Doing Business in Indonesia

Business etiquette, language & culture

Business behaviour

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. English is widely spoken by young people, but interpretation may be required for business meetings, particularly outside Jakarta and other major cities in Indonesia.

During meetings you should:

• exchange business cards immediately after introductions presenting with both hands or with the right

• not offer anything with your left hand, nor receive anything with your left hand

• keep cards on the table, not put them away immediately

• not start drinking when offered a drink until formally invited to do so by the host

• not to cross your legs when sitting as showing the soles of your feet is considered highly discourteous in Indonesia

• not stand with your hands on your hips or with your arms folded as this is regarded as aggressive and rude

Email is treated as an optional form of communication and rarely gets responses.

After a meeting send a formal letter setting out what you discussed. Company literature will be well received. Then follow this up with a phone call to confirm the letter has been received. Do not expect progress until your next face to face meeting.

 

Local culture

You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

In 2018, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 15^th May and finish on 14^th June. See the UK Government’s “Travelling during Ramadan” guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travelling-during-ramadan.

During Balinese New Year, known as Nyepi, local custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence by staying indoors, turning off lights, and making no noise. Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed for the entire day. However, emergency services and hospitals are allowed to operate.

 

Indonesian public holidays

2018

Date:	Holiday:
Monday 1st January	New Year’s Day
Friday 16th February	Chinese New Year
Saturday 17th March	Balinese New Year
Friday 30th March	Good Friday
Friday 13th April	Ascension of the Prophet Mohammed
Tuesday 1st May	International Labour Day
Thursday 10th May	Ascension Day of Christ
Tuesday 15th May	Start of Ramadan
Tuesday 29th May	Birth of Buddha
Friday 1st June	Pancasila Day
Thursday 14th June	End of Ramadan
Saturday 16th June	Eid Al-Fitr
Friday 17th August	Independence Day
Wednesday 22nd August	Idul Adha
Tuesday 11th September	Islamic New Year
Tuesday 20th November	Birth of Mohammed
Tuesday 25th December	Christmas Day

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