Chuntian Academy International

Hi, I just returned from my second tour of Indonesia, for the most part the people were great and what a beautiful country. However, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world and like any different culture you should learn a few things. Please read on.

Thanks
Director, Matt Plewes

1. Muslims are more conservative in rural areas. Muslims understand that Christians have different customs and won't lop your head off the first time you make a faux pas by passing the falafel with your left hand.

2. Be very careful in the area of sexual conduct,behavior at religious sites. Sexually provocative clothes, obscene gestures, defiling the Koran, theft or insulting the prophet or women will get you in trouble.

3. Do not proselytize,preach or conduct religious functions without permission of the local government. Do not wear religious symbols or use expressions that use the name of Christ, Allah, God or other religious entities.

4. Feel free to admit that you are a Christian,but express your interest in learning more about the Koran and Islamic way of life. Being a "student of all religions" is a good cop-out for the philosophically challenged.

5. If you are Jewish and traveling in a fundamental Islamic, your life may be at risk by identifying yourself as Jewish or discussing an opposing point of view. Also understand there are strong feelings between Shia and Sunni Muslim sects.

6. Do not squeeze hands when shaking,you may touch your chest after shaking hand in the traditional Muslim greeting. THE left hand is considered unclean because rural Muslims wash their nether regions with that hand. Muslims also squat to urinate and find the western habit of standing with legs akimbo and penis pointing, far too theatrical for their taste.

7. Dress cleanly and conservatively, remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. Do not point the sole of your feet at your guest. Use your right hand to eat. Expect to be kissed on both cheeks by men.

8. Ask permission to take pictures, do not sneak photos. Don't blow your nose in public. Don't eat while walking around. Don't admire objects in your host home, they will feel obligated to give them to you. Do not give undue attention to women. The list goes on, but don't be paranoid, just respectful.