Indonesian Culture: Everything You Must Know

I talk a lot about Indonesian girls here at Nomad Not Mad because I absolutely love them, but today we’re going to dive a little deeper into Indonesian culture.

I want to give you a great understanding of the people in this amazing country and how they interact on a daily basis.

While you might not find this information too useful on a short trip, those looking to expat in Jakarta or Bali will find great benefit in the information below. It should help you better understand the people living here and blend in better.

There are several different aspects we have to touch on when talking about the culture in any country, so let’s get started!

Population and Demographics

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. With around 290 million people, the country is also the fourth most populous in the world, behind China, India, and the United States.

What does this mean?

Indonesia is as diverse and beautiful as you’d expect it to be, with a very young population. The average age hovers around 30 years old. If you’re a single man traveling here, it means you have tons of options of girls in Indonesia who are of eligible dating age.

So if you’re interested in this aspect, check out my article about the Best Online Dating Sites in Indonesia.

Back to the general stuff, there are over 300 ethnic groups in Indonesia, but around 95% of the people are of native Indonesian ancestry.

Nearly 100 million people are of Javanese ancestry, including the majority of individuals who live in Jakarta.

In other words, we can say that there’s also a lot of variety here, with even small cities having hundreds of thousands of inhabitants from various backgrounds.

Religion in Indonesia

Being the largest Muslim-majority country, religion plays a significant role in Indonesia.

Nearly 87% of the country’s population identifies as Muslim. However, Indonesia practices a moderate form of Islam that’s intertwined with local customs and traditions.

While some might assume this could impact the dating scene, that’s not necessarily the case. Most Indonesian girls, if they are Muslim, practice a form of the religion that’s much less strict than what’s common in some other countries.

You’ll find many women who are open-minded and interested in dating, especially in larger cities like Jakarta and tourist destinations like Bali. As such, you’ll find many women unconcerned about saving themselves for marriage.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that all of them are the same. Attitudes and approaches to life vary greatly, so you have options on all sides. This also means that many of the ladies here are not as open as Westerners are to dating and hooking up, although they still remain open-minded overall.

Language

While some long-term expats invest in learning Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country, most foreigners do just fine with English in major cities – and even the smaller ones

If you want to pick up a few words of Bahasa, that’s a great idea and improve your chances of impressing the locals, as most expats and travelers don’t even bother learning even a few basic words.

Simple greetings like “Selamat pagi” (good morning) or “Terima kasih” (thank you) are always appreciated.

Useful Bahasa Indonesia Phrases

If you want to get a bit more in-depth and learn even more phrases to make a solid first impression, here is what you should know:

• Halo – Hello
• Apa kabar? – How are you?
• Baik, terima kasih – Fine, thank you
• Berapa harganya? – How much is it?
• Di mana toilet? – Where is the toilet?
• Sampai jumpa – See you later

Of course, learning the language isn’t necessary for living in Jakarta or Bali, particularly in the nicer areas where most people speak at least a bit of English. However, knowing some basic phrases can go a long way in showing respect and making connections.

Currency

The official currency of Indonesia is the Rupiah (IDR). While currency valuations change daily, the exchange rate is generally favorable for individuals earning in USD.

You’ll get around 16,000 Indonesian Rupiah for $1 US Dollar. Always double-check rates, because they will change constantly.

But despite minor fluctuations, prices in Indonesia are cheaper when compared to those in the US, and the overall cost of living is much lower.

Cost of Living Breakdown

To make things a bit easier for you, here’s a quick overview of monthly expenses in Jakarta and Bali. Remember – smaller villages and cities are a lot cheaper, as Indonesia remains one of the few countries where you can still live well on a tight budget.

Housing:

• Jakarta: $500 – $1,500 (apartments in central areas)
• Bali: $400 – $1,200 (nice villas or apartments)

Transportation:

• Public transport: $20 – $50
• Motorbike rental: Around $50 per month (this is one of the main transportation methods in the country).
• Ride-sharing apps (Gojek, Grab): affordable and convenient (most places in Bali are also extremely walkable)

Food:

• Eating local: $2 – $5 per meal
• Dining at restaurants: $10 – $30 per meal

Entertainment:

• Nightclubs and bars: $5 – $15 for a drink
• Movies, events: $5 – $20

Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare in major cities is adequate, but it’s wise to have international health insurance. Hospitals like Siloam and BIMC cater to expats and offer quality services – but are pricier than those aimed directly at locals.

Visa and Legal Information

You have plenty of options, out of which these are the most popular:

• Tourist Visa: Valid for 30 days, extendable once.
• Social-Cultural Visa: Valid for 60 days, can be extended monthly up to 6 months.
• KITAS: Temporary stay permit for work or retirement.

Make sure to check the latest visa regulations on the Indonesian Immigration website, where you can also apply for an eVisa and find out all the options the country offers. Remember: Overstaying your visa can result in fines or deportation, so keep an eye on your visa status!

The “Bule”

One important piece of Indonesian culture is understanding the “Bule” factor throughout the country. You’ll hear this word occasionally, and you need to know what it means. So…

Definition of “Bule” – A word commonly used to describe any foreigner of European descent, aka any white person. The literal translation of the word means Albino. While some expats take offensive to the word, I don’t think you should in most contexts. It’s like Gringo in Latin America. 

The word is commonly found when talking about dating. Many Indonesian women favor “Bule” and desire a white man in their lives. If you’re single and living in the country, you can use this to your advantage.

It is true that some people use it in a pejorative form, but I never felt offended personally. It’s just how things are there, so don’t take it personally either! In most cases, it’s not meant to be offensive anyway.

Collect, Conform, Cooperate!

When talking about Indonesian culture, you have to understand that it’s a collectivist society, like most countries in Asia. This means people strive to put the group – family, community, or society – before individual desires.

Family plays a significant role in Indonesian people’s lives, with strong commitments to helping extended family members in times of need. Understanding this aspect is essential, especially when forming relationships or friendships.

Respect for elders and maintaining harmony within the group are important values, and family gatherings are usually a joy to be part of. Tons of people get around and have fun together – it’s something that, in my opinion, the world should have more of.

So yes, things are different here when compared to the Western world, but in a good way. If you’re here for the fun part only, you still have to consider a few things that are different in the region – so reading my guide “How to Date in Asia as a Foreigner” will help you better understand this part of the equation.

Indirect Society

Like most Southeast Asian countries, the desire to save face is paramount. “Saving face” refers to avoiding any embarrassing situations or anything that would lower one’s value in society. As such, Indonesian people will be quite indirect.

If you ask someone a question and they don’t know the exact answer, they might give you a vague response rather than admitting they don’t know. If you extend an invitation and they don’t want to go, they’ll often say “maybe” or “we’ll see” instead of a direct “no.”

So, unless you get a direct “yes” to whatever invitation you’re making, know that it actually means “No”.

Javanese & Balinese

It’s important to note there are distinct cultural differences between the Javanese and the Balinese people.

Javanese Culture

In Jakarta and other parts of Java, you have a Muslim culture that has been influenced by globalization.

The big-city lifestyle of partying and socializing is common here, and you’ll find many young Indonesians embracing modern lifestyles while still valuing their traditions.

This blend creates a unique social environment where traditional values coexist with contemporary practices.

If you’re interested in dating in Jakarta, you’ll find that many Indonesian girls here are open-minded and curious about foreigners.

Balinese Culture

In Bali, the culture is quite different. The Balinese are predominantly Hindu, following a unique form of Hinduism that’s blended with Buddhist and animist beliefs.

They have rich cultural traditions, including temples, dances, and ceremonies that are integral to daily life.

The tourism infrastructure has influenced the Balinese people, but they’ve managed to keep their culture intact. Dating in Bali can be a different experience compared to Jakarta, as a result.

Food and Cuisine

Indonesian cuisine is as diverse as its culture and absolutely delicious. Even for the picky eater, there is something to find and enjoy – usually a lot of “somethings”.

From the spicy dishes of Padang to the sweet delicacies of Java, you have plenty of options – and they all taste better in Indonesia than in any other place you might try them. Some popular, traditional Indonesian dishes that you must try when visiting the country are:

• Nasi Goreng: Fried rice with a mix of vegetables, meat, and spices.
• Satay: Grilled skewers of meat served with peanut sauce. My all-time favorites!
• Gado-Gado: A salad of boiled vegetables with peanut sauce.
• Rendang: Spicy meat dish slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices.
• Bakso: Meatball soup that’s a popular street food.
• Soto: A traditional soup made with meat and vegetables.
• Martabak: A sweet or savory stuffed pancake, perfect for late-night snacking.

Exploring local food is a great way to connect with the culture and people, and is essential when it comes to making new friends or finding romance even. Give your body some time to adjust to the food – especially if you’re eating from the street vendors – or stick to the higher-brow restaurants only if you only have a few days to spend in the country.

You don’t want to spend them all sitting on the toilet, right?

Festivals and Celebrations

Indonesia has numerous festivals and public holidays that reflect its cultural diversity. They usually have a common trait: they’re full of color. Taking part in one of the important festivals is a big bonus, as it helps you learn a lot more about Indonesian culture.

Some notable ones are:

• Nyepi: The Balinese “Day of Silence,” marking the New Year in the Balinese calendar. A day of reflection where the entire island shuts down – it’s truly a one of a kind experience!
• Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr): Celebrated nationwide to mark the end of Ramadan.
• Waisak: A Buddhist festival commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

Etiquette and Social Norms

If you’re coming from a Western country, you will have a bit of adjusting to do in order to fit in and especially to make sure that you’re following the local norms. Here are the main things you should always consider:

• Dress Modestly: In more conservative areas, dressing modestly is appreciated. In tourist areas like Bali, standards are more relaxed, although it will never hurt if you dress modestly at all times, similar to the dress code when visiting temples in Thailand.
• Remove Shoes: When entering someone’s home or certain establishments, remove your shoes or slippers or whatever foot gear you’re wearing.
• Right Hand: Use your right hand when giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered impolite.
• Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Holding hands might be okay, but anything more will usually be frowned upon. Keep PDA to a minimum, even if your partner is not Indonesian.
• Pointing: Don’t point with your index finger; use your thumb instead.
• Touching the Head: Avoid touching someone’s head, including children. The head is considered sacred here.

Dating in Indonesia

As mentioned earlier, dating in Indonesia can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be mindful of cultural nuances, know when to take a “No” (even though it’s rarely a direct one), and respect your partner no matter what.

In larger cities, dating norms are more relaxed, and you may find it similar to Western countries although things will always vary here. Even in the smaller cities and villages, you will find girls who are not accustomed to seeing Bules around, so you might have even more success than you would in the larger cities (and actually meet girls who are not actively hunting for foreigners).

Overall, online dating is extremely popular in urban areas, but so is meeting people through traditional, face-to-face interactions. Most people are open to meeting foreigners – including Indonesian men, who generally fly under the radar.

Remember that family plays an important role in many people’s lives, and meeting someone’s family might come earlier than you’d expect in Indonesia. And, if you want things to become more serious, you will usually need the approval of the family as well!

If you’re interested in learning more about dating in Indonesia, I have a detailed guide to dating Indonesian women as a foreigner.

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The information above isn’t exhaustive but provides a primer on what you can expect from Indonesian culture when you visit the country.

Use the tips and understanding above to enhance your enjoyment in Indonesia and get more out of your visit than the typical tourist.