In Indonesian the thumbs up sing means “You go first.” Don’t pat someone on the head even though you see Indonesians doing this with children all the time. Do not put your hands into your pockets when talking with someone. Don’t cross your legs in front of an older people and don’t step over someone with crossed legs who is sitting down.
Don’t gesture to someone by pointing. Pointing out something you want or pointing out directions is okay. Do not crook your index finger to call someone over. This gesture is offensive. Signal someone to come with you palm down. Beckoning is done with the palm faced down. Western-style becking with the index finger is considered rude. When you point at something or someone, never use your index finger. In Java, it’s common to use your thumb instead.
One should not talk with their hands on their hips. Placing the hands on the hips indicates anger. In a wayang shadow puppet show”, that kind of position is for somebody who is ready to physically fight. Don’t expose the soles of your feet. Do not put your legs on the table, while you are sitting down on the chair, when there are people around. The local people do not like this ’cowboy style’ of sitting down. While in North America this shows that the person is in a relaxed position, in Indonesia, it means arrogance and being impolite.
Credit : Facts and Details
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