A few words of Indonesian

To truly enrich your experience during your stay in Indonesia, a little knowledge of the local language goes a long way. At Shanti Travel, our decades of experience have taught us that even a few words of Bahasa Indonesia can open doors, forge genuine connections, and show deep respect for Indonesian culture. If you're preparing for a trip to Indonesia, mastering even these basics of the language will make your journey even more memorable.

Languages in Indonesia

The language you will hear the most during your holiday in Indonesia is the Bahasa Indonesia. It has been the official language since 1945, drawing its roots from Arabic, Chinese, and even Latin! The archipelago boasts not only this unifying language but more than 700 local dialects and regional languages, a testament to Indonesia’s astounding diversity.

Most Indonesians are fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, as it is taught and used in schools. However, at home and in their daily lives, people often switch to their local dialects, especially in rural areas and among the elderly. The older generation, particularly those born before the 1950s, sometimes speak only their regional language.

Youth in cities or tourist areas will usually try to speak English with you, but introducing even a simple greeting in Bahasa will be warmly received.

Practical Tips: Speaking Bahasa Indonesia as a Traveler

• Use polite forms and honorifics: Always address elders or strangers with 'Bapak' (Mr.) or 'Ibu' (Madam) before their name. Use the formal pronoun 'saya' for "I"—avoid informal 'aku' unless speaking with close friends.
• Prioritize formality: Until invited to do otherwise, stick to the more formal version of Bahasa, known as Bahasa Baku. Reserve informality for personal relationships or when prompted.
• Pick up essential courtesies: Begin requests with tolong (please) and cushion refusals with maaf (sorry), reflecting the local preference for indirectness. Indonesians often avoid saying "no" directly to preserve harmony, so listen for subtle cues or hesitations.
• Be aware of local variation: Across Indonesia, greetings and everyday words may vary regionally. For example, "hello" can be 'Selamat pagi', 'siang', 'sore', or 'malam', depending on the time of day and where you are.
• Pronunciation tips: Bahasa Indonesia is largely phonetic:
  • Vowels are pronounced clearly, much like in Italian or Spanish.
  • The consonant 'c' is pronounced "ch" as in "chocolate".
  • The letter 'r' is rolled gently.
  • Stress is typically on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable.
• Gestures matter: Use your right hand (never your left) for giving or receiving items, pointing, or shaking hands. Present objects politely, and avoid using your left hand which is reserved for personal hygiene. Refrain from raising your voice or being overly direct; gentle speech is considered respectful.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Jumping to informal language, failing to use titles, direct refusals, giving items with your left hand, or not reading between the lines in conversations can inadvertently cause discomfort.

Below are a few words and phrases to help you get started and feel at ease during your journey:

Key Words in Bahasa Indonesia

Questions / Pertanyaan

Time and Meeting Point

At the Restaurant / Di Warung Makan

Useful Words

With these tips and phrases, you’ll be able to interact with locals in a way that is both practical and respectful, while gaining an insider’s experience of Indonesian hospitality. At Shanti Travel, we believe that language is a bridge to authentic travel, and we encourage every traveler to embrace the beauty and subtlety of Bahasa Indonesia to make your journey even more meaningful.