The Culture of Indonesia - Essay Example

Cultural and Communication Self-Assessment Paper PART 1a The culture of Indonesia is one that, according to many analysts and researchers is one that has a lot of complexities. This is related from the fact that there have been a lot of interactions between the people who make up this culture. According to the research conducted by Sukma (pp.56) the Indonesian people are a product of interactions between persons of different cultures, both western and indigenous. This fact emanates from the positioning of the country on the maps, since it lies between Middle and Far East. Due to its location, the country has witnessed lot of visitors in the country, who all contributed to the composition of culture. In this case, it is justified to argue that the culture of Indonesia is an amalgamation of varying cultures, ranging from Hinduism, to Islam. On another point of view, Purdey (pp.6) indicates that the origin of the Indonesians is from China. The people of Indonesia migrated from China; thus, the origin of Indonesia is attributed to China. Others have been indicated to have migrated from the Indies and eastern part of Asia. The number of immigrants into the country, from the Chinese origin as a result of population increase indicated an escalating trend. The studies carried out by Suryadinata (pp.125) and Sneddon (pp.37) indicate that in the course of imperialism, the number of persons from China to the country increased. In fast statistics from the census carried out in the year 2010 portray that the number of Chinese citizens from the country are above eight million. The population of the country that is purely Indonesian stands at 3.7 million. This is an elucidation of the fact that the country is made up many Chinese citizens (Tong, pp.147). In relation to my own minutiae, I was born in Taiwan, and grew up Jakarta, Indonesia. 1 b The concept belief and cultural background Belief, in simple terms, can be described as the acceptance of something or a practice as factual (Blackburn, pp.39). Beliefs have in one way or another been indicated to hold a very important place in the minds of individuals. Through these beliefs, human beings have been made to claim a position in the societies they live in, through their conceptions. With mental conception and conviction on the values and beliefs of the truth, the population is bound to develop a routine that governs their way of life. In Indonesia, serving a meal to numerous guests is a symbol of hospitality and status in the family (Brouwer, Hartog & Staveren, pp.27).This is evident most specifically during the month of Ramadan when relations and friends converge for feasts. This symbolizes compassion and virtues of sharing in the society. The relations are also allowed to visit the non Muslims and share food with them. They believe that this month is a holy one that should be dedicated to the good of the community. In relation to the deceased, the Indonesians believe in life after death. In this case, they believe that appeasing the spirits is good for the community. During rituals, the members of the society ensure that they serve some sections of the meals for the sake of the spirits. This belief is mostly evident during the Javanese ritual, referred to as selamatan, which includes life events like funerals, marriages, amongst others (Winzeler, pp.186). These occasions are different for various persons, for instance the Meto who serve rice and beef in marriages, while in burial ceremonies, the ones bereaved must drink blood and eat pork; a ritual that the Indonesians believe is a sign of respect and adoration to the dead. Indonesians believe in the fact that the men are the heads of the family and hold a high status as compared to the women (Bennett, pp.33). Despite the fact that women have been regarded to be of a high status in other countries, men are the sole decision makers in the society, and they are the custodians on the family and its values. Generally, this interprets that men are the leaders in the society and that they expect a lot of respect from their wives. Beliefs can, therefore, be indicated to be vital in the culture of a people. Through belief, people develop a conviction towards specific actions of different people in the society. The same is transmitted to generations; thus, transmission of culture. 1 c The concept value and cultural background The concept of value endeavors to give an understanding of the culture of a people. Values range from the personal level, political, religious, and societal to moral values. Analysts argue that some values tend to be inborn (Taekema, pp.168). Through the interactions with elders and peers, individuals are able to develop the conception of values in the societal they live. This in turn allows individuals be persons of integrity; consequently, easier interactions in the society. The Indonesians value marriage and the family (Bennett, pp.33). In this society, an individual would only attain the title of adults only if they get married, and probably have children. The Indonesians have always been indicated to constantly question if a person of age if married yet. The process of marriage has been termed as the basis of development of the society. For instance, the Batak are a good example of persons that value marriage. Through marriages, clans are built, and clans are the basis of the progress of the society. Work holds much value in the Indonesian culture. Work is divided collectively in the society so that all persons may have specified tasks to perform. In agriculture, for instance, men plough the land while the women harvest. Besides agriculture men engage in other economic activities such as fishing, so as to supplement their agricultural produce. This is also evident in the engagement in jobs in the urban areas, with majority of women in stores and markets, while men take up the large-scale jobs such as lectures, and officiating government jobs, like ministerial posts. Without working, this culture feels that the society will be at standstill, and that all persons must strive to provide for their families. Indonesians value kinship groupings. This according to the culture must be upheld by all members of the society. Communities such as Maluku, Sumatra Sulawesi amongst others believe in the value of kinship systems in the society. Whether matrilineal or patrilineal, all individuals must ensure that they strictly follow the rules and norms of their respective kinship groups. This form of arrangement allows for collective support in the individuals. 1 d Beliefs and values that characterize your cultural background Having being brought up in Indonesia, I consider the values and beliefs of this culture as the basic tenets of the functioning of the society. I believe in the concepts of the value of work in the society, as well as marriage and family. Through these cultural attributes the country is able to mange itself, and instills values and directives on an early stage of life. Appeasing the spirits of the dead in the society is yet another cultural aspect that is of value to me. This portrays the concept of continuity of life in the society. These aspects can be referred to be cultural, since culture refers to the way of life of people in the society. This is what the Indonesians believe in and have been engaging in for a long time. This is indeed, an indication of the components of the Indonesian culture. PART 2 Characteristics of the communication style of your culture The communication style of the Indonesians is generally an indirect one. This can be referred to as informal communication that mostly uses gestures to communicate. The other party must always be keen to attempt to understand the kind of gestures displayed by the sender of the message. The Indonesians have also been indicated to be quiet and calm. Non verbal communication such as facial expressions is major determinants of the communication process. For instance, if the Indonesians begin frowning, this is a clear indicator that they are angry, considering that they rarely get angry especially to strangers. However, face to face communication among the Indonesians also takes place, but in the context of business relations. These persons hold the view that the only way to close successful business operations are by marinating eye contact with the concerned parties. They also believe that in this way, it is possible to build lasting relationships, which is good fro business. During business meetings, they attempt to create an atmosphere for interactions. This is because they believe that everything has their time, an aspect they term, "Jam Karet". After building relationships, they are then able to do business comfortably. Communication in Indonesia is gender specific. In the case of women, it is generally not allowed to offer handshakes to males. The males are allowed to shake hands, but always retaliate if the women attempt to shake their hands or any form of physical contact in public. While sharing greetings, both parties must take their time, since through greetings, both parties are able to catch up on their progress. Upon leaving, it is honorable that last greetings are exchanged as well. While communicating with elder persons, it is highly recommended that one refers them with their names and ranks in the society. This is a sign of respect and admiration of their success. This interprets the value ascribed to culture by the Indonesians. If the person in communication with does not have a title, the titles of Mrs., Miss, Mr. or madam is used. Men are given the name, Pak or Bapak, representing Mr. and Sir respectively. Ladies are referred with the title, Ibu (Millie & Robson, pp.18). From this, it is evident that the concept of communication and culture in Indonesia are intertwined. The communication style of the Indonesians is, therefore, greatly influenced by the cultural background. It is palpable that the kinds of communication depend on the relations between the tow parties. It would also be justified to argue that communication in Indonesia aims at maintaining the good relations that were existent between both parties. For instance in business relations, the major aim is to create lasting relationships, whilst in the society, the communication modes endeavor to sustain respect between the genders taking part in the communication. 3 Communication style when interacting with people from a different culture When interacting with people of different cultures, it is important to always use the right hand while greeting them. This is for the reason that the left hand is regarded as inappropriate and cannot be used in the public scene. The left hand according to the Indonesians is the one used for cleaning themselves. While shaking the hands of other people, it is believed to be respectful using the right hand. In the case of receiving objects or gifts as well, it is also recommended that they also use the right hand. Caregivers are always convinced to ensure that the children learn how to use their right hand, so that they learn how to interact with other persons in the society. Secondly, interactions with persons of different cultures require that the Indonesians be welcoming, and soft spoken. Through this, chances are that there will be minimal chances of occurrences of conflicts between the two people. The Indonesians have always been welcoming and always want to maintain good relations with them. They refer to their being calm and composure as ‘Halus’ (Forshee, pp.51). All persons endeavor to be calm and composed especially in the presence of visitors. The concept of ‘Hi Mister’ is not alien whilst communicating between the Indonesians and visitors in the country. Generally, the Indonesians have a way of constantly communicating with persons of other cultures, in an attempt to learn them. In this case, they always seem inquisitive, but in a wrong way. A foreigner must be prepared to entertain their questions and not feel offended by their nature. No matter the context of the question, it is recommended that the foreigner devise a way of maneuvering through these questions. The most common phrase from the Indonesians is, ‘Hello, Mister’ mostly when communicating with the women. Persons who respond well to the greetings end up having the best moments interacting with the Indonesians. The major point of conclusion in this case refers to the foreigners remain understanding to the Indonesians for communication flow. It is also important to maintain a smile while dealing with the Indonesians, to pay for their hospitality. The communication must also entail apologetic language. It would be regarded unfair and rude taking offense and shunning contrite language. Since they are jolly, despite the tough conditions the country goes through, it is only fair that one shares the same spirit of friendliness to these people while communicating with them. Conclusively the kind of communication of Indonesia is tied across the cultural lines. From the research above, it is evident that the people of Indonesia are an amalgamation of varying cultures. In this case, the country has endeavored to ensure that all generations are taught the cultures of the country. As a foreigner, it is important to understand the manners in which the populace of the country deals with each other to avoid causing conflicts whilst dealing with the persons. For instance, foreigners must not be quick to greet any persons, since not all genders are allowed to greet in public. With this in mind, it is evident that learning the community styles of a particular people is important, if interactions between them have to be successful. Works cited Bennett, Linda. Women, Islam and Modernity: Single Women, Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Contemporary Indonesia. London: Routledge, 2005. Print. Blackburn, Simon. The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. Print. Brouwer, Hartog, H. & Staveren, Wija. Food Habits And Consumption In Developing Countries: Manual for Field Studies. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Pub. Forshee, Jill. Culture And Customs of Indonesia. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Millie, Julian. & Robson, Stuart. Instant Indonesian: How to Express 1,000 Different Ideas With Just 100 Key Words and Phrase. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2004. Print. Purdey, Jemma. Anti-Chinese Violence in Indonesia, 1996-1999. Singapore :NUS Press, 2006. Print. Sneddon, James. The Indonesian Language: Its History and Role in Modern Society. Australia: UNSW Press, 2003. Print. Sukma, Rizal. Indonesia and China: The Politics of a Troubled Relationship. London: Routledge, 2004. Print Suryadinata, Leo. Political Thinking of the Indonesian Chinese, 1900-1995: A Sourcebook. Singapore: NUS Press, 1997. Print. Taekema, Sanne. Concept of Ideals in Legal Theory. London: Springer, 2002. Print. Tong, Chee. Identity and Ethnic Relations in Southeast Asia: Racializing Chineseness. London: Springer, 2010. Print. Winzeler, Robert. The Peoples of Southeast Asia Today: Ethnography, Ethnology, and Change in a Complex Region. New York: Rowman Altamira, 2010. Print. Read More