Indonesian Culture

While we're in Indonesia we will be fully immersed in the culture.  Indonesia has five official religions, and while we're there we will visit different religious buildings including going to the service at GRII English Service Church Kemayoran and visiting Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta Cathedral, and more.

We will be observing classrooms in many schools as well as visiting local businesses to get a glimpse of how their schools and businesses run compared to ours in America.

We'll get to see cultural shows including a bamboo show, Ramayana ballet, and Kecak dance.  And we'll be eating at local restaurants for our meals, which, as a picky eater makes me a bit nervous, but I'm preparing myself to get adventurous and try some new food!

There are many customs we're not used to, and will need to keep in mind, specifically:

• Do not use your left hand to pass things to another person.
• Do not raise your feet on tables or chairs, and tables are also not for sitting on.
• Be aware never to point at anything with your feet.
• When talking with elderly local people, pointing with the forefinger is impolite. Please use your thumb (twisted to hand open).
• When entering someone's house please remove your shoes at the door.
• Hands on your waist is considered snobby/impolite, especially when you are talking with elderly local people.

In our three weeks we will definitely get to experience a lot of the Indonesian culture.  It will be quite an adjustment, but it will be an amazing experience!

-Kalee