Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 21:18:52 GMT Server: NCSA/1.5.2 Last-modified: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 20:21:32 GMT Content-type: text/html Content-length: 8018 Culture





Indonesian Cultural Aspects




Business Customs

The best time for a business trip is September through June. One should avoid coming during July and August because of school, summer and national holidays that fall during these months. Business visitors should check the local holidays schedule in before traveling to Indonesia. Business cards are commonly used.

The normal business attire is a business suit or white shirt, tie and slacks for men, and a business suit or dress for women. The traditional batik shirt is also commonly worn in the office and is now considered proper business attire.

Indonesians like to avoid confrontation and disharmony. One should not lose one's temper or show emotion. One should also pay particular attention to certain gestures that Indonesians consider offensive and discourteous. First, do not use the left hand in receiving or eating. Although hand shaking is a common practice, physical contact is usually avoided, especially with Muslim women. Smiling, bowing, or nodding is considered more gracious. Second, under no circumstances should one touch or extend any part of the body over an Indonesian's head; the head is considered the most sacred body part. Third, never allow the bottoms of your feet/shoes to be visible by others.

Indonesians do not conduct business transactions or make decisions in the same direct fashion Americans do, so U.S. business people should be prepared to spend a good deal of time with clients before getting down to the business transaction. Patience is the key. The word "no" is rarely used. Exchanging small gifts is common practice for business or social visits. During such occasions, tea or coffee is almost always served and should be accepted. It should not be drunk, however, until the host invites you to do so. If a guest, Indonesian or foreigner, arrives unexpectedly at your home while you are eating, it is courteous to invite that person to join you at the table.

Most importantly, Indonesians do business with "friends", people that they know so developing a rapport is crucial. While quality and price are important, they are secondary to the personal interaction of the business partners.

Business Hours

Business hours start early in Indonesia:

Government:0800-1630 Monday to Friday*
Banks:0800-1600
0800-1300
Monday to Friday*
Saturday
Commerce:0800-1600
0800-1300
Monday to Friday*
Saturday
Shops:0900-2200 Monday to Saturday

*Moslems are released to prayers every Friday from 1100-1200.

Holiday Schedule

Indonesian Holiday U.S. Holiday Date



Independence Day August 17, 1996
Labor Day September 2, 1996
Columbus DayOctober 14, 1996
Veterns Day November 11, 1996
Thanksgiving November 28, 1996
Ascension of Mohammad December 8, 1996
Christas Day Christmas Day December 25, 1996
New Year's Day New Year's Day January 1, 1997
Martin Luther King's Birthday January 20, 1997
Idul Fitri 1417H February 9-10, 1997
Washington's Birthday February 17, 1997
Good Friday March 28, 1997
Saka New Year 1919 April 9, 1997
Idul Adha 1417 H April 18, 1997
Moslem New Year 1418 H May 8, 1997
Ascension of Christ May 8, 1997
Waisak May 22, 1997
Memorial DayMay 26, 1997
Independence DayJuly 4, 1997
Mohammad's BirthdayJuly 17, 1997
Independence DayAugust 17, 1997

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