Respecting the hierarchy in Bali
Working in Bali is usually rather relax, but there are some things you need to be mindful of听when interacting with your Balinese colleagues and the local population. Indonesia is a听hierarchically structured society, with a particular emphasis on age differences and deep听respect for the elderly. This is especially crucial in a formal meeting such as a business meeting听or networking events in Bali.
Since it can be difficult to ascertain the exact age of participants in a business meeting, play it听safe by using honorific prefixes like "Pak" for men and "Ibu" for women. Once you get better听acquainted with your interlocutors, you will use "Mas" for young men and "Mba" for young听women. As you might have understood, it is considered impolite to address a stranger by his or听her first or last name, especially at an official event. However, this rule is more flexible during听Western-style business meetings.
Introducing oneself in Bali
In Bali, when meeting someone for the first time, be content with a handshake as a greeting.听Hold out your right hand only, as the left hand is considered impure. Don't forget to throw in a听smile as a sign of politeness. In the case of a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, wait for her to听hold out her hand; otherwise, just nod and smile.
Whatever the context, don't forget to hand out your business card, always with your right听hand!
Dress code in Bali
As far as dress code is concerned, since most business meetings in Bali are considered formal听events, it is best to follow the norm, and that includes Bali. This may entail formal cut clothing,听but in a light fabric to accommodate weather conditions. When in doubt, wear something made听of batik, a traditional Balinese fabric.
On a professional evening, men would usually wear a long-sleeved Batik shirt, whereas short-sleeved shirts can be worn during the daytime. For women, it is better to opt for an elegant听dress or a modest Batik blouse that covers the neckline. Avoid revealing or tight clothing at all听costs, as the Balinese are relatively conservative.
What do we talk about in Bali (or don't)?
Entrenched in the Indonesian culture are four topics of conversation that should be avoided at听all costs in a public conversation. There is even a mnemonic way to remember them, and it is听called SARA, for Suku, Agama, Ras Dan Golongan. These are topics related to religions,听ethnicities, political affiliations, and beliefs. This is totally understandable, especially when one听considers that Indonesia counts more than 17,000 islands, has more than 300 recognized ethnic听groups, and 5 official religions. As such, the Indonesian population is indeed very diverse, and听sensitivity levels can easily trigger tensions.
Each person is unique and proud of his or her religious, ethnic and political background. It is听therefore impolite, for example, to ask about a person's religion at the first meeting. However,听in the context of everyday life, it can be a way to break the ice.
Be aware, however that given your expatriate status, your local interlocutor may, out of the听blue, ask for your country of origin.
Otherwise, during meetings, avoid angry topics. Balinese and Indonesian society, in general, is听communal and non-confrontational. In fact, it despises public confrontation. Conversations听should, therefore, always be conducted in a gentle tone, with lots of smiles, and always in听private.
The body language in Bali
There are also rules about body language to be mindful of in Indonesia. Since the head is听considered a sacred part of the body, never touch another person's head or try to reach听something by placing your arm over his or her head. Also, avoid aggressive body language, such听as placing your hands on your hips or crossing your arms, both of which are signs of impatience听and/or dissatisfaction.
Consuming alcohol in Bali
Depending on the composition of the crowd and the level of formality of a networking event in听Indonesia, alcohol can be made available or not. For example, at a formal meeting where there听is a majority of Indonesians, no alcohol will be served. However, in Bali, where there are many听English-speaking clubs and organizations, like the Rotary Club or Skal International, alcohol is听usually responsibly served during networking events that are mainly attended by expatriates.
Spoken languages in Bali
Since Bali is a major international tourist destination, the Balinese population is familiar with听Westerners and their customs. As a matter of fact, most Indonesians and Balinese, especially听those who work in the liberal professions, are fluent in basic English. At an international听networking event, however, while English is at the top of the list, Indonesians are very听appreciative of expatriates who make the effort to speak Bahasa Indonesian, which is听considered very good for doing business.
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