INDONESIA ETIQUETTE

Before embarking on a trip to Indonesia, it will be helpful to browse through some information on Indonesian Etiquette, so that you do not hurt the sensibilities of the people, even by mistake, while on a trip there. Further more learning about the Indonesian Etiquette will help you blend in better with the locals and even surprise your host with some pleasant gestures.

Like any other place in the world, when visiting Indonesia, visitors should observe the local customs and practices, which are held very dear by the Indonesian people. Some common courtesies and customs are as follows:

Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim women may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies.

There is no grasping in Salam, in this form of greeting, the man offers both hands, lightly touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.

It is considered polite to call before visiting a home. Unannounced visits are not expected. Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. It is a common practice to offer drinks to guests, so if offered it is polite to accept.

Always use your right hand while eating or giving and receiving objects. Do not point at places, objects or persons with the right forefinger. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage for the purpose.

Always remove your shoes before entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors to cover there heads before entering the place of worship.

It is usually permitted to take photographs at places of worship. However, always ask permission beforehand.

As over 85% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, drinking is not a common practice and hence toasting is not a common practice in here.

ARTS AND CRAFTS IN INDONESIA

Any connoisseur is bound to be fascinated by the rich variety of Arts and Crafts in Indonesia that has been a legacy of a myriad of influences. Talking of visual arts in Indonesia, the country is not generally known as a treasure trove for exquisite or timeless paintings, but it is known more for its inimitable works of art, which are exclusive to the country.

To begin with, there are the often intricate and expressive traditional and modern Balinese paintings. These paintings mostly concentrate on depicting the beauty of nature, marvelous landscapes or illustrate themes from the traditional dances. Apart from the traditional paintings, Indonesia has proved to be a fertile ground for many internationally known painters either Indonesians or Europeans who settled in Indonesia to pursue their creative endeavors.

Most of these are big names in the Art market and their works often fetch very high prices. Today, Modern Indonesian painters use a wide variety of styles and themes. Calligraphy, mostly based on the Qur'An is decorative in its special way.

When it comes to Indonesian crafts as one of the art products, one can choose among the various styles, patterns and designs that are employed in preparing them, mostly inherited as a cultural legacy from their ancestors. In many ways, the colors and forms of these crafts depict the traditional or spiritual values of a particular tribes from certain regions. In some cases these display various meanings related to the ethnic or particular region of origin.

Some of the popular forms of Arts and Crafts in Indonesia are batik, ikat and songket cloth. With the popularity of batik today, it is difficult to imagine that it was once on the brink of disappearance along with ikat, but thanks to the efforts of former President Soeharto, who ingeniously promoted the craft by wearing batik shirts on official occasions.

calligraphy QUR'AN

painting

batik

culture of indonesia

The culture of Indonesia has took its current shape molded by several influences that have been prevalent in the land, as a result of the long process of interaction and acculturation between original indigenous customs and a multitude of foreign influences.

Nestled between the ancient sea trading routes between Far East and Middle East, Indonesian culture, too a large extent has imbibed much of its daily practices and art forms from the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucianism and Islamic influences. These connections are clearly evident mostly in its many trading cities.

The kaleidoscopic cultural hue of Indonesia is largely cosmopolitan and need to be distinguished from the original. The complex nature of this culture can be easily gazed by various lines of faiths adopted by people here, for example: Agama Hindu Dharma, a denomination of Hinduism is now practiced by 93% of Balinese. Other examples are the fusion of Islam with Hindu in Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha, the fusion of Hinduism and animism in Kaharingan, and many others.

With the diverse influences, shaping up the perspective of the Indonesian people, their lifestyle and values, the impact of the cultural fusion is also noticeable in Indonesian art forms. For instances, wayang- a traditional form of theatre show performed with puppets was used to spread Hinduism and Islam among villagers in Java. Similarly, in various Javanese and Balinese dances, often stories about old Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms are told. In Sumatra, especially in its Minangkabau and Aceh regions, one can see direct architectural inspiration from the Islamic art forms and architectures.

As far as the westernization of culture of Indonesia is concerned, an imprint of it though cannot be ruled out, but it is mostly limited to modern entertainment, such as television shows, movies and songs. One of the major influences in this sphere are the Bollywood songs and movies.

ADVENTURE AND RECREATION IN INDONESIA

Adventure and recreation in Indonesia comprises of a wide range of activities such as Boating, Scuba diving, Surfing, Volcano Trekking, Island Hopping and Jungle trekking.

lombok

Surfing in Indonesia takes place in 9 regions. These include Sumatra, Java, East Bali, West Bali, Mentawai, Lombok, Sumbawa and East Indonesia. The surfing at Bingin beach is very famous. In fact, Indonesia, being the largest archipelago in the world, has many beaches to offer to the tourists as well as the local people for various activities related to adventure and recreation.

jungle trekking

semeru mountain

Volcano trekking is yet another type of sport in which you can get a complete package of satisfaction regarding adventure activities. The Semeru mountain in Java, is the largest volcano mountain in Java, and it provides you with loads of valuable experience which is, in fact a gem to treasure. But you must also be careful in safeguarding yourself against the common diseases like hepatitis A and B, diarrhea and frost bites. Ensuring safety against natural health problems, you can really enjoy a volcanic mountain trekking in Indonesia.

Scuba diving is yet another kind of adventure activity in Indonesia. Here, you are transported into an entirely different world where, you witness the ecstasies of the marine life. You can also see some of the most amazing animals of the underwaters like the sharks, blennies, tunas, mantas, frog fishes and many other beautiful creatures.

Boating in Indonesia gives an added color to your trip. You can opt for the tourist packages which are really very exciting. In any case, you would remain spellbound by the
trips that would lead you to exotic locations. The memories would in deed be cherished by you throughout your life.
In jungle trekking also, you can explore some of the beautiful forests of Indonesia

boating

trekking

surfing

where is INDONESIA?

Indonesia is located at the southeast part of Asia.  It has a hot, humid climate that stays around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It has around 13,000 islands along the equator between Asia and Australia. The larger islands have central mountains and fertile plains and lowlands. The climate is tropical, and October to April is the rainy season. It's a diverse nation with a lot of resources.

the coordinate is 6°10.5′S 106°49.7′E

in indonesia there are 5 largest island. they are :



java

sumatra

sulawesi

borneo

 but the most famous island is bali. everyone knows bali better than indonesia itself.

the 'neighbours' are malaysia, singapore, brunei, papua nuginea, and timor leste.

those are the closest neighbour. but not all of them has a good relationship with indonesia

Hey People

Umm so, my teacher ask me to make this blog thingy for my score. So yeah im going to post anything about Indonesia. Your comments really mean so much to me. And you know, follow me!