Editor’s Note:
This article was originally contributed by George B. Whitfield III, a Technical Advisor with Executive Orientation Services. While the core observations remain highly relevant, Indonesia’s business environment has evolved considerably over the years. This article has been lightly updated to reflect modern workplace realities while preserving the original insights and perspective of the author.
A culture’s sense of time is the importance given in that culture to the past, present or future. In a culture that is past-oriented, it is believed that people should look to tradition and precedent as a model for living today. A present-oriented culture believes that the present is everything and that people should enjoy today with little concern for tomorrow. Finally, a culture that is future-oriented has a belief that planning and goal-setting make it possible for people to succeed.
Most Western cultures are future-oriented with a very strong belief that organization, planning and goal achievement are the cornerstones of success. This is so important to some cultures that people from other cultures perceive them as being obsessive. For example, Americans are often seen as workaholics, placing the importance of success and goal accomplishment above that of personal relationships.
There is often a noticeable difference between the way that mainstream Indonesian culture and many Western cultures view the sense of time. While many Western cultures place strong emphasis on future planning and measurable outcomes, traditional Indonesian culture has historically placed greater importance on relationships, experience, tradition and social harmony. Modern Indonesian business culture increasingly combines these traditional values with future-focused planning and performance expectations.
For instance, many Indonesians have a keen perception of time, but it is often influenced by a strong respect for history, tradition, family heritage, ceremonies and social obligations. These cultural influences continue to shape the way people approach decision-making, relationships and business interactions.
Indonesia has a particularly colorful and often glorious past. Three of the major kingdoms in Southeast Asian history had their capitals in what is now Indonesia. Buddhist Sriwijaya, Hindu Majapahit and the great Muslim Sultanate of Mataram still have strong cultural influences on modern Indonesia. All three of these kingdoms held sway over most of what is now present-day Indonesia, and some received tribute from as far away as present-day Thailand and Cambodia. When Indonesia gained independence after centuries of colonial domination, it seemed natural that its culture would look to the achievements of the past as a source of pride and identity.
For Western businesspeople with a future-oriented viewpoint, differences in attitudes toward time can present challenges in the workplace. Project completion, production schedules and deadlines are areas that sometimes bring Western and Indonesian business cultures into conflict. Indonesian culture often places a high value on building relationships, considering ideas carefully, consulting relevant stakeholders and preparing to act. The belief is that important actions should not be rushed and that adequate time should be invested to ensure that decisions are made properly.
In more traditional settings, there may be greater acceptance that quality, relationship-building, consultation or consensus-building require additional time. However, in multinational companies, export-oriented industries, financial institutions, technology firms and many modern Indonesian organizations, deadlines and project schedules are often treated with the same seriousness expected in other international business environments.
If a Western manager has a “time is money” mentality, has pressure from a regional office, or works in an industry where precise timing is critical, delays can be extremely frustrating. Failing to meet deadlines is often viewed negatively in Western business culture because it may suggest poor planning, inadequate communication or a lack of accountability.
One of the reasons that this can become such a challenge for foreign companies is that meeting deadlines is often considered a fundamental business expectation. Foreign managers may be asked to make many cultural adjustments when working in Indonesia, but they must also communicate clearly when schedules, production targets and delivery dates are non-negotiable business requirements.
At the same time, Western managers asking Indonesian personnel to meet strict timetables should understand that they may be asking people to work differently from what they have experienced in the past. Expectations cannot be assumed. The concepts of goal-setting, milestone tracking and deadlines need to be explained clearly and reinforced regularly. People need to understand not only what is expected, but why it is important.
Too often, Western managers assume that Indonesian personnel have exactly the same business values and priorities as themselves. This assumption can lead to misunderstandings and frustration on both sides. Successful managers recognize cultural differences and work to bridge them through communication, training and mutual understanding.
It is also important to recognize that Indonesia is a highly diverse country. Expectations regarding punctuality and deadlines may vary significantly between multinational corporations, government agencies, family-owned businesses, start-ups and regional offices. Younger professionals who have studied abroad or worked in international environments may have very different attitudes toward time management than previous generations.
Foreign managers should also be aware of the commonly used Indonesian expression jam karet, or “rubber time.” The phrase refers to the idea that schedules can sometimes be flexible and adjusted to circumstances. While the term is often associated with social events and informal situations, it should not automatically be assumed that all business environments operate this way. Understanding when flexibility is appropriate and when strict deadlines are expected is an important part of successful cross-cultural management in Indonesia.
Ultimately, successful business relationships in Indonesia require balancing the need for results with the importance of relationships. Managers who can maintain clear expectations while showing patience, respect and cultural awareness are often the most successful in achieving both business objectives and long-term cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Indonesians sometimes appear more flexible about time?
Indonesian culture traditionally places a strong emphasis on relationships, consensus and social harmony. In some situations, these priorities may take precedence over strict adherence to schedules.
What does “jam karet” mean?
“Jam karet” literally means “rubber time.” It refers to the perception that schedules may be flexible, particularly in informal social settings. However, many modern businesses in Indonesia operate according to strict schedules and deadlines.
Are deadlines important in Indonesian business?
Yes. Most multinational corporations and many Indonesian companies expect deadlines to be met. Expectations can vary depending on the industry, company culture and management style.
How can foreign managers improve project performance in Indonesia?
Clear communication, regular follow-up, milestone tracking, relationship-building and ensuring mutual understanding of expectations are often more effective than relying solely on formal deadlines.
Is Indonesian business culture becoming more international?
Yes. Increased globalization, international education, digital collaboration tools and foreign investment have made many Indonesian workplaces more aligned with global business practices than in previous decades.
This article was generously contributed by George B. Whitfield III when he was a Technical Advisor with Executive Orientation Services.
