TLDR;
This video explores the cultural differences and similarities between Indonesia and other countries through the experiences of foreigners living in Indonesia. Interviewees from the Philippines, Pakistan, the United States, and Tanzania share their biggest culture shocks, differences they've observed, and what they will miss most about Indonesia. Key takeaways include the spicy food, the "santai" culture of slow living, the friendly and curious nature of Indonesian people, and the diversity of Indonesian culture.
- Cultural differences and similarities between Indonesia and other countries
- Experiences of foreigners living in Indonesia
- Culture shocks, differences, and what they will miss most about Indonesia
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces the topic of cultural differences by presenting the experiences of foreigners in Indonesia. It promises to show how distinct Indonesian culture is, even compared to countries with similar cultures, and offers viewers a glimpse into life in five different countries.
Philippines [0:26]
A Filipino interviewee shares that she has been in Indonesia for 3-4 years and enjoys it due to the shared cultural values and backgrounds between Filipinos and Indonesians, particularly the emphasis on family, accommodation, and respect. The biggest culture shocks for her were the spiciness of Indonesian food (pedas), eating on the floor (lesehan) being a common practice, and the prevalence of motorcycles, even among older women. She notes that Filipinos tend to be more expressive and bold compared to the calmer and more bureaucratic Javanese people. Initially, she found the direct personal questions from Indonesians a bit annoying but eventually understood it as basa basi (small talk). She anticipates missing the santai culture (slow living) of Indonesia, which taught her the wisdom of taking one's time.
Pakistan [5:17]
A Pakistani interviewee, who has been in Indonesia for 3 months and living in Malang, finds the weather in Malang beautiful and cold. He notes that the culture of Indonesia and Pakistan is totally different. He appreciates the polite behaviors of Indonesians, such as kissing the hands of elders. A significant difference he observes is the constant consumption of rice in Indonesia, unlike Pakistan where rice is not eaten as frequently. He doesn't find anything annoying in Indonesia and enjoys his time there. He anticipates missing the weather in Malang and Indonesian food like nasi goreng, pentol, and bakso.
United States [7:52]
An American interviewee, who has been in Indonesia for 9 months, enjoys living there due to the friendly people, good food, and opportunities to learn new things. The biggest culture shock for him was the driving culture, particularly crossing the road, which required learning a specific technique. He finds Indonesians to be more collective and family-oriented compared to the individualistic culture of the United States. He notes the diversity within Indonesia, similar to the diversity found in the United States due to its multicultural population. Initially, he found the personal questions, such as age and marital status, a bit shocking but has grown accustomed to them. He will miss the people the most, particularly their friendliness and openness to conversation.
Tanzania [11:13]
A Tanzanian interviewee, who has been in Indonesia for 8 months, finds Indonesia to be a very nice and peaceful country. He is inspired by the culture and the safety of the country. He was shocked by the diversity of tribes in Indonesia, each with its own unique culture and language. He observed that the election process in Indonesia is quite different from Tanzania, with a more relaxed security presence. He will miss his friends the most, who helped him learn the Indonesian language.