Dress codes in Indonesia

If you are traveling to Indonesia, you may be wondering how to dress appropriately and how the dress code in Indonesia compares with other countries you have visited. Hence, the Conde Nash Dress Code Guide (which is available on the Conde Nash website and is also downloadable in pdf format) offers a very handy and useful reference guide for how to dress appropriately in a number of countries around the world.

According to the guide, ties are not seen during meetings in Indonesia as modesty is considered important to Indonesian moguls. Instead, they wear batik button-downs with khaki pants and closed shoes. On the other hand, women have ponytails and wear plain dresses with long sleeves, lipstick and blush. However, notable jewelry is left at home. 

On the street, flip-flops are not seen. Instead, wear heel-covering sandals, sneakers or ballet flats paired with Levi's or Lee jeans. In addition, wear a shirt with a collar as a sign of respect.

At parties, men usually wear khakis instead of jeans and sneakers instead of loafers while cotton is not considered formal enough to wear out for a night on the town. Instead, choose synthetics in vibrant prints. Moreover, women need not wear heels as Indonesian men are typically five feet two inches tall and Indonesian women average four feet ten inches in height.

And remember, Indonesians are very modest. Hence, nude bathing at the beach or in rural areas (i.e. seemingly secluded rivers or lakes) is a bad idea.