Minding Your Manners!
Some hints about Indonesian manners to ensure travellers do not offend local people when travelling in Indonesia.

When passing or receiving anything, make sure you use your right hand only. The left hand is considered to be unclean and is only used in the toilet.

Don't touch people on the head. In Asia, people regard the head as the part of the body where the soul is located.

It is acceptable to shake hands when being introduced or greeting someone.

People often bow their head to an older person as a mark of respect.

Having your hands on your hips while speaking to someone is impolite. In traditional dance and opera, a character speaks with hands on hips to show the audience he or she is angry.

Pointing with the forefinger is bad manners. Indicate with thumb or chin.

It is bad manners to raise your voice in anger or show that you are angry or embarassed.

It is not acceptable to touch a person of the opposite gender, but is acceptable for a person of the same gender.

When visiting churches or temples, dress appropriately, and ask permission to enter, especially if a ceremony is in progress.

It is considered inappropriate to wear shorts and brief tops and bathers except when at a beach or pool.

Acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
A Trip to Indonesia (2001). [Online], Available: www.kidcyber.com.au

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updated August, 2001