People in Indonesia are also family oriented and live with their family for much longer. Because of this and other reasons like close living quarters, the concept of privacy is very different. People don’t often show public affection, but the concept of a personal space bubble doesn’t really exist like it does in America. Also, questions about age, religion, or money that are not commonly asked in America might be asked the first time you meet someone here. At first this was awkward for me, but then I started to question why these subjects are so taboo in America. I started to reflect on whether I liked my privacy bubble or not. Seeing other perspectives often makes me reflect on my own perspective and understand why I think and act the way I do.
Indonesia is also very religious. Most of the country is Islamic and five times a day in Java you can hear the call to prayer playing from mosques. In Bali where the population is primarily Hindu, you can see people setting out offerings to the spirits and gods every day. I am not religious at all, but I have always found religion interesting. I think it is fascinating how so many people’s lives are influenced by different religions and how the values of religion shape who a person becomes. I have loved learning about how the Hindus in Bali believe in karma or how the Muslims in Java believe in self control and exercise this during the month of Ramadan where they fast. I think the more I learn about these religions the more I can learn about other perspectives and other people.
You can’t judge a community for being different right away. You never know what differences you will grow to love and respect.
