To work in Indonesia, you will need to establish a good social network. Jakarta is not only the聽largest and most populous city in the Indonesian archipelago, but it is also the business center聽of Indonesia. Setting up a social or professional network there can be relatively easy, in聽particular, if you have already found a job in Jakarta. But you will need to show respect for the聽Indonesian culture and way of life. You will particularly need to be very attentive to the social聽hierarchy that needs to be taken into account at all times when interacting with local rofessionals.
Social hierarchy in Jakarta
Just like other Asiatic cultures, Indonesians attach great importance to social hierarchy. Each聽person has their place in society based on age, status, seniority, etc. Although you should聽respect everyone you interact with, you will need to show even more respect to those at the聽top. As a rule of thumb, the older and more senior a person is, the higher their position in the聽hierarchy.
Be absolutely sure to give priority to greeting those at the highest level of the hierarchy by聽addressing them the proper way.
In business circles, address men as "Sir", "Bapak" or "Pak". Women should be addressed as聽"Madam",聽"Miss" (if you know she is not yet married), "Ibu" or "Bu".
Do not call people "Mas" or "Mbak" unless invited to do so. It is considered rude and聽disrespectful.
Body language in Jakarta
In Jakarta, humility and respect are valued. While self-confidence is welcome in a business聽context, it should not be mistaken for arrogance.
In that sense, body language is crucial:
- The left hand is considered impure! Therefore, do not use it to receive and give things, to shake聽hands, or to eat.
- Avoid pointing with your index finger, especially at other people. Use your whole palm or thumb聽instead.
- Do not cross your hands in front of your chest. It is regarded as a sign of arrogance.
- Don't put your hands on your hips when standing for the same reason.
- Avoid showing the soles of your feet when seated, especially to other people.
- Always return a smile to people who smile at you.
The dress code in Jakarta
For business meetings in Jakarta, the dress code adheres to international standards.聽For formal business events, men wear suits and ties, while women wear blouses, skirts, pants or聽dresses.
Some networking events may be less strict on dress codes while still encouraging elegance and聽casualness.
Don't wear revealing clothing, especially if you're meeting locals for business reasons. Avoid聽shorts, ripped jeans, sleeveless tops, etc., even if you are going to a very casual meeting. Wear聽modest, more conservative clothing as a sign of respect.
Business cards in Jakarta
Exchanging business cards is a great way to expand your network. As in other Asian countries,聽business cards are handled with care and respect in Jakarta. So, when you give or receive a聽business card, use your right hand or both hands. Avoid using your left hand. It is also important聽to place your received business cards with respect, for example in your wallet or purse.
Business cards written in English are tolerated, but it is always better to have cards written in聽English on one side and in Indonesian on the other. Also, make sure your titles and contact聽information are clearly displayed to avoid confusion.
Topics of conversation in Jakarta
In general, Indonesians like to talk about everything. However, some topics are taboo,聽especially at a business or networking event. Conversations about sex, material goods, ethnic or聽religious stereotypes, politics and religion are to be avoided. But if the topic is brought up by聽someone, be as polite as possible and keep control of the discussion, even diverting the聽conversation to topics such as families, local communities, food, interesting events and places,聽stories from your home country, etc.
Moreover, keep in mind that Jakartans will not hesitate to ask personal questions, such as聽marital status, age and religion. These topics are common, so don't be surprised!
Good to know:
If you are an atheist, it is recommended that you choose a religion and change the subject.
Business meals in Jakarta
You may be invited to have dinner with your business partners. In such case, upon arriving,聽greet your host and all those present according to their position in the social hierarchy. Wait聽until you are invited by your host before taking your seat. Likewise, do not start eating until聽your host has started eating or has invited the guests to eat.
It is worth noting that Indonesians seldom drink alcohol in general, even more so as a large part聽of the population is of the Muslim faith. While Indonesian culture does not condemn alcohol聽consumption, it does not encourage it either. Therefore, unless your host offers you a glass of聽wine, avoid ordering alcoholic beverages during business dinners in Jakarta.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
