Last updated on January 25, 2024
Posted by ‘The Indonesian Way’, a textbook for the Indonesian language by George Quinn and Uli Kozok.
Expressions of disagreement are often prefaced with an apology (maaf) and sometimes speakers say they agree (memang benar, saya setuju) when it is clear that in fact they don’t (tetapi …).
It is sometimes said that Indonesians prefer to avoid abrasive disagreement in public, and there is probably some truth in this (it is also true of many other cultures). Apologies and gestures of agreement in the midst of public debate are probably mechanisms to ensure that adversaries don’t lose face, so that overall the social system remains strong even when people disagree.
It is also sometimes said that Indonesians regard blunt disagreement and direct criticism of whatever kind as “un-Indonesian”. This is most emphatically not true. Since 1998, when restrictions on the Indonesian press and free expression of opinion were relaxed, journalists, students, politicians and members of the general public have been able to express their opinions openly, vigorously and directly. It is very revealing to observe how Indonesians are using the free-wheeling forums of the internet. Some have even taken with enthusiasm to the practice of flaming, of bluntly criticising, ridiculing and sometimes insulting your opponents in computer-forum debates. Check out Indonesian newsgroups, chatrooms and popular social sites like Facebook and Multiply.