
July 22, 2021 • Knowledge
June 4, 2025 • Intermezo, Knowledge • by Reina Ohno (Translated by Dennis T.)
Table of Contents
Indonesia is a country where diverse cultures and ethnic groups coexist, and its national character also varies by region. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the characteristics, personality, and nature of Indonesian men, along with their social background and values.
Indonesian men are generally gentle and friendly. They can easily strike up conversations with strangers and often get along well even with people they’ve just met. They are known for their constant smiles and polite manners.
Family is the foundation of Indonesian society, and men place great importance on family ties. Especially the eldest son is often expected to support the family, take care of parents and siblings, and contribute financially to the household.
Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, and many men place religion at the center of their lives. It is common to perform prayers five times a day and observe fasting during Ramadan. However, there are also Christians and Hindus, and religious practices vary by region.
Indonesian men tend to think positively even in difficult situations. They often have a “things will work out somehow” mindset and respond to problems with flexibility.
Indonesian culture emphasizes the group over the individual. In workplaces and communities, teamwork is highly valued, and people often work together to achieve shared goals.
Indonesian men are generally hardworking and strive to support their families. However, they tend to prioritize interpersonal relationships over work speed, which differs from cultures like Japan where efficiency is often emphasized.
Indonesian men often avoid saying “no” directly to prevent hurting or offending others. As a result, even if they say “yes,” it might not always mean they can actually do it. Therefore, it’s important to confirm multiple times.
In Indonesia, a good balance between work and personal life is valued. Men often prioritize spending time with family on holidays and actively participate in religious events. Public holidays and long breaks, such as after Ramadan (Lebaran), are especially important.
In Indonesia, family opinions play a major role in romantic relationships. Especially in Muslim families, dating is often encouraged only when it is intended for marriage, and gaining parental approval is considered very important.
In relationships, it is common for men to take the lead. However, more couples today are seeking equal partnerships. Still, men often pay for dates, and the culture emphasizes treating women with respect and care.
Indonesian men view marriage as a major life milestone. They often decide to marry after securing a stable job and a home. Weddings are usually celebrated on a grand scale, with traditions varying based on religion and ethnicity.
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Javanese are the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. They are known for their polite and modest nature. They tend to be calm, avoid conflict, and place a strong emphasis on traditional culture.
Sundanese people, mostly from West Java, are cheerful and approachable. They enjoy humor and often engage in conversations filled with jokes and light-hearted banter.
Batak people, mainly from North Sumatra, are known for being direct and passionate. They often display strong leadership and maintain close ties with family and extended relatives.
Many Balinese people practice Hinduism and have a deep interest in arts and religious ceremonies. They actively participate in cultural activities such as festivals and traditional dances.
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Indonesian men often avoid direct expressions, which can lead to vague responses. Therefore, it’s important to confirm intentions clearly to avoid misunderstandings.
In Indonesia, showing respect to elders and superiors is highly valued. Especially in business settings, using polite language and observing proper manners is expected.
Having an attitude of respect toward religion and traditional culture is essential for building good relationships. For Muslim individuals, being mindful of dietary restrictions and prayer routines is especially important.
Marriage in Indonesia is seen as a bond between families, so building a good relationship with your partner’s family is essential.
When dating or marrying a Muslim man, it’s important to understand and prepare for religious restrictions and cultural expectations in advance.
Marriage procedures vary depending on religion and region, so it’s crucial to check all legal requirements ahead of time.
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Indonesian men are generally gentle, sociable, and family-oriented. However, understanding the culture where saying “No” directly is avoided and recognizing regional differences is key to smooth communication. When interacting with Indonesian men, it’s important to respect their values and culture while staying flexible.
At Timedoor, we work daily in the fields of IT and education alongside over 150 Indonesian staff members. We value building a unique corporate culture that blends the best aspects of Japanese and Indonesian cultures. By leveraging each other’s strengths and compensating for weaknesses, we continue to grow together. Even after ten years of running the company, there is still much to learn from the Indonesian team.
Please use this article as a reference to build wonderful relationships with people from Indonesia.
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2. Why do Indonesian men avoid saying “No”?
In Indonesia, the culture of “Tidak enak” means people try to avoid making others feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when declining, they often use vague expressions instead of a direct “No,” so care is needed in interpretation.
2. What is the view of Indonesian men on romantic relationships?
Many Indonesian men tend to associate dating with marriage. Especially in Muslim families, family approval is very important, and maintaining good relationships with the partner’s family is valued.
3. What should I be careful about when doing business with Indonesian men?
Relationships are prioritized in business, so direct criticism or strict demands are usually avoided. The concept of time differs from Japan, and flexible responses are often necessary.
4. What are Indonesian men’s views on religion?
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, and many men take religion seriously. However, Christianity and Hinduism are also practiced in some regions, so religious views are diverse.
5. What are the characteristics of Indonesian men’s work style?
They are basically hardworking, but due to a culture that values interpersonal relationships, teamwork is often prioritized over efficiency. They also pay attention to work-life balance and often prioritize holidays and religious events.
6. What should I be aware of when marrying an Indonesian man?
Family relationships are extremely important, so building a good relationship with the partner’s family is necessary. Also, religious restrictions and legal procedures should be checked beforehand.
7. How do personalities differ among Indonesian men by region?
Javanese tend to be gentle and reserved, Sundanese are cheerful and humorous, Batak are straightforward and have strong leadership, and Balinese value art and religion. These traits vary by region.
8. How can I build a good relationship with Indonesian men?
It is important to respect their culture and values and communicate politely. Since vague expressions are common, confirming intentions clearly is also important.
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