Biggest Culture Shocks for Foreigners in Indonesia

Summary

This video explores the cultural experiences of expatriates from the Philippines, Pakistan, the United States, and Tanzania living in Indonesia. They share insights into cultural similarities and shocks, such as the prevalence of rice in meals, Indonesia’s polite customs, and the local motorcycle culture. While adapting to local practices like small talk and spicy food, they reflect on the warmth and friendliness of Indonesians, the slower pace of life, and the peaceful environment. Despite initial challenges, the expatriates appreciate Indonesia’s unique cultural offerings and express how they will miss the country’s people and lifestyle when they leave.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesians value family and hospitality, which is similar to Filipino culture. Both cultures are known for their warm and accommodating nature.
• 😀 The spiciness of Indonesian food was a major cultural shock for some foreigners, especially for Filipinos who are not accustomed to such strong flavors.
• 😀 Eating on the floor (lesehan) is a common practice in Indonesia, which surprised some foreigners who only practiced it on special occasions.
• 😀 Indonesians have a high number of motorcycles, and the sight of older women offering rides to foreigners left a lasting impression, especially for those from countries with different transportation norms.
• 😀 Directness in communication is more common among Filipinos, while Javanese people are known for their calm, bureaucratic way of dealing with situations.
• 😀 In Indonesia, hand-kissing as a sign of respect for elders is a unique cultural gesture that some foreigners found surprising compared to their home countries.
• 😀 Rice is a staple food in Indonesia, consumed multiple times a day, whereas in countries like Pakistan, rice is eaten less frequently and often only as a special dish like Nasi Biryani.
• 😀 Crossing the road in Indonesia requires a different approach, with pedestrians confidently walking while signaling drivers, which can be a bit daunting for foreigners at first.
• 😀 The warm and friendly nature of Indonesian people makes it easy to form connections, even with strangers, something that many foreigners miss when they leave the country.
• 😀 The diversity of cultures in Indonesia, including over 300 tribes and multiple vernacular languages, was a fascinating discovery for some foreigners, with each region having its own distinct traditions and attire.

Q & A

What was the biggest cultural shock for the Filipino speaker in Indonesia?

The biggest cultural shock for the Filipino speaker was the level of spiciness in Indonesian food, as well as the practice of eating on the floor (lesehan) and the widespread use of motorcycles.

What is the Filipino perspective on Indonesian family values?

The Filipino speaker mentioned that both Filipinos and Indonesians share similar values, especially in terms of family, being respectful, and showing warmth and accommodation towards others.

How did the Pakistani speaker feel about Indonesian greetings and cultural practices?

The Pakistani speaker was surprised by the hand-kissing gesture used in Indonesian greetings, as this is not a common practice in Pakistan. They also appreciated the politeness and friendly communication style in Indonesia.

What is the biggest difference the Pakistani speaker noticed between Indonesian and Pakistani food culture?

The Pakistani speaker noted that in Indonesia, rice is consumed at every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—while in Pakistan, rice is not eaten as frequently.

How does the American speaker describe the cultural difference between individualism in the U.S. and collectivism in Indonesia?

The American speaker highlighted the contrast between the individualistic culture in the U.S., where people focus on personal goals, and the collectivist, family-oriented culture in Indonesia.

What driving-related culture shock did the American speaker experience in Indonesia?

The American speaker experienced a culture shock when crossing the road in Indonesia, as the driving style was different. They had to learn to put their hand out and walk across, with drivers adjusting around them.

How did the Tanzanian speaker react to Indonesia's diverse cultures and languages?

The Tanzanian speaker was impressed by the cultural diversity in Indonesia, noting that there are over 300 tribes, each with its unique clothing and traditions, in addition to the use of vernacular languages alongside Bahasa Indonesia.

What does the Filipino speaker miss most about Indonesia?

The Filipino speaker mentioned they would miss the 'santai' culture (slow living) in Indonesia, as they learned the value of taking things at a slower pace, which contrasts with the faster pace of life in the Philippines.

What aspect of Indonesian life does the Pakistani speaker find the most enjoyable?

The Pakistani speaker enjoys the cold weather in Malang, as it provides a pleasant contrast to the hot weather in Pakistan. They also appreciate the politeness and hospitality of Indonesian people.

What does the Tanzanian speaker find most striking about Indonesia's safety compared to their home country?

The Tanzanian speaker found Indonesia to be much safer than Tanzania, citing the peaceful nature of the country and the contrast in security measures, such as the relaxed role of security personnel during elections.