The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago nation made up of over 17,000 islands, with a population of over 238 million people. The capital and largest city is Jakarta, located on the island of Java. The most widely spoken language is Indonesian, although there are over 300 local languages spoken. Islam is the predominant religion. Business meetings focus more on relationship building than immediate deals, and maintaining harmony is very important culturally. Health risks for travelers include malaria, dengue fever, and food/water-borne illnesses; precautions like boiling water and peeling fruits are recommended.

1. Republic of Indonesia

2. • The Republic of
Indonesia as it is
officially known is more
commonly known as
Indonesia whose capital
is Jakarta.
Indonesian National Monument located in Jakarta

3. Jakarta
• The capital Jakarta is
estimated to have a
population of 8.8
million people and the
republic as whole
having a population of
238,500,000 million
people.

4. • Jakarta is located on the island
of Java and Java is one of
17,000 islands that make up
the largest archipelago in the
world of which only 6,000 are
inhabited.
Island of Java

5. Demographics Languages
Bahasa
• The most widely spoken Indonesia
language throughout English
the republic is Javanese
( officially Bahasa Dutch
Indonesia), English and
Dutch followed by 583
other
Javanese dialects
583
Javanese
dialects

6. Ethnicity
• . 45% of the ethnic
population is made
up of
Javanese, 14%
Sudanese 7.5% Javanese
Madurese and the Sudanese
remaining 26% Madurese
made up of other other
ethnic groups.

7. • 87% of the population Religion
practice Islam 6%
Protestant the
remaining a mix of
catholic, Hindu, Buddhis Islam
Protestant
t and others.
Catholic
other

8. Travel: Health
• Health in Indonesia Malaria
carries a slight to high risk
of contracting the
following throughout the Typhoid
republic. Water and milk
consumption has specific Dysenteries
safe guards to prevent
illness namely boiling but
a full list of concerns and Rabies
preventative measures is
provided at the end of Ingesting Liquids
presentation under
health.

9. Travel : Security
Terrorism
•.
Terrorist groups have the capacity and intent to carry out attacks at any time and
anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented
by expatriates and foreign travelers.
Theft
• Pickpockets are prevalent and violent thefts are very common as well as having your drink spiked while out on the town.
Weather
• Extreme weather conditions pose a higher risk for Boat travel.
Traffic
Traffic laws are not regulated and traffic is heavy
.

10. Import/Export Regulations
Restricted
Free mport Prohibited
without a license
• Perfume for • No commercial • Video cameras
personal use or that are to be
• 1Litre of liquor merchandised sold
• 50 cigars goods as • Electronics
• 200cigarettes baggage • Chinese
• Cardboard medicines
boxes as • Fire arms
luggage • Pornography
• Cell phones
• Fresh fruit

11. Indonesian Culture
Saving Face
Hierarchy
• . As with most group orientated • . Due to the need to maintain group harmony the
concept of 'face' is important to understand.
cultures, hierarchy plays a great role in . In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause
Indonesian culture. of shame ("malu").
. Hierarchical relationships are . Consequently, people are very careful how they
respected, emphasized and maintained. interact and speak.
. Respect is usually shown to those with . Although a foreigner can not be expected to
status, power, position, and age. understand the nuances of the concept it is crucial to
. This can be seen in both the village and the keep an eye on ones behaviour.
. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone.
office where the most senior is expected to Imperfections should always be hidden and addresses
make group decisions. privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at
. Superiors are often called "bapak" or any individual/group publicly.
"ibu", which means the equivalent of father or . One manifestation of the concept of face/shame is
mother, sir or madam. that Indonesians communite quite indirectly, i.e. they
. Although those higher up the hierarchy make would never wish to cause anyone shame by giving
them a negative answer so would phrase it a way
decisions Indonesians are advocates of group where you would be expected to realise what they
discussion and consensus. This ties back to the truly want to say.
idea of maintaining a strong group . Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying
cohesiveness and harmonious relationships. "No" and several other ways of saying "Yes" when the
actual meaning is "No" !!

12. Indonesian Greeting
Greetings
• Greetings can be rather formal as they
are meant to show respect.
. A handshake is the most common
greeting accompanied with the word
"Selamat".
. Many Indonesians may give a slight
bow or place their hands on their heart
after shaking your hand.
. If you are being introduced to several
people, always start with the eldest or
most senior person first.
. Titles are important in Indonesia as
they signify status. If you know of any
titles ensure you use them in
conjunction with the name.

13. Indonesian Gifts
Gifts
• Gift Giving Etiquette
• Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:
• Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:
• . It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting it. This shows that the recipient is not
greedy.
. Items to avoid include scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to
sever the relationship.
. Elaborate wrapping is expected - gold and red and considered auspicious.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
• Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims:
• . In Islam alcohol is forbidden. Only give alcohol if you know the recipient will appreciate it.
. Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything with alcoholic
ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been
slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
• Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:
• . Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

14. Indonesian Business
Business Cards
Eticate
• . Business cards are normally exchanged after the initial handshake and
greeting.
. Business cards should display your title. This helps enhance your image and
credibility.
. Although not required, having one side of your card printed in Bahasa shows
respect.
. Give/accept cards using two hands or the right hand.
. Examine a business card you receive before putting it on the table next to you
or in a business card case.
. It is important to treat business cards with respect. .

15. Attire
• What to Wear?
• . Business attire is
generally conservative.
. Women should dress
conservatively ensuring
that they are well covered
from ankle to neck. Tight
fitting clothes are best
avoided.
. Remember it is hot, so
cotton or at least light
clothing is best

16. Communication Styles
• . Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do not
always say what they mean. It is up to the listener to read between
the lines or pay attention to gestures and body language to get the
real message.
. Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly and with a subdued
tone. Loud people would come across as slightly aggressive.
Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through
communication to build a strong relationship. Dealing with
someone face-to-face is the only effective way of doing business.
. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face.
To be polite, they may tell you what they think you want to hear. If
you offend them, they will mask their feelings and maintain a veil of
civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or acts coldly towards
you, there is a serious problem

17. Business
• Business Meetings
• . Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-you rather than
business. Do not be surprised if business is not even discussed.
. It is common for Indonesians to enter the meeting room according to
rank. Although you do not have to do this, doing so would give a good
impression.
. Indonesians do not make hasty decisions because they might be viewed
as not having given the matter sufficient consideration. Be prepared to
exercise patience.
. "Jam Karet" (rubber time) describes the Indonesian approach to time.
Things are not rushed as the attitude is that everything has its time and
place. Time does not bring money, good relations and harmony do.
. If negotiating, avoid pressure tactics as they are likely to backfire.

18. HEALTH
• Basic health information for travelers to Indonesia
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. The countries
and areas included in the yellow fever endemic zones are considered by Indonesia as infected areas.
• Typhoid occurs. Poliomyelitis transmission has been interrupted in Indonesia.
• Malaria risk exists throughout the year everywhere except in the main tourist resorts of Java and
Bali, Jakarta municipality and other big cities where risk is only slight. The malignant form falciparum is
reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethane. The benign form vivax is
reported to be resistant to chloroquine. The recommended prophylaxis in risk areas is mefloquine.
• All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making
ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled.
Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water.
Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and
fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and
fruit peeled.
• Amoebic and bacillary dysenteries occur. Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Dengue
fever, giardiasis, Japanese Encephalitis and Parityphoid can occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccinations
are sometimes recommended. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in central Sulawesi. Avoid swimming and
paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
• Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are
bitten, seek medical advice without delay