Asinta’s Business Etiquette Insight: Indonesia

Intending to conduct new business in Indonesia?  Here are some business etiquette tips to help smooth the way:

#1 In Indonesia business wear should be formal and conventional.  Always be on time for a meeting even though they traditionally start late.  You will be expected to hand out your business card to each person present, and these should be printed in English and Bahasa Indonesian.

#2 Shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time is an important Indonesian custom, and if you are in a group, start with the eldest person first.  However, make this a light handshake rather than a firm Western-style one and always use your right hand.  The left hand is considered unclean in Indonesian culture, and should never be used, either in a business situation or in general.

If you would like to know more about conducting business in Indonesia, do get in touch with our partner Integra.