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  • Essay / Indonesian Culture - 534

    Indonesians are generally spiritual and value self-control to maintain harmony within and between the tangible (human, flora and fauna) and intangible (God, gods and spirit) worlds. People need to know their place in society, which is often determined by their age, their role in society, their experience and their knowledge. Parents and older generations should be respected and their consultation on important issues is highly valued. The group is more important than the individual, so it is important to maintain group harmony, even at the expense of the individual. A demonstration of civility and respect, greeting is important in Indonesia. When greeting or taking leave, Indonesians bow slightly, put both hands in front of their chest, nod their heads or shake hands. Hugs are only exchanged between close friends and kisses are not common. When they first meet, many shake hands, but this is not always the case between opposite sexes. Indonesians generally introduce themselves by their full name, which may not contain a surname. People address each other using their first name, but adding an honorific, such as...