Clothing: What to wear in Indonesia

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One of the most frequently asked questions I received is "what to wear in Indonesia". What's considered acceptable or rude. In general people wear clothes that are similar to western style. In many rural areas and on celebrations (special occasions) people wear traditional dress. But we don't wear it (traditional dress) on daily basis. Batik is considered a formal dress. Each regional area in Indonesia has its own traditional dress. (On the picture on the left, you'll see a picture of a boy wearing traditional Javanese dress. Actually, this is a picture of my son, Luqman, 6 years old.) Many men wear ties when they go to work. But, most of them do not wear tie. Just regular shirt and pants. For informal occassion, people wear jeans. Women wear dress just like ordinary people in the west. Of course, even if it is hot, no bikinis (except in beaches). back to main page