There are several main differences in behaviour that westerners should be aware of before visiting Indonesia. In the most popular tourist destinations, locals will take less offence to cultural infringements than they may elsewhere, but it is still advantageous to try and avoid certain faux pas':
•Avoid contact between opposite sexes. Indonesia is a more conservative country in many ways than Western countries are. Open displays of affection will no doubt offend those within the area and result in disapproving looks. Despite contact between opposite sexes being frowned upon, contact between the same sex is a regular sight. It is used as a gesture of friendship.
•Expect little personal space. Indonesians appear to have little concept of an idea of personal space. In fact, it tends to be the case that being close to someone when you talk to them indicates friendliness. This attitude is reflected in the number of locals that will strike up conversations with you in any conceivable situation. Most people do not find this a problem after a time but it can take a while to adjust to initially.
•Stay calm and cheery. Westerners appear to Indonesian s as a hurried and stressed people. The local population tend to be extremely relaxed; Confrontation is avoided at almost all costs, so shouting and getting angry will not produce results if things don't go your way. With the transport system and climate as they are, staying calm and unhurried is the only way to enjoy the country.
•Limit the use of your left hand. The left hand is considered dirty in Indonesia. Try to avoid passing money, food, shaking hands or touching people with your left hand as it will be considered offensive.
•Dress conservatively. Despite the warm climate, most locals wear long clothing as opposed to shorts and t-shirts. Women will receive more unwanted attention if they do not dress conservatively especially away from the tourist destinations. If visiting a mosque or temple, it is essential to cover up as much as possible; entry may be denied if you turn up without your shoulders and legs covered. Before entering also remove your footwear and leave it outside. This goes for when visiting somebody's house as well.
What are the people like there?
Undoubtedly amongst the friendliest in South East Asia and possibly even the world. It is highly unlikely that you will go an entire day in the country without at least one stranger striking up a conversation with you. However, there are an element in the tourist industry who will hassle you, overcharge you and lie to you if they think it will make a sale. This is certainly not the case of all people making a living off tourists, but this element does exist. Try to meet locals outside the tourist industry as it will doubtless prove a very rewarding experience.
What sort of clothing is acceptable? Do women have to wear a head scarf?
Generally, the more conservatively you dress the better. In very touristy places such as Kuta in Bali, you can essentially where what you like. In places where tourists are uncommon reserved dress is encouraged. If in doubt try to emulate the locals in the area you are. Although Indonesia is an Islamic country, women are not required to wear a jilbab (head scarf). This does mean that women dressing immodestly will provoke a greater reaction than men doing so.
Is it difficult to talk to the Indonesians?
It's perfectly possible to take a long trip around Indonesia without being able to speak a word of Indonesian, but it's certainly helpful to be able to. Places that get a lot of tourists, and Bali in particular, have English speakers everywhere but this is not the case in other parts of Indonesia . The more off the beaten track you go, the more speaking some Indonesian becomes necessary. The Indonesian people are generally very appreciative of any attempts to speak their language, not least because so few foreigners are able to.
Am I allowed to sunbathe topless or nude?
This is frowned upon in Indonesian culture, and you will almost never see a local Indonesian doing it. Nevertheless, going topless on some beaches such as Kuta on Bali is commonplace. The locals here are used to foreigners and don't care so much.
In less touristy places, particularly where there are Indonesian families on holiday, it is considered rude and offensive. Going nude at beaches is illegal in Indonesia, and is impossible pretty much everywhere. If you really want to do this, your best bet is to find somewhere remote where you are not sure not to be seen.
If I am invited to an Indonesians house, what sort of presents should I bring?
Basically, anything representative of your country that is difficult to get in Indonesia is a good idea, even things such as photos and postcards of where you come from. Fancy chocolates are also a good idea, as these are next to impossible to get in Indonesia.
