classic "

» : the supplier would be offended.

It is also customary not to open said gift in front of the person who has just given it to you.

Read alsoRelive "20,000 places on the seas", the pearls of Indonesia

What dress for tourists in Indonesia?

Wearing the sarong (a kind of sarong) is essential if you go to an Indonesian temple.

AdobeStock/Ekaterina Pokrovsky

Despite the strong heat that can sometimes hit the country,

prevails.

In the streets, a t-shirt, shorts and a skirt will be perfectly accepted.

On the other hand, Indonesians are offended by tourists who walk around in bikini tops or shirtless in the street.

Regarding shoes: these are to be removed at the entrance of houses and temples.

So opt for a pair that you can take off and put back on easily!

In places of worship, the sarong (which differs if you are a man or a woman), as well as clothing covering the shoulders will be required.

Note that in Indonesia, very touristy temples very often provide sarongs.

If there are none, these are very easily found in stores, in addition to being inexpensive.

A word of advice, therefore: buy one and always have it at hand.

Read alsoBali: the most beautiful temples to visit

Bali, a special case

The Hindu temple of Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, in Bali, is known for its “Gates of Heaven”, in front of which many tourists have their photos taken.

AdobeStock / krunja

There are some differences in attitude between Bali and the rest of Indonesia.

Several factors can explain these nuances.

Bali is a historic tourist destination.

Land of trade, travel, cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic land, the one nicknamed "

" has seen an influx of foreign visitors for nearly a century.

This explains his greater tolerance for certain acts and gestures.

Indonesia is marked by (very) many religions.

Islam, Hinduism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Confucianism (which the country perceives as a religion)… The country is crossed by a multitude of beliefs.

But it is the Muslims who are in the majority: they constitute more than 85% of the population.

Read alsoSumatra, the mysteries of a wild island

If you opt for Bali, you will mainly meet Hindus.

Note that the Hinduism practiced in Bali, called Agama Hindu Dharma, is different from Indian Hinduism.

In addition to revering Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, the Balinese also idolize the one they call Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, guardian of cosmic and moral order and supreme god.