Indonesia
Sign language for Indonesia
I’ve visited to Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and Bali during December 2017 – January 2018. I’ve stayed for a month.
Quick Facts
- 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.
Culture
- 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.
Deaf Community
- 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.
The resiliency of Deaf community in Indonesia
April 23, 2018
One of the Deaf Indonesians who is raising Deaf awareness in Indonesia “We still have a long way to go but we can do it.”