Business Phrases in Indonesian that are Useful to Remember

For foreign business owners and managers who are considering expanding into Indonesia or are already operating locally, mastering basic business phrases in Indonesian is essential for smooth communication with local staff and business partners. In this article, we will introduce frequently used Indonesian phrases in business scenarios, detailing them according to specific situations. By utilizing these phrases, you will contribute to building trust and improving operational efficiency in the business environment.

 

 

1.Phrases for Greetings and Self-Introduction

Basic Greetings Phrases

In business settings, appropriate greetings are the first step in building trust. Below are basic greeting phrases according to the time of day or situation.

• Selamat pagi.
  Good morning.
  Used in the morning (typically from 6 AM to around 10 AM).
• Selamat siang.
  Hello.
  Used between 10 AM and around 2 PM.
• Selamat sore.
  Good afternoon.
  Used from 2 PM until sunset.
• Selamat malam.
  Good evening.
  Used after sunset until before bedtime.
• Apa kabar?
  How are you?
  A common phrase to ask about someone’s well-being.
• Baik, terima kasih. Dan Anda?
  I’m good, thank you. And you?
  A typical response to “Apa kabar?”, returning the question.

Self-Introduction Phrases

In first-time business encounters, self-introduction is important. Below are useful phrases for introducing yourself.

• Perkenalkan, nama saya [Name].
  Nice to meet you, my name is [Name].
  Used at the beginning of self-introduction.
• Saya bekerja di [Company Name].
  I work at [Company Name].
  A phrase to tell your workplace.
• Jabatan saya adalah [Position].
  My position is [Position].
  Used to explain your role.
• Senang bertemu dengan Anda.
  Nice to meet you.
  A polite greeting for first-time meetings.

2. Phrases for Business Meetings

Questions and Confirmation Phrases

• Apakah maksud Anda [content]?
  Does that mean you mean [content]?
  → A polite way to confirm the other party’s intent.
• Apakah ini sudah sesuai dengan rencana?
  Is this going according to plan?
  → Used to confirm whether progress or results are as planned.
• Mohon dikonfirmasi kembali sebelum kita lanjut.
  Please confirm again before we proceed.
  → Used when seeking confirmation before moving on to an important item.

Closing Phrases (Wrapping up the Meeting)

• Mari kita simpulkan pembahasan hari ini.
  Let’s summarize today’s discussion.
  → A standard phrase used when wrapping up a discussion.
• Kesimpulan dari rapat ini adalah sebagai berikut.
  The conclusion of this meeting is as follows.
  → Useful when organizing and communicating key points from the meeting.
• Terima kasih atas partisipasi semua.
  Thank you all for your participation.
  → A standard expression of appreciation at the end of a meeting.
• Rapat hari ini kita akhiri di sini.
  We will end today’s meeting here.
  → A formal way to announce the end of the meeting.
• Jangan lupa tindak lanjutnya, ya.
  Don’t forget the follow-up.
  → A reminder to take action after the meeting.

Useful Phrases for Business Emails

In meeting-related contexts, here are some convenient phrases for email communication:

• Dengan hormat,
  Dear Sir/Madam (formal opening)
• Terlampir saya kirimkan notulen rapat hari ini.
  Attached is the meeting minutes from today.
• Mohon konfirmasi kehadiran Anda pada rapat berikutnya.
  Please confirm your attendance for the next meeting.

3. Useful Phrases for Business Negotiations and Deals

In Indonesian business culture, personal relationships (hubungan baik) and avoiding direct confrontation are highly valued. Therefore, using “polite and softened expressions” during negotiations is key to success.

Phrases for Starting a Business Negotiation

• Terima kasih atas kesempatan ini.
  Thank you for this opportunity.
  → A respectful expression to show appreciation before starting negotiations.
• Sebelum kita mulai, izinkan saya memperkenalkan tim kami.
  Before we begin, please allow me to introduce our team.
  → Used to politely introduce your team and their roles.
• Kami sangat menghargai kesempatan untuk bekerja sama dengan perusahaan Anda.
  We truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with your company.
  → Effective as a first step in building trust.

In Making Proposals or Presentations

• Berikut adalah penawaran kami.
  Here is our proposal.
  → A basic phrase when presenting proposal materials.
• Kami yakin solusi ini dapat memberikan nilai tambah untuk bisnis Anda.
  We believe this solution can add value to your business.
• Apakah ada bagian yang perlu dikaji ulang?
  Is there any part that needs to be reviewed again?
  → A soft way to encourage a response from the other party.

While Negotiating Price and Conditions

In Indonesia, negotiation is very common, but it is preferred to seek compromises without causing the other party to lose face.

• Apakah harga ini masih bisa dinegosiasikan?
  Is this price still negotiable?
• Jika memungkinkan, kami ingin mendapatkan harga khusus untuk jangka panjang.
  If possible, we would like to request a special price for long-term contracts.
• Kami ingin mencari solusi win-win bagi kedua belah pihak.
  We want to seek a win-win solution for both parties.
• Mohon pertimbangkan kembali syarat pembayaran ini.
  Please reconsider these payment terms.
• Apakah memungkinkan untuk melakukan cicilan atau pembayaran bertahap?
  Is it possible to make installment or staggered payments?

Phrases for Responding to the Other Party

• Kami menghargai masukan Anda dan akan segera menyesuaikan proposalnya.
  Thank you for your input. We will adjust the proposal right away.
• Kami akan mendiskusikan ini secara internal dan kembali kepada Anda secepatnya.
  We will discuss this internally and get back to you as soon as possible.
• Tentu, kami bisa revisi sesuai dengan kebutuhan Anda.
  Of course, we can revise it according to your needs.
• Kami mohon waktu untuk mempertimbangkan tawaran ini.
  We would like to request some time to consider this offer.

Phrases for Wrapping Up a Business Deal

• Terima kasih atas diskusi yang konstruktif hari ini.
  Thank you for today’s constructive discussion.
• Kami harap kerja sama ini dapat segera direalisasikan.
  We hope this collaboration can be realized soon.
• Kami akan kirimkan dokumen resmi dalam waktu dekat.
  We will send the official documents shortly.
• Semoga kita bisa bertemu kembali untuk membahas langkah selanjutnya.
  We hope to meet again soon to discuss the next steps.

 

 

4. Useful Expressions for Internal Communication

Giving Instructions or Making Requests

When asking Indonesian staff to do something, it’s important to use a polite, non-commanding tone by phrasing things as a request.

• Bisa tolong bantu saya untuk mengerjakan ini?
  Could you help me with this?
  → Using “tolong” (help) softens the request.

• Mohon dikerjakan sebelum hari Jumat, ya.
  Could you please finish this by Friday?
  → “Mohon” is a polite way of saying “please.”

• Kalau ada kesulitan, silakan sampaikan.
  If there are any difficulties, please let me know.
  → Showing a willingness to follow up helps build trust.

• Bisa kita diskusikan dulu sebelum mulai?
  Can we discuss this before getting started?
  → Encourages two-way communication.

If you Asking for Progress or Reports

Since spontaneous reporting and consultation can be less common in Indonesia, gentle check-ins are essential.

• Bagaimana progres pekerjaan ini?
  How is the progress on this task?

• Sudah sejauh mana pengerjaannya?
  How far along is the work?

• Apakah ada kendala yang dihadapi?
  Have you encountered any issues?

• Mohon kirimkan update-nya hari ini.
  Please send me an update today.

• Boleh minta laporan singkatnya?
  Could I have a brief report?

When Expressing Appreciation or Approval

Recognizing effort and showing appreciation boosts motivation. Here are some daily-use expressions:

• Terima kasih atas kerja kerasnya.
  Thank you for your hard work.

• Pekerjaannya sangat baik, saya apresiasi.
  Great job—thank you, I appreciate it.

• Saya senang melihat hasilnya.
  I’m happy to see the results.

• Terus pertahankan semangat seperti ini!
  Keep up the great spirit!

• Tim ini menunjukkan kerja sama yang hebat.
  This team has shown excellent teamwork.

Pointing Out Issues or Giving Warnings

In Indonesia, direct criticism can cause embarrassment (malu), so it’s better to express things indirectly and considerately.

• Saya rasa ada beberapa hal yang bisa kita perbaiki bersama.
  I think there are a few things we can improve together.

• Mungkin bisa dipertimbangkan kembali cara pengerjaannya.
  Perhaps the approach could be reconsidered.

• Saya mengerti ini tidak mudah, tapi mari kita cari solusi.
  I understand this isn’t easy, but let’s find a solution together.

• Saya ingin diskusi empat mata soal hal ini.
  I’d like to have a one-on-one discussion about this.
  → “Empat mata” (literally “four eyes”) shows you’re being discreet and considerate.

 

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5. Business Expressions You Can Use in Emails and Chats

In Indonesian business settings, communication via WhatsApp, Google Chat, and email is very common. Unlike in Japan, more casual and friendly expressions are often used. Sometimes, overly formal language may even come across as cold. Therefore, it’s important to balance politeness and casualness depending on your relationship with the recipient and the context.

Subject & Email Opening Lines

• [PERMINTAAN] Proposal Kerja Sama – PT. Timedoor Indonesia
  [REQUEST] Collaboration Proposal – PT. Timedoor Indonesia
  → Subjects should be clear, concise, and written in capital letters.

• Dengan hormat,
  Dear Sir/Madam,
  → A standard formal email opening. Can be omitted in casual settings.

• Selamat pagi, Bapak/Ibu [Nama].
  Good morning, Mr./Ms. [Name].
  → Polite and friendly, yet still formal.

• Terima kasih atas balasannya sebelumnya.
  Thank you for your previous response.

• Mohon maaf atas keterlambatan balasan ini.
  Apologies for the delayed reply.

Expressions for Conveying the Main Message

• Saya ingin menginformasikan bahwa…
  I would like to inform you that…

• Kami ingin mengundang Anda untuk menghadiri rapat pada hari Jumat.
  We would like to invite you to attend the meeting on Friday.

• Berikut kami lampirkan dokumen yang dimaksud.
  Please find the relevant document attached.

• Mohon konfirmasi kehadiran sebelum hari Kamis.
  Kindly confirm your attendance by Thursday.

• Apakah bisa bantu memberikan feedback sebelum tanggal 10?
  Would it be possible for you to provide feedback before the 10th?
  → A softer request suitable for chat.

Commonly Used Phrases (Also Usable in Chat)

• Noted, terima kasih.
  Noted, thank you.

• Siap, kami akan tindak lanjuti.
  Understood, we’ll follow up on it.

• Baik, saya cek dulu dan akan kabari kembali.
  Alright, I’ll check and get back to you.

• Sudah saya kirim via email ya.
  I’ve sent it via email.

• Mohon tunggu sebentar, ya.
  Please wait a moment.

• Kalau ada pertanyaan, silakan hubungi saya langsung.
  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.

• Terima kasih atas kerja samanya. 🙏
  Thank you for your cooperation. 🙏
  → Emojis like 🙏😊💼 are commonly used even in business to create a softer tone.

Closing Phrases

• Demikian informasi dari kami.
  That’s all the information from us.

• Semoga informasi ini bermanfaat.
  We hope this information is helpful.

• Terima kasih atas perhatian dan waktunya.
  Thank you for your attention and time.

• Kami tunggu kabar selanjutnya.
  We look forward to hearing from you.

• Salam hormat,
  Sincerely,
  → Used to close formal emails. Not usually used in chats.

 

 

 

6. Useful Expressions for Building Relationships with Local Staff

In Indonesia, it is not an exaggeration to say that business is built on “trust between people.” There are many instances where “personal character” and “how you interact” significantly affect the progress of work, often more so than in Japan.

Below are effective phrases for building trust with staff, including expressions for daily conversations and casual interactions.

Closing the Distance in Casual Conversations

• Sudah makan?
  Have you eaten yet?
  → A common phrase in Indonesia used as a greeting. It’s a good way to start a conversation.

• Bagaimana keluarga Anda?
  How is your family?
  → Asking about someone’s family is highly appreciated in Indonesia.

• Wah, hari ini cuacanya panas sekali, ya!
  Wow, the weather is really hot today, huh!
  → A natural way to transition into small talk from discussing the weather.

• Saya sedang belajar Bahasa Indonesia, mohon bantuannya ya.
  I am currently learning Bahasa Indonesia. Please help me!
  → A humble approach that helps create a sense of closeness.

Small Talk & Casual Interactions

• Jangan sungkan-sungkan kalau butuh bantuan.
  Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
  → An invitation for them to reach out without reservation.

• Santai saja, yang penting hasilnya bagus.
  Take it easy, as long as the results are good.
  → A phrase to encourage without rushing.

• Terima kasih atas bantuannya hari ini, saya sangat terbantu.
  Thank you for your help today, it was very much appreciated.
  → A sincere way to show gratitude.

• Kamu hebat hari ini! Terus semangat, ya!
  You were awesome today! Keep up the great work!
  → Effective in building rapport, especially with younger staff.

Celebrating, Encouraging, and Showing Gratitude

• Selamat ulang tahun, semoga panjang umur dan sehat selalu!
  Happy birthday! Wishing you a long life and good health!

• Semoga sukses terus di masa depan.
  Wishing you continued success in the future.

• Terima kasih atas dedikasi dan kerja kerasnya selama ini.
  Thank you for your dedication and hard work so far.

• Saya sangat menghargai kontribusi Anda di tim ini.
  I really appreciate your contributions to this team.

Supporting in Case of Resignation or Family Matters

• Saya mendengar kabar tentang keluarga Anda, semoga semuanya baik-baik saja.
  I heard about your family. I hope everything is okay.

• Kalau ada yang bisa saya bantu, tolong beritahu ya.
  If there is anything I can help with, please let me know.

• Semoga cepat pulih dan bisa kembali bekerja dengan semangat.
  I hope you recover soon and come back to work with full enthusiasm.

Key Points to Be Aware of in Relationship Building (Cultural Background)

• “Tidak enak” culture
  → There is a tendency to avoid saying no or pointing out issues directly. It’s important to sense the atmosphere of “not a YES” even if it’s not explicitly stated.
• Importance of Face-to-Face Communication
  → Meeting in person and talking face-to-face is the fastest way to build trust, compared to chatting or emailing.
• Understanding Religious Practices
  → Showing respect for fasting months (Ramadan) and Friday prayers (Salat Jumat) is crucial.

 

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Why Being Able to Speak Indonesian Phrases is Effective in Business

“Language is the Door to the Heart” — The Familiarity Felt Through Language by Indonesians

In business in Indonesia, being able to speak the local language, Bahasa Indonesia, is not just a “language skill”; it becomes a powerful tool for building trust. In particular, Indonesians have a cultural tendency to feel a strong sense of closeness and goodwill toward foreigners who speak Indonesian, even though they are not native speakers.

Why Do Indonesians Prefer “Foreigners Who Can Speak the Language”?

1. Overcoming the Subconscious “Foreigner = Superior” Perception

Historically, Indonesians have been influenced by colonial experiences, such as the Dutch colonial rule and foreign domination. This has created a latent sense of wariness toward foreigners who might be seen as superior or distant. However, when foreigners make the effort to learn and use Indonesian to communicate, it is seen as a strong sign of respect. This effort is highly appreciated.

🇮🇩 “Dia bisa ngomong pakai Bahasa Indonesia, jadi rasanya lebih dekat.”
(“This person speaks Indonesian, so it feels closer.”)

2. A Culture That Values Relationships Through Language

In Indonesian society, “good relationships” (hubungan baik) are considered essential for driving business forward. Using Indonesian allows one to move beyond formal exchanges and engage in casual conversations, jokes, or talk about staff’s families, naturally building stronger, more personal relationships—an incredibly powerful tool for establishing trust.

3. From “Foreigners = Distant” to “Colleagues”

To bridge the distance that staff or partners may feel toward foreigners, speaking the same language is extremely effective. Particularly among younger staff, when a boss speaks to them in Indonesian, it often makes them feel the boss is more approachable and easier to talk to.

Real-life Examples: How Language Skills Directly Impact Trust in Business

• Local Manager of a Japanese Company:
  “At first, the staff was nervous, but just by greeting them in Indonesian, the atmosphere lightened up immediately.”

• Marketing Staff in Indonesia:
  “Because my boss speaks Indonesian to me, I feel more comfortable sharing my opinions.”

• Sales Success Example:
  Just by saying “Terima kasih atas waktunya” (Thank you for your time) to a local client, negotiations smoothly progressed thereafter.

How Much Do You Need to Speak to See Results?

Perfect grammar or vocabulary is not necessarily required. In fact, many Indonesians appreciate the attitude of trying, even if mistakes are made. Simple expressions, such as:

• Apa kabar?(How are you?)
• Terima kasih.(Thank you)
• Tolong bantu ya.(Please help me.)
• Maaf, saya masih belajar.(Sorry, I’m still learning.)

Using these simple phrases naturally can significantly change the impression you leave as a business professional.

Speaking Indonesian is “The Ultimate Sales Tool”

In Indonesia, more than the superiority of a product or service, “who you want to work with” often determines the success or failure of business. Therefore, speaking Indonesian is not just a language skill; it becomes the ultimate sales tool in business.

Summary

Mastering basic business phrases in Bahasa Indonesia is not just about acquiring language skills; it’s the first step toward understanding the local culture and values, and becoming a trusted partner. In every business setting, from greetings and self-introductions to discussions in meetings, negotiations, and everyday communication with staff, the choice of words directly impacts outcomes. Moreover, the effort to speak Indonesian itself is often seen as a sign of respect, fostering trust and collaboration. If you’re aiming for business success in Indonesia, try incorporating a little Indonesian into your daily conversations. The closeness achieved through language can significantly broaden the possibilities for your business.

Explanation of Terms Used in the Article

• Bahasa Indonesia: The official name of the Indonesian language, spoken nationwide as the national language.
• Apa kabar?: A common greeting meaning “How are you?” or “How’s it going?”
• Tolong / Mohon: Polite expressions used when making a request, equivalent to “please” or “could you please?”
• Rapat: A meeting or conference, frequently used in both internal and external business contexts.
• Progres: Progress or advancement, commonly used when checking the status or progress of something.
• Kerja sama: Cooperation or collaboration, often used to describe partnerships between businesses or organizations.
• Penawaran: An offer or proposal, typically used when presenting goods or services to potential clients.
• Kendala: Issues or obstacles, often used when describing problems or challenges faced in business.
• Empat mata: Literally “four eyes,” this expression means “to speak one-on-one” or “private conversation.”
• Hubungan baik: Good relations, a key concept in Indonesian business culture, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships.

 

 

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. Is it possible to do business in Indonesia without speaking Indonesian?
A. Yes, it is possible, but it may take more time to build trust with local staff and partners. Learning basic expressions such as greetings and self-introductions can make a significant impact.

Q2. I’ve heard Indonesians speak English. Is Indonesian necessary?
A. While English may be understood in some urban areas, most local staff primarily speak Indonesian. Using the local language significantly enhances trust and rapport.

Q3. Is it okay to use Indonesian even if I’m not confident in the language?
A. Yes. The attitude of trying to speak is more important than perfect grammar. Local people are usually very understanding and will appreciate your effort.

Q4. Are there any efficient ways to learn Indonesian?
A. Learning expressions used in specific situations and practicing them in actual conversations is effective. It’s also helpful to learn from local staff while interacting with them.

Q5. What if staff don’t speak to me in Indonesian? How can I encourage them?
A. Try saying “Saya sedang belajar Bahasa Indonesia” (I’m learning Indonesian). Many people will be happy to assist you and will appreciate your effort to learn the language.

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