International Webinar 2022 - Business culture, how to step forward - part 8

Indonesian academics from STEKOM University in an international seminar explained the diversity and cultural dynamics that affect business in Indonesia. Diverse and rich cultural dynamics dominate Indonesian business culture. By having a better understanding, you increase your chances of doing business with Indonesian companies. Therefore, the best advice is to start by learning about the Indonesian people and the unwritten customs of the country and its organizations.


Quoting a well-known Indonesian proverb: "Where the earth is stepped on, there the sky is held up." Raise the sky of the land where you walk. This is similar to When in Rome, do as the Romans do. The same goes for doing business.


People who come to Indonesia with a clear vision but flexible minds have an excellent opportunity to mingle. Prejudice often leads foreigners to the wrong expectations, so follow these steps to shape your idea of how business works with Indonesians.


Diverse cultural dynamics dominate Indonesia's business culture. There are a number of customs and traditions that need to be followed. To the extent that Indonesians sometimes feel burdened with their etiquette or cultural manners. The same feelings of obligation and burden apply to good (unpleasurable).


Nevertheless, Indonesians are very proud of their cultural heritage and are also happy to show kindness towards foreigners. However, once you are in Indonesia, you will understand how many customs actually need to be followed. Also, how does it affect business.


Who you know is more important than what you know. This means that connections are often more valuable than knowledge. This especially increases when dealing with the government sector in Indonesia. Therefore, it is wise to gather partners with a wide circle of connections, rather than having a few intelligent people close to you who do not have connections at the required level.


Indonesians cultivate strong bonds with the people they know. They followed up on those who were close to them as well as those of higher rank. But new acquaintances are far behind on the list. Therefore, give it time to bond and build a relationship while showing genuine interest.


It's also common practice to brag about who you know – everyone you know claims to know someone important. Sometimes they do but sometimes it's just a marketing ploy they use to increase reputation.


It's also easier to set up a first meeting if you say you know someone on an ongoing basis. Just knowing a high ranking name can be the key to your first meeting.


A tip for foreigners is to observe and become familiar with local customs. This will help you blend in better and make it easier to emphasize local dedication. Knowing when to move from the “building relationships” stage to doing business is what separates seasoned veterans from foreigners new to doing business in Indonesia. That's why we advise companies new to the market to bring people who have experience with them to business meetings.


This material was delivered by a presenter from Indonesia in an international webinar entitled "UNDERSTANDING CROSS-CULTURAL BUSINESS COMMUNICATION" which was held by STEKOM University in collaboration with Universiti Perlis Malaysia, Singapore University of social science, PTIC and various other parties. The presenter's name from Malaysia is Ida Hindriyani, M.Hum who is a lecturer at STEKOM University.


This international webinar activity is part of the implementation of STEKOM University's commitment to increase various international activities. This was done in order to realize the vision to become an international-class university. Various international activities carried out by STEKOM University continue from year to year. There are international activities that are sustainable and there are also some international activities that are not sustainable. All types of international activities are accommodated and regulated by the International department of STEKOM University.