Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

Indonesia - a 17,000 islands and 200 ethnic groups, sometimes quite different from each other. But there are general rules that should be followed if you want to journey through this beautiful country was perfect. So, what not to do in Indonesia?

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

is making plans for Friday noon

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

The Friday prayer is obligatory for all men who practice Islam. Therefore, at half past eleven all stop working and go to a nearby mosque. The doctor, who began receiving ten in the morning, leaves the clinic, the tailor shop closes. Vendors, consultants, hairdressers, waiters - all go to pray. After the prayer, as men go together to eat. That is, before the second half of the workplace no one returns. Women continue to work in this case. But in the garage, for example, it will not help you.

Wearing short skirts and clothes with Soviet symbols

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

Review your wardrobe and hide all red, short and "with an asterisk." But seriously, in Indonesia for the promotion of communism can get 15 years in prison. Thus, the Soviet clothing symbols (each given as a joke) becomes totally unacceptable. And the locals are willing to arrange a lynching before the arrival of law enforcement. There are cases when the police repulsed the hapless tourists from an angry mob, hiding in the area, and closer to the night, when the offended citizens, tired, went home, let go. It is the same with bare parts of the body: in the capital and in tourist areas in the short skirts and revealing tops still turn a blind eye, in provinces such frivolity may cause overt disturbance of local residents.

Order from sidewalk cafes drinks with ice

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

As a rule, a huge chunk of ice before splitting into small parts, long drag on asphalt or transported from one place to another in a very dirty old carts. Drink with ice from a street vendor - almost one hundred percent chance to win an unforgettable intestinal disorders.

Drinking alcohol 'of shops nearby "

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

As in many Muslim countries, the drinking of any alcoholic beverages on the streets in Indonesia is prohibited. You can indulge in a vice only in bars and restaurants in major cities. In most provinces in Indonesia it is difficult to even get a beer, and during the Muslim fasting activists organize raids on shops that sell alcohol, and destroy the forbidden potion. If a friend or guide will ask you to purchase an inexpensive brandy or whiskey in a local shop, "not far from here" - should politely but very firmly refuse: in such fakes are often added to methyl alcohol, that leads to tragedy.

to be alone with the Muslims of the opposite sex

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

If you have an Indonesian friends and girlfriends, try not to stay in the same room with them. The fact that Muslims are forbidden before the wedding to be alone with the opposite sex. You think once you're a tourist, you are not touched? How do I know! In front of major religious holidays activists from Muslim organizations of informal walk through hotels, hostels and apartment complexes. Of course, with the guardians of morality can almost always agree, but the price of the issue you are very angry. In any case, to maintain good relations with the administration - it may warn of such a visit.

Talking about religion in unfamiliar company

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

to discuss religion with strangers, too, better not, for example, atheism and polytheism in Indonesia is illegal. And any controversial statement about Islam, the more hostile, can easily offend the feelings of believers and lead to a fight. Note, however, that are polite and well-formulated questions about Islam Indonesians are always ready to respond.

Raise the voice of

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

Scream and angry in this country should not be in any case. Yes, Indonesians relaxed and unhurried, sometimes not very smart, but the cry only exacerbate the problem - the locals will fall into a stupor and begin to do more slowly or will make a fuss and everything do not. And after the scandal you will diligently avoided.

Use the left hand

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

As in any Muslim country, try not to use the left, evil from the perspective of Muslims (they are tempted her) hand. If the right is busy, and you need something to pass, be sure to apologize. Despite the fact that this tradition of Muslim in Indonesia, it should even Christians, communicating with each other.

Hugging and kissing in the

people

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

Kiss - just not in public places. In general, any expression of intimacy are not welcome - even between spouses. Actions, which in Russia are considered to be quite innocent - for example, give the girl a bouquet of flowers - from the point of view of Indonesians are an open invitation to flirt. Habitual Russian man hugging and kissing when they met in Indonesia is better contained. In the capital, residents and tourist areas more easily perceive it, but, for example, in the Aceh province, where Sharia are more serious, unmarried boys and girls can not even ride on a motorcycle together.

touch the Indonesian head

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

Under no circumstances should you touch the head of the interlocutor. However, this standard is twofold: Indonesian young children with great pleasure swinging hair, squeeze and tickle. If you have children under school age, ban Indonesians cuddle them - so afraid to offend him.

Take your time and arrive early

Prohibitions and taboos in Indonesia

If you need something from the Indonesians, it is not necessary to start discussing things at once, and the more immediate to wait a specific answer. There are so taken. To meet Indonesians almost never come on time, any event begins with a delay of half an hour at least. "Traffic" - smiling guests, even if they had to walk to the next street. Negotiation is best done for a meal, since no non-binding small talk and then casually mentioning to your question.