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Jakarta has always been a spectator to great changes both in the economical and government structure. Even the past life of this island city was marked by frequent changes as it was conquered and governed by many hands. But the heart of this city has never changed and it still remains to be big enough to give place to innumerable domestic and foreign immigrants. The city thus has a mixed community talking different languages and a diverse culture. Every country has their own set of rules and customs and the set code of etiquette and behavior needs to be followed in order to get involved into the real thread of the city’s culture. General Etiquettes in Jakarta: - The left hand is considered impious or unclean in Jakarta. Hence it is uncustomary to hand anything to anyone with the left hand. The right hand should always be forwarded to either give or receive something. The same is applicable for a left handed person. - Shaking hands with each other in public is the accepted norm of greeting each other in Jakarta and both men and women can do this. As a mark of sincerity they often touch their chest with their hand after the handshake is over. - One can also bow their head, lower their eyes and smile as a mark of introduction and respect. It is advisable to avoid a hurried introduction. - Among the day to day etiquettes, a special note is to be taken about the use of hands and feet. The common method of calling someone is to hold the hand out, palm facing downwards and then making a scooping motion with the fingers. Calling someone with the palm up and a finger pointed is thought to be obscene and insulting. - There is however a method of using your feet. The soles of the shoes are not supposed to be exposed in public. Also the feet should not be used to point at any object. Shoes are needed to be removed while entering a religious place or someone’s house. - A composed behavior is expected in the public. No person should display their emotions in public. Women are expected to avoid wearing tight clothes in public. - Since the common folk believe that the head is the seat of the soul, it is impolite to touch an adult’s head. They also believe that the head should not be hold higher in position before any elderly person in the family. - One should restrain from standing upright with hands on their hips or pound one fist into the palm of the other hand. Both are considered marks of obscene behavior. - Chewing or eating anything in public is absolutely forbidden. - Since everyone enjoys a status according to their rank in the city, respect should be shown to all.
Business Etiquettes in Jakarta - It is advisable to reach the meeting venue dot on time. The meeting might start late but no questions should be asked nor any explanation demanded regarding the issue. - As a mark of respect, stand up when your host or hostess enters the room. - Business introductions should be started by forwarding a business card to everyone. The card should be presented in such a way that the recipient is able to read it. - Since your card will be accepted by both hands, you are also expected to do the same while receiving someone’ else’s. - The printing should be done both in English as well as the common language followed. - The business cards should not be carried in the back pockets. - While attending a business lunch, wait for your host to invite you for a drink or initiate the dining procedure. Never leave back any food in your plate.
Moving around in Jakarta and intermingling with the local crowd to build strong relationship forever can be possible only by simply adhering to the common codes of etiquette and behavior.
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