Culture

  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...