Sabtu, 26 April 2014

Globalisasi Budaya



By Rizal Saryadi
Apakah globalisasi budaya bersifat mendominasi budaya lain (realist) atau hasil interaksi antara budaya (liberal)?

            Dalam memahami globalisasi budaya tentunya dapat diawali dengan melakukan sebuah kajian yang bersumber pada definisi-definisi dari para ahli untuk mengungkapkan makna dasar globalisasi dan budaya tersebut sehingga tidak melebar luas dan berada di luar batas makna dasarnya. Dengan demikian, penulis dalam hal ini mengacu pada dua pendapat ahli mengenai globalisai dan dua pendapat ahli mengenai budaya.
            Menurut Lucian W. Pye, globalisai dapat diartikan sebagai sebuah gejala tersebarnya nilai-nilai dan budaya tertentu ke seluruh dunia (sehingga menjadi budaya dunia atau world culture). Sedangkan menurut Albrow, globalisasi mengacu pada semua proses dimana masyarakat dunia dimasukkan ke dalam sebuah masyarakat tunggal dunia, masyarakat global. Dari dua definisi ini dapat disimpulkan bahwasanya globalisasi mengacu pada semua proses dimana nilai-nilai, budaya, dan masyarakat dunia menyebar ke dalam kehidupan sebuah masyarakat tunggal.
            Mengenai budaya, menurut Ministrant (1989: 51) budaya didefinisikan sebagai sikap dan kepercayaan, cara berfikir, berperilaku, dan mengingat bersama oleh anggota komunitas tersebut. Di samping itu,  Raymond Williams (1961: 16) mendefinisikan budaya ke dalam empat elemen penting yaitu seluruh kehidupan, materi, intelektual, dan spiritual. Dari dua definisi tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwasanya budaya adalah apa yang ada pada kehidupan dan apa yang dilakukan dalam hidup.
            Dari definisi globalisasi dan budaya di atas, dapat diasumsikan bahwasanya globalisasi budaya merupakan proses persebaran budaya masyarakat dunia ke dalam budaya masyarakat tunggal dunia. Dengan kata lain, budaya suatu negara dapat menyebar dan masuk kedalam budaya negara lainnya. Sebagai contoh trend gaya musik K-pop di Indonesia adalah pengaruh budaya korea yang merambat ke dalam ranah kehidupan masyarakat Indonesia (budaya Indonesia).  
Untuk menjawab pertanyaan di atas penulis berpendapat bahwasanya globalisasi budaya merupakan hasil interaksi antara budaya (liberal). Jika suatu budaya di masyarakat tertentu mempengaruhi budaya masyarakat lainnya dan dapat diterima oleh masyarakat yang dipengaruhinya tersebut, maka akan terjadi akulturasi (percampuran dua (lebih) kebudayaan) dengan budaya lokal di masyarakat itu (yang dipengaruhi). Sebagai contoh pewayangan di Inggris (untuk masyarakat Inggris) harus menggunakan Bahasa Inggris atau menggunakan Bahasa Jawa yang kemudian di-translate melalui teks ke dalam Bahasa Inggris. Sesuai dengan uraian tersebut, interaksi budaya antara beberapa negara tak dapat dihindarkan dari terjadinya akulturasi budaya karena secara logika jika masyarakat suatu negara menerima suatu budaya tertentu dari negara lain maka budaya yang mempengaruhinya tersebut akan menyesuaikan dengan budaya lokal yang telah ada di negara itu (yang dipengaruhi).

Senin, 06 Mei 2013

Yogyakarta, the Setting of Television Movie


By Rizal Saryadi


Television Movie or better known as Film Televisi (FTV) in Indonesia is one of the famous TV programs   among Indonesian people. FTV is a kind of film which is produced by television station with 120 up to 180 minutes duration with the varied themes about teenager, tragedy, reality of lives, love, religion, etc.

Lately, FTV programs in Indonesia have frequently dominated Yogyakarta as the setting. This situation surely invites many attentions of publics especially who live around or nearby the area of shooting. One reason Yogyakarta becomes attractive place belong to FTV is probably due to its beauty to raise the theme of loves or romances. Besides, its cognitive and behavioral cultures also have its own attraction for the audiences who love to know about the unique scenes in Yogyakarta. Moreover, certainly, Yogyakarta also has many strategic and compatible places to raise more themes as they wish.

The setting is usually located at several attractive places such as Alun-alun Utara, the south side of Kraton, Malioboro, Tugu Yogyakarta, Parangtritis also at the bridge area and housing settlement such as Gondolayu bridge and Code housing settlement, and as well as Giriloyo village which is well-known on its central place of Batik (dyed cloth; traditional fine dyed cloth made by using a resistant method with applied wax), and many others.


Senin, 17 Desember 2012

Insitut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Gelar Pentas Karawitan 24 Jam Non-Stop

Insitut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Menggelar Pentas Karawitan 24 Jam Non-Stop
Pada tanggal 13 hingga 14 Desember 2012, tepatnya pukul 10.00, hari kamis kemaren, dan berakhir pukul 10.00, jum’at hari ini, Fakultas Seni Pertunjukan Insitut Seni Indonesia menggelar pentas karawitan selama 24 jam non-stop untuk memecahkan rekor Museum Rekor Indonesia (MURI) yang melibatkan 400 pemusik dari komunitas mahasiswa ISI Yogyakarta, siswa, dan masyaraat umum dari Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) dan Solo.
Acara ini dilaksanakan di pendopo karawitan dan pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta dengan konsep yang dikemas berupa konser karawitan sambung menyambung dari satu grup ke grup lain tanpa jeda. Setiap grup hanya memiliki waktu dua jam penuh untuk menyajikan karawitan khas kelompoknya masing-masing yang kemudian ketika suatu grup hampir selesai memainkan musik khasnya, maka grup yang lain setelahnya pun mulai memainkan musik khasnya masing-masing. 
Informasi Penting ! 

INTRODUCTION TO BRITISH STUDIES THE COMPARISON OF UK EDUCATION SYSTEM AND INDONESIA EDUCATION SYSTEM



By Muhammad Sugeng

Introduction

  1. The Reason

Education in its general sense is a form of learning in which knowledgeskills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, research, or simply through auto didacticism. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts.
Education is an important part in a country. For developed countries, such as United Kingdom, education is used in an effort to continuously improve the quality of life of its citizens. As for the countries that are developing, education implemented in an attempt to catch up the international arena so that they can be compared with developed countries.
Every country has the different of education system to improve the education quality in that country. In our country Indonesia there is a system that used to improve the education for its citizen. Now the writer wants to compare between the education system in Britain and in Indonesia.

Content

  1. Comparison

  • The education system in United Kingdom (UK):
(1) pre-primary education, age 3-4 years
(2) primary education, age 4-11 years
(3) secondary education, age 11-16 years

(4) further education, age 16-18 years

(5) higher education, age above 18 years.
Compulsory education
a. Elementary School
Elementary education was starting when the children was at the age of 5-11 years. There is no test except when they were at 7 years old, children (students) are required to take the exam skills. The emphasis is on learning by discovery rather than memorization.
b. High School
High school was starting when the student were at the age of 11-16 years. Here began deepening lessons. In the 4th year, students take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GSCE) exams. After the examination, students can work, attend training programs at vocational or technical school, or continue another 2 years to prepare for starting in the university, known as the A-Levels.
Education options
a. A levels
A Level is a continuation of high school if they want to get into university, which thought for 2 years.
b. Degree
Degree is a qualification from a university. (Other qualifications obtained after secondary education are usually called ‘certificate’ or ‘diploma’.
c. Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree is general name for a first degree, most commonly a BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science). Student studying for a first degree are called undergraduates. When they have been awarded a degree, they are known as graduates. Most people get honours degrees, awarded in different classes. These are:
  • Class I (known as ‘a first’);
  • Class II.I (‘a2.1’ or ‘an upper second’);
  • Class II.II (‘a 2.2’ or ‘a lower second’);
  • Class III (‘a third’)
A student who is bellow one of these gets a pass degree (i.e. not an honours degree).
d. Master’s Degree
Master’s Degree is the general name for a second (postgraduate) degree, most commonly MA or MSc. At Scottish universities however these titles are used for first degrees.
e. Doctorate
Doctorate is the highest academic qualification. This usually (but not everywhere) carries the title PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). The time taken to complete a doctorate varies, but it is generally expected to involve three years of more-or-less full-time study.

Basically, the schools in UK emphasized the responsibility to its students self. Its gives the freedom to the students to organize themselves collectively schools from elementary to high levels. With this method the student is expected to become an independent person when they grow up.
Educational approach that applied is the discovery. The implication of this approach is that students are educated to be able to do research in order to develop the knowledge gained. With a record they should not be afraid and do not be lazy. By doing research, students will discover new things that could enrich his knowledge.
The style of education system in the UK is deepening on particular aspects or may be more concerned in specialized expertise and skills in various fields of life according to their talents and abilities of students. With this system the right way to deepen knowledge is through the discover study system. Deepening the expertise and skill is usually done at the secondary level.
The development of practical technology at the secondary level and academic technology at colleges and universities were begun to focus on the primary and secondary school levels. That system will facilitate and help the students to choose to get into the world of work or to go on to higher education. Its have the similarity with the development of the fields of social sciences and humanities disciplines and the arts (arts and culture) or language.
Thus, the pattern of development of education in the education system in UK that used is the press schematic pattern. This pattern suggests that education means Britain wanted their students to be experts in their respective fields.
Religious education is also applied in the UK. The religious education there is a Christian education. Christian education is carried out to strengthen the students' personalities in order to deepen the knowledge specificity.
The UK government also provides autonomy for religious organizations that want to set up schools with their respective characteristics. This is done to achieve democratization in education. Nevertheless, the government has the authority to monitor it and intervene when necessary. Government intervention was limited to the primary and secondary level. While for both public and private university is an autonomous institution that is free from government interference.
  • The education system in Indonesia:
1. Kindergarten
2. Compulsory 9 years (SD / MI until SMP / MTs)
3. Senior High School (SMA / MA / SMK)
4. Higher Education or universities.
And recently, the government will declare the 12-year compulsory education. That means for the citizens of Indonesia are minimal until the high school level. In addition, there are private schools based on religion such as SD-IT, SMP-IT and others.
If we look a glance, the education system in Indonesia is almost similar to the education system in UK. It is of course apart from the economic aspect that the Indonesia still was far behind the UK.
However, other than in terms of the material there are also striking differences of the education system in the UK and Indonesia. Difference was found in the pattern of education system. As was mentioned before that the education system in UK more concerned with specialized expertise and depth of skills, so the pattern that was applied is the press schematic. While in Indonesia, the pattern that was applied mostly is breadth schematic so that the depth of his knowledge is also lacking.

Breadth schematic pattern seen from the large number of subjects that was available. Average the subjects that must to be mastered by the students in one year is about 14-16 subjects, with a lot of material, abstract and less functional.
With such a system that has implications for the imposition of education to the students that can make them depressed. As a result, students become lazy to go to school, afraid that they will not pass the examination because of they can to master all subjects. This is because aspect that constructed in terms of cognition which can looks from the report cards and what the student need to face the life is very less. Finally, there are a lot of unemployment in Indonesia that not a few of them are the people who ever get an education.
Indonesia should learn from the patterns of the UK system. Do not just emphasize on aspects of cognition by providing an overload of the subject matter. Supposedly, from the elementary level, teachers and parents have to pay attention on student activities that point to their talents and interests. By knowing it, the teachers can guidance so that students can grow up whit their talents and their interests.
Needs to be noted that children who grow up is not the only educational slave stuffed with doctrines and force both parents and teachers themselves. Let them develop according to their respective talents because every human being must have the potential of each. Parents and teachers are only as a guide so that they can grow up with their respective talents. This point is also important to foster self-reliance spirit and attitude research (discover) the child as that has done in UK.
Regarding the problem of vocational, according to the last news, the government also will began to plan to create more vocational schools with a percentage of about 70% for vocational schools. Thus, the government tried to keep the students' skill level deeper. The addition of these vocational schools is necessary to remember that Indonesia is facing the free market. If a student does not have a particular specialization, he or she will lose in competitiveness with strangers who came to Indonesia.
Those are the comparison that can make the Indonesia education system will be different with the UK education system.

Conclusion


From the explanation above, each pattern has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the good country is the country that certainly willing to learn from other more advanced countries. Comparison of this study can be used as a reference to create a better education system.
Indonesia has a different system education with the UK. The difference was found in the pattern of education system. As was mentioned before that the education system in UK more concerned with specialized expertise and depth of skills, so the pattern that was applied is the press schematic. While in Indonesia, the pattern that was applied mostly is breadth schematic so that the depth of his knowledge is also lacking.
Breadth schematic pattern seen from the large number of subjects that was available. Average the subjects that must to be mastered by the students in one year is about 14-16 subjects, with a lot of material, abstract and less functional.


References


Britain for Learners of English_James O'Driscoll Oxford
buku-1-sistem-pendidikan-di-inggris_edisi-1_2012-09-25_ Prof. Dr. T. A. Fauzi Soelaiman


The Complicated Issues from Indonesian Cultural Language Translation into English and Vice Versa



  1. INTRODUCTION
What is the relationship between culture and language?
Culture is built from the similarity of forming factors which are called cultural component. Language is one of the most important components of culture. The language is a mediation of thoughts, feelings and actions. The language translates values ​​and norms, human cognitive schema, perceptions, attitudes and human’s beliefs about the world (Liliweri, 2001:120). Bassnett (1998:13 - 14) describes the relationship between language and culture as two things cannot be separated and the death one of them is determined by another by illustrating that language is "the heart within the body of culture" that the preservation of the two aspects are dependent on each other.
The idea that says that cultural content is reflected in the old language is has been expressed by many experts (e.g. Sapir, Boas and Bloomfield). Edward Sapir, for example, states that the content of every culture is not only expressed in the language. Boas showed not only a reciprocal relationship between thought and language but also the language and customs, between language and ethnicity, and language and behavioral changes that occur in culture. Even Bloomfield emphasized that the relationship of culture and language is very strong so that the wealth or poverty of a culture is reflected in language. A reflection of the culture in a language is not only limited to the level of vocabulary, but also the present in a wider level, such as the aspect of rhetoric (Wahab, 1995:37-56).
Similarly, the physical appearance of a person is different with others, as well as the culture. In a different society, people not only speak by different language and dialects, but they also use the language in different way. The different way of talking, according to Wierzbicka (1994), reflects the values ​​of different cultures or at least a different level of value. This statement is in accordance with the definition of culture given by Newmark (1988:94), "the way of life and its manifestations that are peculiar to a community that uses a particular language as its means of expression", which implies that each guyub language (language group) has its own specific culturally features
Fishman (1985) states that the relationship with the culture of the language can be seen in three perspectives, namely (1) as part of the culture, (2) as an index of culture, and (3) as a symbolic of culture. As part of the culture, language is embodiment of human behavior. For example, ceremonies, rituals, songs, stories, prayers which are the speech act or speech events. All who want to be involved and understand the culture must master the language because then they could participate and experience the culture. As the cultural index, the language also reveals how to think and organize the speaker’s experience which in the particular field appears in lexical item and as a symbolic of culture of language which shows ethnic cultural identity. Because the language is part of culture, then, on the one hand, the translation can not only be understood as a transfer of form and meaning but also the culture and, on the other side, the translation can also be understood as a process of speaking. In this sense, the translator uses the language for communication purposes (Write) that describes the cultural happenings that include what humans do, what they know, and the objects made and used as a cultural manifestation. The consequence is that translation is not only able to experience the barriers linguistically but also culturally. Therefore, the translation is not solely about the finding other words or phrases that have the same meaning but to find a suitable way to express something in another language. As said by Thriveni (2002) that the contextual meaning of culture is very complicated in the texture of the language so that the translators should be aware of the two different cultures and it is necessity to be able to capture local color and also necessity to be able to understand by the readers of the translation which are outside of the culture and language situation. This ultimately has the particular implications and makes the study of translation cannot be separated from the linguistic and cultural approaches.
  1. RESEARCH METHOD
In this research, the author uses three useful methods:
  1. Source of data
It’s done by finding the source that is related with the discourses. As for the media are the internet and book references.
  1. Data collection technique
In this technique, the researcher doesn’t do sampling technique or field observation immediately, but just collecting data from the internet and book references and then combining them to include the suitable materials into discourses.
  1. Technique of data analysis
The author tries to analyze the complicated issues in the translating Indonesian cultural language into English and vice versa by using the data that has been collected.
  1. CONTENTS
A translation may be defined as a presentation of a text in a language other than that in which it was originally written,” (Finley, 1971:1).
The understanding of ‘presentation’ refers to the concept that translation is a cultural adjustment in speaking from source language into the speaking cultures of the target language. As stated by Catford (1965:1) that the language is human behavior which is patterned. In the culture, the people speak and react in the pattern of his culture. Nida (1964:147-149) suggests that the recipient or the message can only react to the messages communicated to him in his own language and can only express that response in a cultural context in which they live. Thus, the translation is not just laying the source culture on the target culture and vise versa, but also to reconstruct (restructuring). In the process of rearrangement required the replacement of the culture of language as a consequence of the fact that in translation (for example Indonesia-English translation) involves two languages which ​​are not same and have different typology. The diversion of the product of meanings appear on the surface (the surface structure) in the form of transcoding, the replacement of the code with other code (system source language into the target language system). The different system of linguistic as the reflection of arbitrary and sui generis nature of the language which makes the transfer appears as the match and in searching the equivalence required the changes to the particular limitations that is mandatory so that the shift of shape and meaning are occurred. This might give the impression that the translation is same with the deviation as illustrated by Bambang Kasaswanti Purwo (1995) with an example: Nafasnya berbau jengkol in which "smelled jengkol" translated "Garlic smell". It is not definitely found in any dictionary "jengkol" = garlic. So, it can be more specific translated as “a kind of bean”, yet it still deviates because for more accurate and specific meaning is very difficult.
The process of transfer of the above can be illustrated by reconstructing example matching the following sentence from English-Indonesian:
He is a book worm
1. ‘Dia (laki-laki) adalah sebuah/seorang cacing buku’
2. ‘Dia (adalah) orang yang suka membaca buku’
3. ‘Dia kutu buku’
Translating English phrase “book worm” into the Indonesian language cannot be taken literally into 'Dia (adalah) (seorang / seekor) cacing buku'. In translation (a) a thorough redistribution must be done to maintain the message, legibility and the nature of the target language through contextual and cultural adjustment. From the point of context is logically there is no connection between dia and cacing (or both could be equalized) in the source sentence. The contextual meaning of the phrase “book worm” is 'people who love to read books' (as in the translation b). From the perspective of cultural expression requires adjustment which is parrarel with the linguistic culture to maintain legibility and the nature of the phrase in the target language. Cultural equivalent of the English phrase “book worm” in the example above is 'kutu buku' because in the linguistic culture of Indonesia expressed 'bookish' and not 'book worm (cacing buku)' as seen in the translation (c).
  1. CONCLUSION
From the description that has been presented, it can be concluded that the translation is not simply a matter of shifting language (linguistic transfer), or transferring the meanings but also the transfer of culture (cultural transfer). Therefore, language and cultural gaps bring the theoretical implications that the translation studies cannot be separated from language and cultural approaches. The implication is practically posed by cultural gaps of source language cultural gaps of the target language which leads to the translation strategies that tend to follow the pattern of the continuum (1) the abstract form of the source language and culture in the foreign (Indonesia<->English) concepts of the source language to the target language, so the correspondence will lead to borrow in the target language, and (2) the concrete meaning / concept in the source language and known meanings / concepts in source language by the speakers of the target language, the correspondence tends to the adaptations and explication.
REFERENCES
Bassnett, McGuire, S. 1980. Translation Studies. London and New York: Methuen,
revised edition 1991,Routledge
Bassnett, Susan dan André Lefevere (Eds.). 1995. Translation, History and Culture.
Catford, J.C. 1965. A Linguistic Theory of Translation. London: Oxford University Press.
Lawerence Venuti (Ed.). The Translation Studies Reader, pp376-396. New
Halliday, M A K dan Raquaiya Hasan.1986. Language, Context, and Text: Aspects of
Language in a Social-semiotic Perspective. Victoria: Deakin University Press.
Hatim, Basil. 2001. Teaching and Researching Translation. England: Pearson Education
January 2002. Available from: URL:http://accurapid.com/journal/htm
Newmark, P. 1988. A Textbook of Translation. London: Prentice-Hall.
Nida, Eugene (1964). 2000. “Principles of Correspondence” dalam Lawerence Venuti
(Ed.). The Translation Studies Reader, pp.126—147. New York:Routledge.

Selasa, 13 November 2012

EDUCATION: The Customs and the Traditions of British and Indonesian People Introduction




What is a custom?
A custom is the usual way of behaving or acting
What is a tradition?
A tradition is a custom, opinion or belief handed down from on generation to another, often orally or by practice.
Why I choose this theme?
A.    Historical background of Indonesian-British relations
Based on the historical background of United Kingdom-Indonesia relations, these both countries have maintained strong relations since formal relations were established in 1949. Indonesia has an embassy in London and vice versa United Kingdom also has an embassy in Jakarta. Therefore, this relation will make a high flight for Indonesian and UK people who have business between the two countries. Of course, there will be many Indonesian people to go to UK everyday and so also vice versa. Thus, it is one of my goals to introduce the customs of the two countries because the lack of the experiences of the customs in dealing with most likely will make the broken relations.
B.     Continuing study and taking vacation
Many Indonesian and English people exchange to continue their study into the two countries after graduating from their school in their each country. So, it’s also important to know the custom of the societies of country as their destination. As new comers, it will lead them into high confusion if they have no experiences to deal with the people in that country. Moreover, it will also be very difficult to adapt if they have no knowledge about it.
Besides, the two societies often exchange taking vacation in the two countries. So, surely, it will involve them into interacting to the societies and it’s must be having the knowledge of the socializing to avoid unexpected things.
C.     The countries outside the two countries
My goals are not merely centralized to the societies in Indonesia and UK only, but also to the whole societies in the world. If they choose one of the two countries, imply that they need to know the rules or customs of the societies before going there. So, whatever their purposes, they have to prepare the knowledge of the society first in order to be avoided from the dangerous things and things which break their image.
Comparison
A.   British Customs
1.      Religion
 What Religions are there in the Britain?
Britain is a multi faith society in which everyone has the right to religious freedom. Although Britain is historically a Christian society, people are usually very tolerant towards the faiths of others and those who have no religious beliefs.

2.      Etiquette and Manners
What is etiquette and manners in Britain?
A.    Greeting Someone
a.       The Handshake
A handshake is the most common form of greeting among the English and British people and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new.
b.      The Kiss
It is only when you meet friends, whom you haven't seen for a long time, that you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. In Britain one kiss is generally enough.
c.       Formal greetings
The usual formal greeting is a 'How do you do?' and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.
The followings are formal and informal greeting:
v         Formal Greeting:
Ø  ‘How do you do?’ is a greeting not a question and the correct response is to repeat ‘How do you do?' You say this when shaking hands with someone.
Ø  'How are you?' is a question and the most common and polite response is "I am fine thank you and you?"
Ø  Nice to meet you – Nice to meet you too. (Often said whilst shaking hands)
Ø  Delighted to meet you– Delighted to meet you too.
Ø  Pleased to meet you – Pleased to meet you too. .
Ø  Glad to meet you - Glad to meet you too
Ø  Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening
v    Informal Greeting
Ø  Hi - Hi or hello
Ø  Morning / Afternoon / Evening ( We drop the word 'Good' in informal situations).
Ø  How's you? - Fine thanks. You?
Ø  Thank you / thanks / cheers
They sometimes say 'cheers' instead of thank you. You may hear 'cheers' said instead of 'good bye', what they are really saying is 'thanks and bye'.
d.      Terms of Endearment - Names they may call you
You may be called by many different 'affectionate' names, according to which part of the England you are visiting. Do not be offended, this is quite normal. For example, you may be called dear, dearie, flower, love, chick, chuck, me duck, me duckie, mate, guv, son, ma'am, madam, miss, sir, or treacle, according to your sex, age and location. 
A.    Time
British people place considerable value on punctuality. For instance, if you agree to meet friends at three o'clock, you have to arrive there at three. In Britain, people make great effort to arrive on time. It is often considered impolite to arrive even a few minutes late. If you are unable to keep an appointment, it is expected that you call the person you are meeting (the general tip used).
You should arrive:
Ø  At the exact time specified – for dinner, lunch, or appointments with professors, doctors, and other professionals.
Ø  Any time during the hours specified for teas, receptions, and cocktail parties.
Ø  A few minutes early: for public meetings, plays, concerts, movies, sporting events, classes, church services, and weddings.

B.     Dress
Everyday dress is appropriate for most to visit peoples' homes. You may want to dress more formally when attending a holiday dinner or cultural event, such as a concert or theatre performance.
C.     Invitations
“ Drop in anytime” and “come see me soon” are idioms often used in social settings but seldom meant to be taken literally. It is wise to telephone before visiting someone at home. If you receive a written invitation to an event that says “RSVP”, you should respond to let the person who sent the invitation know whether or not you plan to attend.
Never accept an invitation unless you really plan to go. You may refuse by saying, “Thank you for inviting me, but I will not be able to come.” If, after accepting, you are unable to attend, be sure to tell those expecting you as far in advance as possible that you will not be there.
Although it is not necessarily expected that you give a gift to your host, it is considered polite to do so, especially if you have been invited for a meal. The flowers, chocolate, or a small gift are all appropriate. A thank-you note or telephone call after the visit is also considered polite and is an appropriate means to express your appreciation for the invitation.
D.    Introduction and Greeting
It is proper to shake hands with everyone to whom you are introduced, both men and women. An appropriate response to an introduction is "Pleased to meet you". If you want to introduce yourself to someone, extend you hand for a handshake and say "Hello, I am....". Hugging is only for friends.
E.     Dining
When you accept a dinner invitation, tell your host if you have any dietary restrictions. He or she will want to plan a meal that you can enjoy. The evening meal is the main meal of the day in most parts of Britain.
Food may be served in one of several ways: "family style," by passing the serving plates from one to another around the dining table; "buffet style," with guests serving themselves at the buffet; and "serving style," with the host filling each plate and passing it to each person. Guests usually wait until everyone at their table has been served before they begin to eat. Food is eaten with a knife and fork and dessert with a spoon and fork.
3.      Family life
What Is Family Life Like in Britain and Indonesia?
The family in Britain is changing. In the past, people married before they had children, but now about 40% of children in Britain are born to unmarried (cohabiting) parents. In 2000, around a quarter of unmarried people between the ages of 16 and 59 were cohabiting in Great Britain. Cohabiting couples are also starting families even without first being married. Before 1960, this was very unusual, but in 2001 around 23 per cent of births in the UK were from unmarried cohabiting couples.
The number of single-parent families is increasing. This is mainly due to more marriages ending in divorce, but some women are also choosing to have children as lone parents without being married.
4.      Driving
What is it like to drive in Britain?
In Britain, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the right. However the pedals are in the same position as in left-handed cars, with the accelerator (gas pedal) on the right. The gears and almost always the handbrake (parking brake) is operated with the left hand.
A.    Petrol
Petrol (Gas) in Britain is one of the most expensive in the world. We pay on average 95 pence a litre.
B.     Minimum driving age in the UK
The minimum age for driving a car in the UK is 17, and 16 for riding a moped or motorbike with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc. 
C.     Roads
In Britain, there are three main roads. The first, "M" roads are like American freeways. They are known as motorways and are fast roads. They have three or four lanes. Secondly, "A" roads are not controlled-access: they range from two-lane divided highways ("dual carraigeways") down to one-lane roads. They are the main routes between towns. The third, "B" roads are the smallest of the three. They may be in the open or have impentrable foliage right up to the road. Road markings (curves, etc.) may be sparse.
D.    The National Speed limits
Motorways and dual carriage ways: 112km/h / 70mph
Unrestricted single carriageway roads: 96km/h / 60mph
Built up areas e.g. towns and villages: 48km/h / 30mph
Residential areas: 35km/h / 20mph
B.   Indonesian Customs
1.      Religion
What is religion in Indonesia?
The majority (about 88%) of the population follow Islam. In fact, Indonesia is the nation with largest Moslem population. However, freedom of religion is provided by the Indonesian Constitution, which is defined in the First Principle of the State Philosophy' "Pancasila", which upholds a "Belief in One Supreme God". Others religions followed in Indonesia are Christianity, Roman Catholic, Hinduism, Buddhism, and etc.
2.      Social Custom
How is social custom in Indonesia?
A.    ADAT- The Unwritten Rules
In Indonesia there is such a thing as Adat which basically is unwritten rules on how you should behave, such as hiding their negative feelings to avoid confrontation, keep smiling and avoid arguments. Try to restrain yourself when you are annoyed, if not it is considered to be disrespectful.
B.     Nasi Kuning-yellow rice, special dish in Indonesia
If there is some like birthday, special in Jakarta people like Nasi Kuning - it means yellow rice with spices and so on. So usually even in a office at noon at someone’s birthday there will come this. If you happend to be there as guest and they offer you the top of the yellow rice cone, it is a very special honour for the guest.
3.      Etiquette
How is the Etiquette in Indonesia?
A.    Greetings
Greetings with international hi or hello is nice, but try to speak local tongue will draw respect and admiration for your effort. Greetings in local Indonesian such as selamat pagi (good morning),selamat siang (good afternoon), orselamat malam(good evening), and apa kabar? (how do you do?), are demonstrating your respect for local culture. Saying terima kasih (thank you) after receiving services or favors are to demonstrate your good manner. To address Muslims by using Islamic greeting assalamu 'alaikum are also might draw admiration, and will receive walaikum salamreply.
B.     Introducing oneself
When greeting or introducing oneself, smiling, handshake (salam) and slightly nod is a good gesture. A medium handshake grip is sufficient because gripping too hard could be considered as rude or an act of aggression.
One thing is important to note. Some conservative Indonesian Muslims might avoid direct touch with opposite sex including handshake, So nodding or performing anjali (such as Buddhist greeting) is recommended when greeting opposite sex that are conservative Muslims.
C.     Using hands
Both the Muslim and Hindu faiths somewhat abhor the use of the left hand. It is considered as ‘unclean’, left hand is traditionally perceived as the hand used to clean yourself in the toilet. So when shaking hands, offering a gift, handing or receiving something, eating, pointing or generally touching another person, it is considered proper etiquette to always use your right hand.
D.    Body gesture
Paying respect to elders and obeying the teacher are expected among Asian youngsters, such as shown here in Indonesia. The students are quietly listening to their teacher's explanation during school museum excursion.
Modesty and humbleness are considered virtues, so body language that expresses superiority or pride is considered rude, arrogant and intimidating. In some Indonesian cultures, the attitude of expressing pride and superiority are even reserved only for kings or nobles. One should avoid putting his chin upward, putting hands on hips or pointing when talking to other people. Pointing toward someone with index fingers is considered rude, especially if the one you pointed at is near and can see what you are doing. Pointing with thumb with other fingers folded is considered most polite.
When passing quite close in front of somebody, for example in the theatre or cinema passing in front of seat row, or passing between two people that are having a conversation, it is polite if you slightly bow your body with one of your hands reaching downward. It is a polite gesture to apologise for obstructing someone's view or interrupting others’ conversation.
In formal settings, one should not raise his foot upon the seat when seating. The base of the foot should step upon the ground. Even folding your leg and put it upon another is best avoided, since foot are considered as the lowest body part and should not be pointed toward others. However in relaxed settings and if seated on the mat on the floor, a more relaxed body pose is allowed.
E.     Tone
Speaking softly but clear with somewhat subdued tone is recommended, while on the other hand speaking too loud are considered rude. However it is worthy to note that the tone standard is not the same across Indonesia. Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese are speaking softly, Minang and Malay are medium toned, while people of Batak, Betawi, Bugis and Makassar, Ambonese, and people of Eastern Indonesia speak slightly louder.
F.      Modest Dress for Women
Due to Indonesia being a largely Muslim country, the dress becomes serious thing. You have to use the acceptable dress in Indonesia. For instance, many female travelers come straight from Thailand and continue to wear revealing clothing and then wonder why they are being stared at by men. To avoid unwanted attention, particularly in remote areas, women should have their shoulders covered. It is actually to avoid the tops that show off cleavage. So, just show that you respect the local culture by covering up a bit.
G.    Invited for dinner
When invited as a guest to someone's house remove your shoes upon entering. Normally there may be forks and spoons provided (knives are not normally supplied). Should there be no utensils then you must be careful to use your right hand only to eat with.
H.    Giving
Indonesians like to have good memories and often happily show it by placing mementos around the house. Food will be a difficult choice. if your friend is a Moslem, halal food is a must thing. You have to make your Moslem friend feel comfortable by giving halal food. The personal things (perfume, earrings, etc.) are also well accepted as gifts. Books are not favorable for many Indonesians though there are Indonesians that are crazy for books.
I.       Give and recieve things with your right hand
In Indonesia and many other parts of Asia it is impolite to take or give things with your left hand. This is due to the left hand begining used to wipe when going to the toilet. You will also get strange looks for eatting with your left hand. When eatting with your hands you should always wash your right hand before you eat as well as after. There is usually a small hand washing bowl provided.
J.       Be a guest
To announce your presence, ring a bell or knock at the door and stand back a little while saying assalamu'alaikum if the host is Muslim, or more commonly permisi. Wait to be allowed to enter the house, and wait to be allowed to sit down in guest room. The living room and dining room are usually reserved for more close family friend or relatives, guest should normally not wander further inside past the guest room, unless invited. Sometimes the host may offer a choice; "coffee or tea?" (or sometime syrup). It is up to your preference, however if you wish not to be a burden to the host, then only request plain water. Wait to be motioned to drink, do not finish the drink. Leave a little drops in the cup. If you finish the whole cup is indicating the guest is truly thirsty and wishes the drink to be refilled. If the tea or coffee is too hot to drink, try not to blow the steam away. Patiently wait several minutes whilst involving yourself in conversation, meanwhile the temperature will become more approachable. This patience is likely to be viewed as more appropriate to the situation. If the host has their attention drawn to the tea or coffee being too hot to be consumed, and the guest demonstrates this, then the host might feel embarrassed.
4.      Indonesian Family Law
What is Indonesia family law?
Family law in Indonesia sets out strict guidelines on marriage, divorce and responsibilities of husband and wife. The concept of equality between both the spouses in society and family are stated as well as equal legal rights. So, you have to get married if you want to have children or just want to have a sex.
5.      Driving

A.    Minimum Age to Drive
The minimum age for driving both a car and a motorbike in Indonesia is 17 years, and a driving licence is called a SIM or Surat Izin Mengemudi. However, cars and motorbikes are not covered by the same licence.
B.     Types of Driving Licence
The driver of a standard car or van must have a SIM A licence. The driver of a motorbike or scooter needs a SIM C licence.
C.     Indonesian Road Rules and Regulations
What are Indonesian Road Rules and Regulations?
Read carefully the following directions:
Ø  Drive on the left-hand side of the road in Indonesia.
Ø  A driver must always carry a valid SIM licence or international driving licence accompanied by the home country licence. Foreigners who live and drive in Indonesia should get a SIM licence.
Ø  Foreigners should always carry their passport
Ø  The vehicle must be affixed with a sticker which displays the country's initials: for example, RI for the Republic of Indonesia
Ø  Drivers must always carry the vehicle's registration papers, or if it is a rented car, carry the rental papers.
Ø  Front seats must have seat belts. Most Indonesian cars do not have seat belts in the rear passenger seats.
Ø  Helmets which are minimum legal standards are required for motorcycle drivers and passengers. On a legal standard helmet usually cover a symbol ‘SNI’ (Standar Nasional Indonesia).
Ø  Motorcycles are limited to one driver and one passenger.
Ø  Drivers must signal before turning left. It’s usually demonstrated by using signal turn lamp on the vehicle and also by waving left or right hand.
Ø  Drivers must not drive while using a mobile phone

D.    Speed Limits
The following speed limits are placed in Indonesia:
Ø  Built-up areas: 50 Km per hour
Ø  Highways: 100 Km per hour for motorbikes and cars; 60 to 80 Km per hour for trucks
Ø  Roads: 80 Km per hour
Ø  Drivers are expected to drive slower in wet weather.
Conclusions, Criticisms, and Suggestions
Britain and Indonesia are very unique with their own customs and traditions. However, even though they have the strong relations since 1949, yet the less understanding or knowing about the customs and traditions of partnership countries are still happened. It means, for instance, most of Indonesian people don’t know the customs of British people. I think this is probably due to the lack of information to the public about it. Therefore, the role of government is very important to inform those things in order to understanding of the society about it will be more convinced.  Thus, the people who go to other countries, which means between Indonesian and British, become more comfortable because of the knowledge they gain from the government.
The information is indeed not just gained from the government because the public can get it from the internet. However, the problem is not all societies have the connection to the internet or know how to access the internet, especially from the elder generation of the societies. So, the information of government is just anticipation if there are some people who don’t ready to connect to the internet meanwhile they have to go overseas soon. So, the government could cover the information probably from the social media generally such as TV, radio, newspaper, also the internet for the consumers of internet particularly and etc.
Besides, this strategy is not just done by the two countries, but also all countries in the world to make their society as easy as possible to get the information about the customs of publics in other societies.
The last words from me are I hope these brief explanations about the customs of Indonesian and British people can be useful for the readers. I also apologize if there many words which are wrong or may be difficult to understand. So, for the criticisms and suggestions, send me email to bleachrouner@gmail.com









Refference:
UNITED KINGDOM RELATIONS”. en.wikipedia.org. http. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
“BRITISH LIFE, CULTURE AND CUSTOMS”. projectbritain.com. http. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
“INDONESIAN CUSTOMS”. ehow.com. http. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
“ETTIQUETTE IN INDONESIA”. traveletiquette.co.uk. http. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
“INDONESIAN ROADS AND SPEED LIMITS”. indonesia.angloinfo.com. http. Retrieved 28 August 2012.