Business
- Jackets and ties should be worn at first. After a while it may become more appropriate to dress more casually. Usually a shirt and tie will suffice.
- It is important to always appear in clean and pressed clothes. As it is often very humid, this may require changing clothing several times throughout the day.
- Women should wear long-sleeved blouses and skirts that cover the knee. Women are expected to wear dark colors. Avoid very bright colors that call for attention.
Shorts are never appropriate; they are usually only worn by children.
- Shorts are never appropriate; they are usually only worn by children.
- Present a business card to each person using your right hand, with your left supporting your right wrist.
- When you receive a business card, carefully read it over.
- Indonesians do not like to say no; they have many ways of saying “yes” that actually carry negative connotations, but they do not wish to offend you.
- Using a loud voice or expressing anger either verbally or physically is not permitted.
- Always arrive on time. Your Indonesian counterparts will probably show up a few minutes late, but you should not mention anything about this.
- Never stand with your back to an elder or high ranking official. It is important to be aware of who is in the room with you.
Dining
- Leaving food on the plate is considered very rude, so be sure to finish any food that you take..
- Talking is considered impolite while eating. Save conversation for before or after the meal.
- Do not eat while walking in public. Do not chew on toothpicks in public.
Gift Giving
- Gifts are frequently exchanged, though they are usually very small.
- Indonesia has many cultures; make sure that a gift does not offend the people you are giving it to.
- Muslim – No gifts that contain alcohol or pork products.
- Hindu – do not give any products that contain leather or any other cow-related items.
- Chinese – do not give scissors, knives, clocks, anything with the colors black or white, and anything having to do with the number four.
- Dogs are considered unclean, so do not give a gift with any representations of dogs.
- Gifts are never opened when received; this shows that the recipient is gracious and not greedy.
Greetings
- Handshakes are used as a greeting, are limp, and usually last 10-15 seconds.
- Introductions should not be rushed, as they are very important and formal.
- Be sure to have many business cards printed in both English and Indonesian. When you receive cards, read them carefully and immediately.
- Address a person by his or her correct title, as rank is a very important thing in society.
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Bakmi Goreng
Ingredients:
• 250 grams pork, diced and fried
• 500 grams Chinese egg noodles
• 250 grams bean sprouts
• 1 small Chinese cabbage, sliced
• 1 head of celery, sliced
• 1 small cauliflower, small chunks
• 4 leeks, sliced
• 1 ¼ centimeter ginger, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 6 onions, chopped (use 4 for garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon shrimp paste
• ½ teaspoon spiced chili paste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Peanut oil, as needed
Garnish:
• 2 large eggs, beaten into omelet and cut into strips
• 4 chopped onions, fried in hot oil
• 2 lemons
Directions:
1. In a wok using a little moderately hot peanut oil, fry two of the onions and garlic.
2. When the onions become transparent, add the ginger, black pepper, cauliflower, and celery.
3. Stir fry until vegetables are half-cooked.
4. Now add the cabbage, leeks, bean sprouts, pork, soy sauce, shrimp paste, and salt.
5. In a large pot of boiling water on high heat, immerse the egg noodles.
6. Separate them with a fork as soon as they hit the water and boil for 3-4 minutes.
7. Pour into a colander and rinse with cold water. Separate them again as you rinse.
8. On low heat, mix the noodles with the cooked vegetables and add the chili paste. |
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