Indonesia Business Etiquette
Indonesia is popular for its export of natural resources, particularly gas and oil, and often enters into deals with other nations. The country also exports a large number of textiles each year, which makes for more international business relations; exhibiting proper etiquette will help to make a great first impression--and a lasting professional relationship.
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Business Attire
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Men are expected to wear a business suit to an initial meeting, but may wear more casual clothing for meetings that take place afterward. Women should wear long-sleeved blouses and skirts that completely cover the knee. If the office environment is formal, women are expected to wear hosiery; dark colors for clothing are most appropriate.
Business Cards
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Indonesian professionals value business cards highly; each card should be presented with both hands. The business card should be given with a slight bow and be presented with the written side facing the recipient. It is considered impolite to fold or write on the business card. When giving and receiving business cards, it is appropriate to address the person by title and name. The titles "haj" (male) or "hajjah" (female) are given to those with graduate degrees and should be used when speaking to or introducing Indonesian business people who have earned this honor.
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Business Meetings
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It is best for professionals to arrive on time for business meetings, although it is common for Indonesians to spend a few minutes in small talk before discussing professional matters. When starting a conversation, it is best to refer to the person with the highest professional rank in the room; the superior professional in the room should also be acknowledged several times during the conversation. It is not abnormal for there to be periods of silence in the business meeting, and it is considered rude to interrupt a colleague when he or she is speaking.
Negotiations
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It is important for professionals from other countries to show patience during negotiations in Indonesia. Final decisions may take awhile to be reached and are always made by the company's top executives. Hard-selling, or being overly persuasive, are considered bad business and will make an unfavorable impression. Indonesians will often say things such as "that would be difficult" or "yes" when their actual answer to a negotiation term is "no." It is essential for international business people to pick up on body language and facial expressions to determine the real answer during negotiations.
Giving Gifts
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It is appropriate to exchange gifts at an initial business meeting, but the gift should be small and inexpensive. Presenting Indonesian professionals with a gift that includes a company logo is acceptable. Gifts of perfume, alcohol or any food items containing pork should not be presented to business people in Indonesia. As a sign of respect, gifts are always opened in private.
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References
- Photo Credit indonesia flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
