Indonesia

indonesia sign language

Sign language for Indonesia

I’ve visited to Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali during December 2017 – January 2018. I’ve stayed for a month. 

  • Indonesia is considered to be one of the cheapest destinations to explore (there are some exceptions like Ampat Raja islands)
  • A perfect destinations for backpackers, getaways, adventures, nature lovers, animal lovers, hikers, etc.
  • A home of the orangutans (please see them ethically) and Komodo dragons.
  • There are many religions in Indonesia. On Java island, many are predominantly Muslim, whereas Bali is Hindu. 
  • You can travel around via boats, buses, trains and planes (such as JetStar, LionAir, etc.
  • You may not see any dogs around in Java, Indonesia. Some Muslims believe that they are dirty and/or scavengers. There are other reasons too.
  • Since there are so many islands (over 17,000), they have their own languages, cultural beliefs and practices, customs, traditions, histories, etc. 
  • Because of this, they tend to identify themselves locally (such as Balinese, Javanese, Sudanese, etc.) before identifying themselves nationally
  • Collectivism plays a strong role in Indonesia. Generally, people don’t do things on their own and pity upon on a solitude person.
  • They don’t value privacy strongly as other cultures or western societies. 
  • Do not touch or shake hands with Mulisms who are the opposite of your gender – try to ask first if must. 
  • Some Indonesian women will not shake hands and will instead bow with their hands folded  
  • Many percieve marriage as being mature and reached a true adulthood. Don’t be surprised when being asked about your martial status often. 
  • Bahasa Isyarat Indonesia (BISINDO) or “Indonesia sign language”
  • BISINDO is recently recognized and included in the laws during the year of 2016
  • Some Deaf people here know International Sign*
  • They do not even get any welfare whatsoever from the government and suffer a huge unemployment rate
  • There is a Deaf village in Bali and have their own sign language called Kolok. 
  • There are few Deaf related businesses, such as Deaf Cafe Fingertalk.  
  • Watch a YouTube video where a Deaf Indonesian explained about his community.