Tattoos and other taboos

I’ve been called Popeye three times here so far. I have a small, quarter-sized tattoo of an anchor on the inside of my left heel. I got my first tattoo when I was 19, at the beach one afternoon with my sister and cousins. I wanted it for a while, and although it’s faded and blurred, it’s mine, and it has a lot of meaning for me. I’m not covered in ink, but for those brief moments when I accidentally flash my anchor through a sock, or my inner arm when raising my hand, my tattoos are usually pointed out. Sometimes in appreciation, mostly in curiosity, and other times in disapproval. For me, tattoos are a form of self expression, but in Indonesia, having a tattoo is controversial. Although there are certain cultural groups in Indonesia that practice tattooing, like the Dayak and Mentawai, for most Indonesian muslims, which holds majority of the population, tattoos are forbidden. Tattoos are also associated with criminals and criminality in general. With targeted killings of supposed criminals and gang members during the authoritarian regime in the 1980s, and increased reports that included the fact that many of those killed had tattoos, anxiety and fear of having tattoos increased, and memories of these killings still remain in people’s minds.

A “taboo” is described as, “a social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing”. Learning to remain polite and avoid these in Indonesia has been a bit difficult, especially coming from the United States. Here’s a few more taboos I’ve had to learn as I integrate. Also, I have done these things multiple times, whoops. Still learning.

1. Offering or taking anything with your left hand.

I've mentioned this in previous posts, but the left hand is considered the unclean hand, for both religious, and obvious, reasons. When handing something to someone, especially an older person, avoid that left hand at all costs.

2. Touching a person’s head.

For many, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and touching other's heads isn't okay. One PCV learned this when playing "Duck, Duck, Goose" and had to switch to touching kids shoulders rather than the tops of their heads.

3. Showing affection in public or any PDA, even with a legally married couple.

Kissing, holding hands, hugging, or anything more than that... no. As a fairly conservative society, anything remotely sexual is controversial. Even...

4. Being alone with someone of the opposite sex, or anything remotely sexual.

One teacher explained to me the other day that a demon follows you if you are ever alone with a man, that being if you are unmarried. This is one thing that seems very foreign to Americans. Sex education is not taught in schools, birth control is available to women who prove their marriage, and tampons are not found here. Even staying in a hotel with someone you're not married to is controversial.

5. Calling someone by only their first name, especially if they’re older than you.

Pak, Bu, Mbak, Mas, and Kak, are all acceptable forms of saluting a person older than you or whom you do not know personally. I'm still getting used to people only calling me "Miss".

6. Overt displays of anger – shouting, hands on hips, rude looks, or slamming things.

Indonesian society emphasizes tolerance, respect, loyalty and often, indirectness. Being outwardly angry, and doing things that show your anger, is not okay.

7. Pointing at things with your index finger.

Not really sure about this one, just don't do it.

8. Sitting higher than an elder or any disrespect of an older person.

As mentioned in point number six, respecting authority is of utmost importance here. In Javanese culture, this means never sitting at a level higher than an ibu or bapak. If they're on the floor, you're on the floor. If they're sitting in a chair, you're still probably sitting on the floor.

9. Anything having to do with periods.

Tampons are not a thing here, and typically when on your period, you either eat outside or on the floor. You also cannot pray in the mosque, as it is considered unclean.

10. Smoking, but only if you’re a woman.

Over 60% of men in Indonesia smoke, while less than 5% of women do, compared to the United States were 14% of men smoke and 12% of women do. Here, you're considered dirty, trashy and unrefined if you're a woman that smokes. Honestly though, people think the same way about smoking in the United States, but I find it less gendered there.

There's plenty more taboos here in Indonesia, but these are the top ones I've come to notice. While these things may be different here, I, as well as my fellow PCV's, are working to be as respectful while in country. Meanwhile, there are plenty of things that are so impolite in the United States that Indonesians do daily. More on that in another post!

Jen Collins