3 Unique Behaviours of Indonesians

After moving to Germany I realized that there are some behaviours of Indonesians that other people cannot understand. And they think these behaviours are quite strange and funny. Well, that is normal. I also think it is strange to bow for showing respect like what the Japanese do.

So these are the behaviours. Hopefully this post can help you understand Indonesians when you visit Indonesia.

Sorry! Left hand!

Do not give anything with your left hand in Indonesia. It is considered impolite. It is also for shaking hands. So, what is it is so imposible for you to give or accept something with your right hand? Apologize. Seriously. I mean it might sound so strange that one should apologize just because he uses left hand. You can apologize by saying: "Maaf. Tangan kiri." (engl: Sorry. Left hand.) Your interlocutor will than say it is okay.
Actually I also still don't get it why Indonesians do that. Some rumors say: "Because we use our left hand to wipe our bottom after defecating". Probably. But c'mon Indonesians also wash hands after it so I guess it is not the reason. Well, the point is there is no reason why Indonesians do not use left hand. Nobody knows.
Even when I was a kid, my teacher at school taught me like this: "Hey. Do not use your bad hand. Use your right hand". What? Bad hand? Left-handed are so misfortuned in Indonesia.


Wipe your mouth with....

TOILET PAPER! I know it sounds so strange. I used to think it is normal to use it to wipe your mouth or blow your nose. But my friends looked so disgusted when I did it. They are also confused why the hell I do not have facial tissue in my house but I only have toilet paper. Well, that is because for Indonesians they are the same. A clean toilet paper also has the same function as facial tissue right. It is just a bit rougher. It is just not as soft as facial tissue. But it can wipe your mouth just as well as facial tissue. When you eat in a restaurant in Indonesia, you will often find toilet paper served on your table. So do not be surprised. It is definitely clean and not disgusting at all. I also put my toilet paper on my table when I eat.

Well if a left-handed is misfortuned in Indonesia, I guess a toilet paper is so lucky to be in Indonesia. It doesn't only have the job to wipe the bottom, it may have the job to wipe the mouth. I guess being kissed is much much better than being ass-ed.


Your First Name Is More Important

Let's say your name is Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn is your first name and Monroe is your family name. In almost all countries people will call you Mrs. Monroe. But in Indonesia, people will call you Mrs. Marilyn. Even in governmental office you will be treated the same. They will add something like Mr. or Mrs. but they will call you with your first name not family name.
My mother's name is Astrid Herman. Herman is the last name. It is so obvious. But everytime someone who sounds like a credit card salesman calls, he will say: "Hello. Good morning. Could I speak to Mrs. Astrid?" Seriously. Mrs. Astrid not Mrs. Herman. But it is definitely not impolite at all. In fact, this man is so polite because he mentions 'Mrs.'
In school people also call teachers their first names. Even to the headmistress. My headmistress was Duma Hutahaean. And, people always call her Mrs. Duma.
That's why I feel quite uncomfortable when people call me Mr. Herman. I feel better being called Mr. Ricky. Although it sounds strange, I prefer that.