Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:
Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:
. It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting it. This shows that the recipient is not greedy.
. Items to avoid include scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate that you want to sever the relationship.
. Elaborate wrapping is expected - gold and red and considered auspicious.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims:
. In Islam alcohol is forbidden. Only give alcohol if you know the recipient will appreciate it.
. Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal meat means the animal has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context. The more formal the occasion the more formal the behaviour. Below are some basic dining etiquette tips.
. Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest you will have a specific position.
. Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle. You will be served the food and it would not be considered rude if you helped yourself after that.
. If food is served buffet style then the guest is generally asked to help themselves first. It is considered polite that the guest insist others go before him/her but this would never happen.
. In formal situations, men are served before women.
. Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
. A fork and spoon are often the only utensils at the place setting. Depending on the situation some people may use their hands.
. Eat or pass food with your right hand only.