Too Personal Question?

I know western people will be offended when they are being asked about age, religion, or weight. But in Indonesia, those things aren’t a big problem. Yes, few people might be offended. But not all. In fact, that’s our way to know each others.

I think it’s because Indonesia has many cultural background. Religion in Indonesia is various and when we asked about that it’s not for making boundaries but to respect each other. The same reason also used for asking age.

We ask about age because we respect others. We will great someone older than us with ‘Mas’ (usually this is a way to call older brother, but it can be used for every man that slightly older than you ) or ‘Mbak’ (to slightly older woman). ‘Kak’ can also be used too, and this is for either man or woman.

To greet someone older enough to be your Mom or Dad, we used ‘Pak’ (Mr.), ‘Ibu/Bu’ (Mrs.)

Don't be offended if Indonesians inquire about your religion, your marital status or number of children. Those are common questions Indonesians ask each other, too. These topics usually occur during chit-chat. These questions are the opening conversation to get closer and more familiar to the persons they speak with.

[LI]