Cultural profile of Indonesia

Geography

Indonesia is a beautiful country and a unique destination, famous for its enchanting
islands, ancient temples and gracious people. It is a vast archipelago, consisting of
17,500 islands situated between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in South East
Asia.
Population

With an estimated population of over 253 million, Indonesia is highly diverse, comprised
of over 300 different ethnic groups. As the fourth most populous country in the world, it
is a nation of contrasts and rich cultures, with influences deriving from a mix of Chinese,
European, Indian and Malaysian. For travellers, it is an adventure, for expatriates and
international financiers, it is a country boasting one of the fastest growing economies in
the world and an opportunity to live in a remarkable part of the planet.
Jakarta

The capital, Jakarta is a sprawling megalopolis and home to an estimated 10 million

people. Most travellers view Jakarta as a gateway to the islands, an overlooked and
unavoidable stopover. However, for a large community of expatriates, it is the business,
political and cultural heart of Indonesia, a global city and home. Love it or hate it, but
explore Jakarta more and it is a city break you´ll always remember.
Bahasa Indonesian & Other Languages

Indonesian, or ´Bahasa Indonesian´, a standardised dialect of Malay, is the statutory

national language of the country, formalised during the declaration of independence
from the Netherlands in 1945. Although recognised as the only official language of the
nation, used in commerce, formal education and the media, most Indonesians are
bilingual. Most will speak a regional dialect as their mother tongue, such as Javanese,
Sundanese or Madurese. There are more than 700 indigenous languages spoken
across the archipelago, making the country one of the largest multilingual populations in
the world.
English & Learning Bahasa Indonesian

English is spoken quite widely in Indonesia but much less outside the major cities and
tourist spots. As an expatriate, traveller or business owner you may want to consider
lessons in Bahasa Indonesian, which are readily available in Jakarta and the islands.
However, be aware that business with foreigners is often conducted in English.
Religion

Religion plays a significant part in the daily lives of many Indonesians, with over 80% of
the population Muslim, followed by smaller minorities of Protestants, Roman Catholics,
Hindus and Buddhists. The Indonesian government only recognises these six religions,
although according to data reports there are 254 non-official religions practised in the
country.

Indonesian Unity, Loyalty & Honour

Due to the incredible diversity of the country, the government has worked hard to
establish a strong sense of cohesion throughout the archipelago, hence the motto ‘Unity
in Diversity´. Along with this strong unity and conformity to society´s rules, honour and
respect for the individual form the basis of Indonesian culture. Indonesians value loyalty
to friends and family above everything. The nation as a whole is viewed by its people as
an extended family, with the President, school teachers and business leaders referred
to as, ´fathers´ by society.
‘Loss of Face’

In Indonesia, it is important to understand the cultural concept of ´loss of face´, which is

about avoiding the cause of shame, ´malu´, creating social embarrassment – to others
and yourself. Never mock or insult anyone and shortcomings should be addressed
privately. Likewise, blame should never be discussed publicly. Another manifestation of
a desire to avoid ´loss of face´ is that Indonesians can communicate very indirectly,
which means they do not always mean what they say. Indonesians have more than ten
ways to say ´no´ and even more ways of saying ´yes´ whilst meaning no.
Cultural Dos and Don’ts

Indonesia is an open, friendly and peaceful country. Nevertheless, good cultural

awareness will ease the culture shock and assure you avoid any unnecessary faux pas
in daily life and business. Indonesians are taught from a very young age to remain calm
in public, avoid disagreements, speak quietly with consideration and not get angered by
little things. You should do the same. Adopt a humble demeanour, practice patience
and remember to smile!
Greetings
 Greet an Indonesian with “Selamat” (sell-a-mat), which means peace. This should be said
slowly and with sincerity.
Initial greetings will involve a slow handshake (always with the right hand) accompanied by
a slight nod of the head or bow.
 Only shake an Indonesian woman´s hand if she initiates the greeting.
 Hierarchical relationships are very important to Indonesians, as is respect for age, status
and power. In group introductions, always greet the eldest or most senior person first.
 Do not back slap an Indonesian, or touch their head, as this is very disrespectful.
 An Indonesian may show their approval with a pat on the shoulder.
  Avoid extended eye contact as this can be interpreted as a sign of hostility and never chew
gum or yawn.
 Displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon. However,
affection between members of the same sex is common.

Visiting an Indonesian’s Home

Indonesians are known for their generosity, and it is an honour to be invited into their
home. Try to accept all the offered hospitality, as a rejection may be taken personally.
On arriving at your host´s home, always remove your shoes at the door, and it is also
respectful to bring a small gift. Indonesians never show the soles of their feet, or allow
their feet to point towards another person. It is also a sign of respect when sitting to
keep both your feet on the floor and adopt a straight posture.
 As with many Asian cultures, the left hand is considered unclean. Do not touch food, pass
or receive anything, touch anyone, or point with your left hand.
 The host and hostess are invariably the last to sit and eat. Men are usually served first.
 The guest of honour or senior person begins the meal; this is an honour. If you are called
to start the meal, you should refuse twice and then start.
 Do not refuse food or drink, but never finish it completely and compliments about the meal
are always welcome.

Corporate Culture

Understanding the nuances of Indonesian culture and customs is essential for healthy
business relationships and ultimately the success of your company. Try to adopt and
adapt to the culture in both manner and speech; speak quietly, avoid conflict or
pressure and remember disputes can always be dissipated with a smile!

By Western standards, business dealings can be slow and very frustrating.

Relationships in Indonesia must be allowed to grow over time, and numerous visits are
often necessary to complete business transactions. Personal visits, as opposed to
emails and telephone calls, are always appreciated. Indonesians are not rash decision
makers, as this is perceived as not giving the subject adequate thought.

The First Meeting

´Jam Karet´ or ´rubber time´ best describes the Indonesian attitude towards time.
Matters are approached slowly, the philosophy implying that everything has its time and
place. Time does not bring money – good relationships and harmony do. Dress is also
critical, and men should wear a suit and jacket while women should observe and
respect Muslim rules of modesty.
 Westerners are expected to be punctual for business meetings, although it is common for
Indonesians to arrive late.
 Arriving at the location of your meeting, present your business card to the receptionist;
otherwise, you may experience delays.
  It is normal for Indonesians to enter the conference room according to rank. Although you
will not be expected to do the same, behaving as such will present a good impression.
 Exchange business cards when being introduced. Present and receive the card slowly and
with interest.
 Indonesians want very much to please you. Sometimes an untruthful answer is given, so
as not to disappoint anyone.

Dining & Entertainment

Social events usually start late in Indonesia and expect the Indonesians to arrive thirty
minutes later than the given time. As a predominantly Muslim country, most of the
population does not consume alcohol or pork, and in certain restaurants, fingers are
used for eating. Again, always remember to eat with your right hand, keeping your
hands above the table. As a Westerner, you should avoid talking about business at the
dinner table unless the subject is raised by your host.

It is also the normal protocol for the person who extends the invitation to pay the
restaurant bill.

Business Opportunities

Indonesia is the 16th largest economy in the world and projected to be the seventh
biggest economy by 2030. Business in Indonesia can be challenging, and investors
should be prepared to exercise tolerance and a willingness to wait for financial returns.
Nevertheless, business gains can be considerable.

The country has a burgeoning and increasingly cash-rich middle class, hungry for
international brands, opening up promising opportunities for international brands to
establish themselves in the market. Opportunities exist across the consumer and retail
sectors, creative industries, engineering, education, renewable energy, finance,
infrastructure, transport and within Indonesia´s abundant natural resources.

Indonesia is the world´s biggest producer and exporter of unrefined palm oil and the
second largest producer of coal, cocoa and tin. The country has a wealth of other
natural resources including nickel, gold, coffee and forestry and marine sources.

There are several ways to operate a business in Indonesia including setting up a joint
venture company, establishing a representative office and appointing an agent,
distributor or importer.

Foreign and domestic investments are regulated by the Investment Coordinating Board
(BKPM). BKPM manages Company Law and Foreign Investment Law. Investors must
apply for approval from BKPM. BKPM does not assign licenses for investments in
banking, financial institutions, insurance, and oil and gas. These are awarded by the
industry-specific regulating bodies.
Relocation & Expat Advice

Moving to another country can often be overwhelming, with an incredible number of

details requiring your time and attention. This is often accompanied by lengthy and
confusing bureaucratic processes. However, help is available from specialist relocation
companies, offering tailor-made services, to assess the individual or family’s needs,
helping them to adapt, settle in and enjoy their new home and surroundings.

Many companies offer complimentary pre-visit consultations, paid on-arrival orientation

tours and face-to-face support, covering all the daily essentials of living in Indonesia;
accommodation, immigration, working visas, schooling advice, shopping, recreation,
healthcare, transportation, health and safety, banking, cultural adaptation and language.

Expatriates in Indonesia can also find a wealth of online support covering all aspects of
life in Indonesia and, of course, on the ground counsel and support from a broad and
lively expatriate community.

Cultural profile of Japan

Geography
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of
the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea, China, Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of
Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.

Local culture

Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is immersed in the deepest of traditions dating
back thousands of years, and on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid change, with constantly shifting
trends and fashions and technological development that perpetually tests and pushes boundaries. This is part of what
makes it such a fascinating country to visit.

There are typically 2 types of clothing which the Japanese wear. While the traditional ethnic garments of Japan like
kimonos are still in use, they are mainly worn for ceremonies and special events like funerals and festivals. More
recently, western clothing is worn often in day-to-day life. While the westernisation of fashions has continued at a
rapid pace, the kimono lives on in Japanese culture.

The Japanese Language

Japanese is spoken by about 125 million speakers. Not much is known of the language’s history, or even when it
first appeared in Japan; substantial texts did not appear until the 8th century. Japanese has no genetic relationship
with Chinese, however it makes extensive use of Chinese characters (kanji) and a large portion of its vocabulary is
borrowed from the Chinese language.

Written Japanese
Japanese is a script language and along with the adopted “kanji” Chinese characters, the main scripts are “hiragana”
and “katakana”. Latin script is used in a limited fashion, for example it’s used in imported acronyms. The numerical
system uses mainly Arabic numerals along with Chinese numerals.

Several thousand kanji characters are in regular use. Each has a range of meanings and most of them have more than
one pronunciation. Which one to use very much depends on context. The total number of Kanji is over 50,000,
although few, if any, native speakers know anywhere near this number.

Etiquette & customs

Manners are very important amongst the Japanese. You should make sure you are aware of the basic rules.

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. The bow ranges from a small nod of the head (casual and informal) to
a deep bend at the waist (indicating respect). A bow of the head from a foreigner is usually sufficient; most Japanese
people don’t expect foreigners to know the bowing rules. Shaking hands in Japan is uncommon.

There are strict rules regarding indoor manners in Japan which are related to footwear. Shoes are removed not only
in the home, but also in many traditional ryokan (Japanese style inns), some restaurants, temples, castles and other
historic buildings. The border is not the door itself, but the entrance area which is called “genkan”, and shoes should
be always pointed towards the door rather than into the building.

When dining out, many restaurants have a mixture of both Western style tables and chairs as well as low traditional
tables, where it’s usual to sit on a pillow (this type of dining is referred to as “zashiki”).

Chopsticks are used to eat most kinds of Japanese food and these should be held towards their end, not in the middle
or front third.

It’s not customary to tip in Japan. Instead it’s polite to say “gochisosama deshita” (“thank you for the meal”) when
leaving.

Gift giving is a common part of Japanese culture and various types of gifts are given on different occasions. Gifts in
sets of 4 are usually avoided, as the word for “four” is pronounced the same as the word for “death”. Gift giving on
birthdays and Christmas was not previously a Japanese tradition, however due to the strong influence from the West,
many families and friends do now exchange gifts on these occasions.

Religion

Shinto is as old as the Japanese culture, while Buddhism was imported from the mainland in the 6th century. Since
then, the two religions have been co-existing relatively harmoniously and have even complemented each other to a
certain degree.

Religion does not play a big role in the everyday life of most Japanese people today. The average person typically
follows the religious rituals at ceremonies like births, weddings and funerals. They may visit a shrine or temple at
New Year and participate at local festivals (matsuri), most of which have a religious background.
pic 1 shrine

Business meeting advice (if doing business in Japan)

First Meetings

Japanese business etiquette is not so different to that in the UK – politeness and good manners are hugely important.
The main difference is that the business etiquette is more formal, especially at the first meeting where the
exchanging of the business card is an essential ritual. After you’ve been introduced and bowed, the business card
ceremony begins, and you should be aware of the etiquette.

Cards should be double sided to include both English and Japanese. Offer the card with the Japanese side facing
upwards towards the recipient. Offering the card with both hands demonstrates greater respect. In a group of several
Japanese people, cards will be offered to you in order of rank, with the highest ranking presenting their card last.

You’re expected to take time to carefully read (and memorise!) all key information. Business cards in Japan should
be considered an extension of the individual, not solely for use to find someone after you’ve met them. The card
should be placed respectfully into a business card holder, not shoved into a pocket like a tissue and do take care not
to damage or bend the card; this is considered to be a direct insult.

Business Meetings

Always play safe and dress formally for your meeting; it never hurts to be overdressed. You should display a
conservative demeanour; it’s not common for Japanese business people to be brash and abrasive. This behaviour can
result in a lack of trust and you might not be taken very seriously. Use black or blue ink when taking notes, not red.
Wait for direction from your host as to where you should sit. Exceptional importance is placed upon seating in
meetings and the position is determined by status. Usually, the highest ranking person will sit at the head of the table
and the subordinates will sit on both sides of the table. The ranking will decrease the further down the table (away
from the head of the table) you get.

Don’t take the lead in the meeting when it comes to sitting, drinking or eating. Wait for others to initiate and you can
then follow their lead.

It’s important to show interest during the meeting and it’s acceptable to take notes or repeat participants’ ideas to
clarify what has been said. This will keep you involved in the dialogue and shows an interest in what’s being said.

Although not compulsory for a business meeting, gifts may be presented. If you are given a gift which is wrapped,
the etiquette is to wait until after you have left the meeting before you open it.

Names

In Japan, the first name follows the family name. Most Japanese family names consist of 2 kanji (Chinese
characters). The meanings of many of the kanji used in family names are related to nature, geographical features or
locations (e.g. mountain, tree, rice field, island, bridge). Some of the most common Japanese family names are Sato,
Suzuki, Takahashi and Tanaka.

First names also usually consist of 2 kanji and the meanings are usually positive characteristics such as intelligence,
beauty, love or light or names of flowers or seasons.

pic 2 lanterns

Management advice, when managing Japanese employees

This section will be particularly helpful if you are relocating to Japan and intend to work.

Motivation – don’t publicly single out an individual for praise – Japanese people are not comfortable with this and it
can also cause rifts in teams, upsetting the delicate balance. Short verbal feedback is usually given and greatly
appreciated. It’s important to show that you notice what the employee has been doing. Ways of acknowledgement
are asking them to help on high profile projects, invitations to important meetings, and even an invitation to share a
meal together is accepted practice.

The Japanese have a strong group orientation and it’s of utmost importance for them to feel part of a team and
included in the group. Structuring work as team projects and rewarding people as a team is an effective management
tool. Group social outings, team meetings etc. are all highly effective motivational tactics.

As well as being part of a group, Japanese people want to feel that the group they belong to is a prestigious one. Any
efforts to raise the public profile of your company will pay off with increased motivation. Many Japanese employees
chose their employers being mindful that their friends and family will recognise the name of the company they work
for.

Relocation advice

There are currently around 2 million expats living in Japan, with an estimated 75% of these being from neighboring
Asian countries.

There are many areas in Japan where you will find foreigners who are teaching, translating and working in IT-
related roles. Trying to find work in Japan without a degree, visa, or skills in the Japanese language is virtually
impossible.

Citizenship – In the rare case of you actually being granted a Japanese citizenship, it would mean that you have to
give up your current citizenship. Children born in Japan with dual citizenship aren’t legally forced to give up one or
the other, but the Japanese government strongly advises them to do so.

Japan is famous throughout the world for being expensive, and the cities of Tokyo and Osaka are believed to be the
first and third most expensive cities in the world in which to live.

Accommodation is probably the biggest expense you will have living in Japan.

Electricity, gas and water are not very expensive and internet subscriptions are usually very fast for an affordable
price. Formal contracts, such as rental agreements, are usually legalised with an inkan as opposed to a signature. An
inkan is a seal that has the owner’s last name written in Japanese. Even foreigners will be expected to use inkans on
contracts. You can purchase inkans from newsagents and stationary stores.
If you intend to import a pet into Japan you are required to notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least
40 days prior to your arrival.

No. Activities Indonesia Japan

1 About eating
food
2 The taste of
the food
3 The way they
eat meal
Indonesian people eat the same food Japan people eat their
every day for lunch and dinner. That is own cooking food and
rice. Even so, they eat it with other foods, variant food. They like
like meat and vegetables.For dinner, they eat a warm food.
usually warm the food that was cooked at Reason: because the
noon instead of making more. weather or season.
Reason: Rice is a main food for And for variant food,
Indonesian folk. They usually cook the it is some of the
food with a big portion for lunch and tradition in japan that
dinner. has a variant food for
meal.
Most Indonesian people like a hot and Most japan people like
spicy taste in their food. fresh food like Susie
Reason: because in Indonesia have so that have variant taste
many spices. So, most of the traditional like salty, sour and
food in Indonesia have a strong taste sweet. But they prefer
especially spicy taste. like a natural taste.
Reason: because they
respect the healthy
food and appreciate
the nature food.
Indonesian people prefer eating meal by Japan people prefer
their hand or without spoon or fork. eating meal by
Reason: because most of Indonesian chopsticks or spoon.
people are moslem. And it is some of Reason: because they
moslem tuition. always cook their
meal by little piece to
get more cooked. So
that they need
chopsticks to get the
meal. And for japan
people they believe
that knife or fork are
 using for war.
4 The behavior Indonesian people usually being Japan people usually
of their speak complicated when they speak. speak tenderer to the
Commonly, they start a communication other whom older than
by lip service. him. Commonly they
Reason: because Indonesian people have speak slowly and
known as a friendly people and they have relax.
a good manners. Reason: they prefer to
take care of their
manners and respect to
the others.
5 About time Indonesian folk always unroll the time The japan people quite
and they was not appreciate the time. appreciate the time
E.g. when they get meeting they are and they never ignore
rarely on time and gain time. the time.
Reason: because Indonesian people are Reason: because
tolerance each other so they always system in japan quite
unroll the time and Indonesian people modern, so there is no
often do something that not very reason being late for
important. the traffic jam.
6 The behavior Indonesian people usually throw away or If there is no landfill,
of the littering leave the rubbish in the public they will save the
in public transportation. rubbish for a while in
transportation Reason: because they have less their pocket or bag and
awareness for their environment. And they throw the rubbish
there is no punishment for people who when they find the
littering in the public place especially at landfill.
the public transportation. Reason: because in
japan really emphasize
cleanliness and they
have a high awareness
in environment.
7 The behavior Indonesian parents are very protective over Japan people always
of the parents their children and will stay with them until give their children
for the they get married. But some of the Indonesian motivation and
children teenagers are have a bad habit especially in a develop their
big city. eagerness from their
Reason: because they want their children will still in the elementary
 be success in the future. school. They parents
prefer to make their
children aren’t
spoiled.
Reason:because their
parents hope that their
children growing up
and to be independent.
8 The behavior They do it twice a day, morning and They do the take a
of take a bath afternoon. bath once a day before
time Reason: because take a bath in the going to sleep.
morning make their body feel fresh to Reason: because for
start the activity. And for the afternoon is the Japan people,it is
to refresh after the whole activity they the closing of the
do. activity that have
done. And they feel
that their body dirty
after they do the
activity in the whole
day.
9 The way to They do handshake and nod the head They do bowing when
greet other each other. Sometime there is some they give greeting to
people people do handshake without touching other people. The
between female and male. more deep they bow
Reason: Because most of Indonesian the more they respect
people are moslem, so the female do not the other.
touch the male when they shake hand. Reason: because it is
to respect each other.
And it is some of the
tradition in japan that
obligated to bow if
they meet someone.
10 Transportation Indonesian people prefer use their own Japan people prefer to
usage car. Although the distance is close from walk or more
their house. Reason: because the public dominant to ride the
transportation in Indonesia is still low train. Reason: Because
quality and the facility. Sometimes there the departure and the
is a criminality in the public arrival are on time, so
 transportation. On the other hand, they they preferride the
are more emphasizing their social status. train than drive their
own car.

Cultural Values of Japan

VALUE OF JAPANESE PEOPLE'S CULTURE

The main pillar of Japanese cultural values is known as wa (harmony), kao (reputation), and omoiyari (loyalty). The
concept of wa implies promoting teamwork, maintaining good relationships, and avoiding individual egos. Kao
means face. The face is a mirror of self-esteem, reputation, and social status. Japanese society in general avoids
direct confrontation and criticism. Making someone else "lose face" is a taboo act and can cause a break in business
relationships. Whereas omoiyari means empathy and loyalty. Omoiyari Spirit emphasizes the importance of building
strong relationships based on trust and shared interests in the long term.

Kaizen

Kaizen is a Japanese term for continuous improvement.

Kai means change, zen means good.

So kaizen means making changes to be better continuously.

Bushido

Bushido is the code or principle adopted by Japanese samurai.

The principle of bushido Emphasizes honor, courage, and loyalty to superiors beyond anything.

The ideal samurai warriors are those who have no fear of death but they are afraid that the task they are carrying out
is unsuccessful.

Makoto

Makoto means being serious by always saying and acting honestly by not cheating on friends or foes.

Genchi Genbutsu

The literal definition of Genchi Genbutsu from Japanese is 'go and see the problem'.
Genchi genbutsu is not just a theory, but rather emphasizes the practice where we have to go straight to the problem
to find out the problem.

Hansei

In Japanese, hansei means contemplation.

In business management, Hansei means careful review carried out after the action is taken.

No matter the end result of success or failure, they still have to review the results.

Hansei contradicts the mindset "IF IT IS NOT DAMAGED FOR WHAT IS IMPROVED".

One of the unique cultures of the Indonesian nation is mutual cooperation. Mutual cooperation is a concept that is
closely related to the life of the Indonesian people as an agrarian community, because of this high value mutual
cooperation. Mutual cooperation is a system of mobilizing additional personnel from outside the community to fill
the lack of energy during busy periods in the production circle as an agrarian society. The value of mutual
cooperation is the background of all activities helping people. These activities appear between neighbors, between
relatives and occur spontaneously without any request or strings attached if someone is in trouble.

Another distinctive Indonesian cultural value is mutual respect. Mutual respect is one of the positive impacts of
tribal diversity in Indonesia, with many differences and diversity in Indonesia, making the Indonesian people learn
to set aside differences and appreciate more so that there is no friction between fellow Indonesians.

The next typical Indonesian cultural value is deliberation or consensus. Musyawarah comes from the word Syawara
which is derived from Arabic which means negotiating, descending or saying and proposing something. Other terms
in the Indonesian state and modern life about deliberation are known as " syuro "," village meeting "," density of
nagari "even" democracy ". Deliberation or consensus is a value that is so attached to the Indonesian people, this
value emphasizes how much better if everything is negotiated in advance and weighed good or bad. can avoid hasty
and inappropriate decisions.