By Fatah Idzhar 
Source: bing.comIndonesia is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. It has a unique way of life that is different from the western culture. There are several western cultural elements that Indonesians cannot accept easily. These cultural elements have become a part of the western way of life, but they are still taboo in Indonesia. This article will discuss the western cultural elements that Indonesians cannot accept easily.
1. Open Relationships
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Source: bing.comOpen relationships are relationships where couples agree to have romantic or sexual relationships with other people. This is a common practice in the western world, but it is not accepted in Indonesia. Indonesians believe that relationships should be exclusive and monogamous. Open relationships are considered immoral and against the cultural norms in Indonesia.
2. Public Display of Affection
Source: bing.comPublic display of affection is common in the western world. Couples hold hands, kiss, and hug in public without any hesitation. However, in Indonesia, public display of affection is not accepted. Indonesians believe that such actions should be done in private and not in public. Public display of affection is considered inappropriate and disrespectful in Indonesian culture.
3. Alcohol Consumption
Source: bing.comAlcohol consumption is a common practice in the western world. However, in Indonesia, alcohol consumption is not widely accepted. Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population, and Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Although alcohol is not illegal in Indonesia, it is not considered socially acceptable in many parts of the country.
4. Casual Attire
Source: bing.comCasual attire is common in the western world. People wear jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers to work and social events. However, in Indonesia, casual attire is not always accepted. Indonesians believe that one should dress appropriately for the occasion. Wearing casual attire to formal events is considered disrespectful in Indonesian culture.
5. Individualism
Source: bing.comIndividualism is a cultural element that is deeply ingrained in the western way of life. Individualism emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, independence, and personal achievement. However, in Indonesia, collectivism is emphasized. Indonesians believe that the group is more important than the individual. Personal achievements are celebrated, but only if they benefit the group as a whole.
6. Bluntness
Source: bing.comBluntness is a common practice in the western world. People speak their minds without any hesitation. However, in Indonesia, bluntness is not always accepted. Indonesians believe in being polite and respectful in their communication. Being blunt is considered rude and disrespectful in Indonesian culture.
7. Feminism
Source: bing.comFeminism is a movement that emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women. Although feminism is gaining popularity in Indonesia, it is still considered taboo in many parts of the country. Indonesian culture is patriarchal, and women are expected to be submissive and obedient. Feminism challenges these cultural norms, and therefore, it is not widely accepted in Indonesia.
8. LGBT Rights
Source: bing.comLGBT rights are a controversial topic in many parts of the world. In Indonesia, homosexuality is not widely accepted. Indonesia has a predominantly Muslim population, and Islam prohibits homosexuality. LGBT individuals face discrimination and persecution in Indonesia.
9. Non-Religious Beliefs
Source: bing.comReligion is an important part of Indonesian culture. Indonesia has several religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. However, atheism and agnosticism are not widely accepted in Indonesia. Indonesians believe that one should have a religion and follow its teachings. Non-religious beliefs are considered taboo in Indonesian culture.
10. Celebrating Halloween
Source: bing.comHalloween is a holiday celebrated in many parts of the western world. However, in Indonesia, Halloween is not widely celebrated. Indonesia has its own cultural celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and Nyepi. Celebrating Halloween is considered a western cultural element and is not widely accepted in Indonesia.
In conclusion, Indonesia is a country with diverse cultures and traditions. There are several western cultural elements that Indonesians cannot accept easily. These cultural elements have become a part of the western way of life, but they are still taboo in Indonesia. Indonesians value their cultural norms and traditions, and they expect others to respect them as well.
Nindy Naz