Etiquette: Showing affection in Indonesia
Background information for the teacher
In Indonesia, members of the opposite sex do not openly show affection or touch each other in public. In most areas of the country it is considered
improper for a girl and boy to hold hands or put their arms around each other. However, it is not unusual for people of the same gender to hold
hands when walking together. This is a sign of friendship.
Activity 1 (reflects, respects, empathises, takes risks)
Show students the PowerPoint “Showing affection in Indonesia”. Hold a class discussion, using the questions provided on the final slide:
 Do you hold hands or walk arm in arm with friends of the same gender as you?
 How do you show your friendship to others?
 If you were in Indonesia and a friend of the same gender held your hand or put their arm around you, how do you think you would react?
 Do you think you would react the same way in Australia?
 If this made you feel uncomfortable, what might be some polite ways of conveying this to your friend?
 Is it considered acceptable for a boy and girl to hold hands at school in Australia? What about at home or in public?
Syllabus links
English K-6:
TES1.1
Communicates with peers and known adults in informal situations and structured activities dealing briefly with familiar topics.
TS1.1
Communicates with an increasing range of people for a variety of purposes on both familiar and introduced topics in
spontaneous and structured classroom activities.
TS2.1
Communicates in informal and formal classroom activities in school and social situations for an increasing range of purposes on
a variety of topics across the curriculum.
TS3.1
Communicates effectively for a range of purposes and with a variety of audiences to express well-developed, well-organised
ideas dealing with more challenging topics.
HSIE K-6:
CUES1
Communicates some common characteristics that all people share, as well as some of the differences.
CUS1.3
Identifies customs, practices, symbols, languages and traditions of their family and other families.
CUS1.4
Describes the cultural, linguistic and religious practices of their family, their community and other communities.
CUS2.3
Explains how shared customs, practices, symbols, languages and traditions in communities contribute to Australian and community
identities.
CUS2.4
Describes different viewpoints, ways of living, languages and belief systems in a variety of communities.
CUS3.4
Examines how cultures change through interactions with other cultures and the environment.
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© NSW Department of Education and Communities, 2013
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations through the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program.
Indonesian K-10:
1.MBC.1
Demonstrates awareness of cultural diversity.
1.MBC.2
Identifies cultural practices in Indonesian-speaking communities.
2.MBC.1
Recognises the link between culture and a sense of identity.
3.MBC.2
Demonstrates understanding of significant cultural values and practices in Indonesian-speaking communities.
4.MBC.1
Demonstrates understanding of the interdependence of language and culture.
4.MBC.2
Demonstrates knowledge of key features of the culture of Indonesian-speaking communities.
Disclaimer:
The NSW Department of Education and Communities cannot guarantee the availability or content of external links. Please check websites yourself for
suitability before showing to students. Show YouTube videos in full-screen mode, so that posted comments cannot be viewed by students.
2
© NSW Department of Education and Communities, 2013
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations through the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program.