Common Hand Gestures in Indonesa

Hey, folks! Today, we (me, Gita, Sintia, and Mawas) are going to show you some common hand signs or gestures that are mostly used here in our country, Indonesia. Hand gestures are really helpful when you are having trouble expressing some words to others, it feels really great if someone just gets it by what you mean by only signing your hand different way as each sign means different thing, cause you know, hand speaks! Hand gestures are also used to support you words while talking to others. Hand gestures reflect some etiquette and considered very important here in Indonesia. However, we don't recommend you to use certain hand gestures in another country or places as it could mean differently (rude). So, do you know how to speak with your hands in Indonesia? 

1. I Heart U

This "I Heart U" gesture was initially popular among teenagers in some Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. You just simply make the heart shape with your forefinger and middle finger from both of your hands. This gesture is usually used to express someone's feeling and admiration towards someone else like saying 'I LOVE YOU' or flirting.
#npowplaying you know me so well, girl i heart uuuuu

2. Cium Tangan 

This is an Indonesia way to greet elders especially to your parents, relatives, teachers, and basically someone who's OLDER than you. You use your right hand, hold their right hand, and put the back of their hand onto your forehead, or young kids like to kiss them. It is considered polite. This gesture is also commonly used when you are about to leave and want to ask for their permission.

 3. Salam / Apology

This gesture could mean a lot of things! Clasp your hand together in front of the chest while slightly bowing to greet someone. In Bali, this gesture is traced to Dharmic Añjali Mudrā. This gesture is also used to express apology when the hands are slightly raised from your chest. Indonesians used this gesture commonly in religious holidays to beg for forgiveness and bless the soul, such as Eid day and say #minalaidinwalfaidzin.

4. Be Quiet, Please

This gesture is used when someone feels annoyed and disturbed and would like to tell everyone else to be quiet or don't make any noise. Put your forefinger in front of your mouth and #sssttt... the whole room will be quiet immediately like magic. I guarantee you.

5. Mari / Monggo

This is a polite way to let someone enter the room or sit down. Make a thumbs-up sign with your thumb from both of your hands and point it to the spot where you let someone to enter. Usually used in a certain region/culture in Indonesia such as Central Java, DIY, and East Java. 

 6. Everything's Gonna Be K.

The gesture for OK is made by raising (usually the right) hand and forming a circle with the thumb and index finger. It means that everything is fine, it’s all good or great sign. However, it also means different thing in the city I'm from (Batam). It is a sarcastic way to tell someone that their joke is not funny (not so common). #O 

7. Thumbs Up!

This gesture shows that you are agree with something/someone. This sign also means that someone is complimenting you because you are doing such a good job. However, in certain parts of the Middle East, thumbs-up is considered offensive/rude.

8. Thumbs Down!

 When you don’t agree/like with someone/something, you can use this gesture to show your opinion. That also means that you have to be real upset about things maaaaan.

9. Pointing

Meanwhile in Indonesia, pointing someone with your forefinger is extremely rude and insulting, so don't ever make this gestures towards someone. If elders point to someone who is far younger, it is less rude and fair. However, pointing towards something/direction is more polite but you have to do it smoothly and don't do it with sharp, strong movement. And always, use your RIGHT hand while pointing!

10. V Sign

A hand gesture in which forefinger and middle finger are raised and parted while the rest are folded. Generally considered a “Victory” sign, it can also mean the same as “peace". Some Asians put up the V sign when they have their picture taken because it is #cute and #kawaii. But if you happen to be in the United Kingdom, don’t ever make this sign when the back of your hand is facing away from you if you don't want to get in trouble. You’ve been warned. 

11.  Stop

When you flash your palm at someone, you want them to pause or stop. You can do this while anyone is speaking and they will almost instantly be quiet  or stop moving. However, in Indonesia, using this gesture to elders is considered impolite.

12. Me! Present! Pick Me! Senpai, Please Notice Me!

Raise your hand when you are desired to be volunteered or choosen, usually when in a large group of people. While raising your hand, you also can shout "SENPAI PLEASE, NOTICE ME!” #jk

13. Air Quotes

Air quotes, which are quotation marks made with the index finger of each raised hand, accompany speech and often express the opposite to what is said, because they are gestures and expression for sarcasm.

14. High Five!

This gesture is called as "Tos" in Indonesia. It is used when two people simultaneously raise one hand, about head-high. The other person responds with the same gesture and so their palms would meet and slap together. The meaning of this gesture varies with the context of use, including greeting, congratulations, and celebration.

15. Call Me!

It is the simplest way to say "call me". Raise your thumb and little finger while the rest fingers are folded. However, if you use this sign to someone you don't know, it means flirt, which is a bit nasty eww.

16. Pinky Promise

This gesture is for "pinky swear", or to make a pinky promise, by joining the little fingers (pinky) of two people to signify that a promise has been made and they have to keep their promises.


17. No, Not Like That
 

Forefinger's up! while the rest left folded. Then, move the finger from right to left for several times and yeah, it simply means disagreement, or expresses "Do not".

'Can I touch this painting?' 

'No.'

18. Take and Give

When the palm is upwards, it means that someone is asking for money or food (most commonly) / begging sign. It is also a pleading gesture of a street beggar and, used as a 'handover' gesture to offer to help and let someone talk.

19. Praying

As we know, Indonesia is a multicultural country that consists of different religions. Each religion has different praying practices and simply, the hand gestures while praying also differ. As a muslim-majority country, it is common to see people pray with their hands towards their face. The praying hand gestures are universal. Christians pray with their hands folded. Buddhists pray with palms held together at chest level (one of the gestures), Hindus, also clasp their hands while praying (one of the common practices).

Yeah, that still so many hand gestures that we commonly use here in Indonesia, but we think, that's all! Yeay. 

By: 

Rachella R

15112141016 - Psikologi 2A
Hand Gestures / English
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Group members:

Sintia Gumara D

Mawas Dwi C

Hergita Syi Vadilla S