Cultural Insight

If you’re planning to move to Indonesia—or have recently arrived—you may be wondering whether it’s worth the effort to learn Bahasa Indonesia, the country’s national language. The short answer? Absolutely.As outlined in Expat.or.id (2024), learning even basic Bahasa Indonesia can significantly improve your experience as a foreigner in the country. Whether you're in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or...

Indonesia’s first high-speed rail service, Whoosh, is off to a strong start in 2025—especially among foreign passengers. As reported by Indonesia Expat (2024), the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed train has seen a sharp increase in international ridership, signaling a growing confidence in the country's infrastructure and a shift in how both locals and expats travel between major cities.For expatriates,...

Just off the northern coast of Jakarta lies a serene archipelago that many overlook—Kepulauan Seribu, or the Thousand Islands. But this May, it wasn’t tourists flocking to its shores. Instead, the islands welcomed students and educators on an environmental education trip aimed at raising awareness about Indonesia’s fragile marine ecosystems and the importance of sustainable tourism.As reported by The...

Jakarta is charging forward—literally and symbolically. The upcoming Jakarta E-Prix 2025, part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, isn’t just about electric racing. It’s a statement of intent: a bold expression of Jakarta’s ambition to position itself as a forward-looking, globally connected city.Scheduled to take place on June 8, 2025, this will be the third time Jakarta hosts the event,...

Indonesia’s youngest consumers are changing the way the nation shops, saves, and even invests in property. Instead of following the patterns of consumerism that emphasized status, quantity, or constant upgrading, Gen Z Indonesians are redefining value—with intention, selectiveness, and long-term thinking.This generational shift is at the heart of a growing cultural trend covered by The Jakarta Post,...

The Island of the Gods may soon welcome a second international gateway. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming administration, Bali is reportedly set to move forward with long-discussed plans to build a second airport—this time in the north of the island, far from the tourism-heavy south that’s long been the focal point of development.As reported by Indonesia Expat (2024), this infrastructure...

In Indonesia, flower boards are a longstanding and deeply rooted tradition used to convey messages of sympathy, congratulations, and well-wishes. These large, colorful floral arrangements are a familiar sight at weddings, funerals, and grand openings of businesses. As an expat living in Indonesia, understanding this unique cultural practice can help you navigate social occasions with grace and...

Indonesian vs. Confrontation: How Cultural Politeness Shapes Workplace Dynamics and Performance Indonesia, with its vibrant cultural diversity and rich history, is a country where social norms and values shape every aspect of life, including how people communicate and behave at work. One of the most striking characteristics of Indonesian culture is the emphasis on politeness, harmony, and the avoidance...

  Cultural Norms in Indonesia: From Hand-Kissing to Family Obligations When I first moved to Indonesia, I was immediately struck by the warmth and hospitality of the people. Over time, I discovered that behind this hospitality lies a deep respect for traditions and customs, some of which are uniquely Indonesian. From the way people greet each other to how they celebrate weddings and birthdays,...

Growing up in Indonesia, I used to think very little of myself. I thought I was too skinny, too tall, had too many pimples, my skin was too dark, and my hair was too black. The list went on and on. I remember back in high school, in the early 2000s, the definition of a beautiful woman by Indonesian standards was having pale or lighter skin, long hair, smooth and soft skin, a pointy nose, and a slim...