Indonesia’s 17,000 islands offer endless adventure, but language barriers can turn paradise into a puzzle. Whether you’re bargaining in Bali’s markets or asking for directions in Lombok, these phrases will help you connect with locals and navigate smoothly.
Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases
- Selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam – Good morning/afternoon/evening/night (use pagi until 10am, siang until 3pm, sore until sunset, malam after)
- Terima kasih – Thank you (add banyak for emphasis)
- Tolong – Please/Help (context-dependent)
- Maaf – Sorry/Excuse me
Indonesians appreciate attempts to speak their language. Even a poorly pronounced terima kasih will earn you smiles.
Transport and Directions
Di mana...?
/di ˈmana/“Where is...?”
The cornerstone of navigation. Pair with locations like pelabuhan (harbour) or terminal bis (bus terminal).
- Berapa harga ke...? – How much to...? (for ferries, taxis)
- Jam berapa berangkat? – What time does it depart?
- Kiri/kanan/lurus – Left/right/straight (point while saying it)
Food and Markets
From warungs (small eateries) to pasar tradisional (traditional markets), these phrases are indispensable:
- Saya mau pesan... – I’d like to order... (point at dishes if unsure)
- Pedas/tidak pedas? – Spicy or not? (Indonesians assume you want pedas unless specified)
- Bisa kurang? – Can it be cheaper? (for bargaining)
Emergency and Health
Hopefully unnecessary, but critical to know:
- Tolong, saya butuh dokter – Help, I need a doctor
- Di mana rumah sakit terdekat? – Where’s the nearest hospital?
- Saya alergi... – I’m allergic to... (point to a translation app if needed)
Island-Specific Variations
While Bahasa Indonesia is the lingua franca, local languages persist. In Bali, sprinkle in:
Suksma
/ˈsuksma/“Thank you (Balinese)”
The Balinese equivalent of terima kasih. Elderly vendors light up when hearing this.
In Sulawesi’s Toraja region, Kurre sumanga’ (How are you?) breaks the ice. Javanese often mix nggih (yes) with Indonesian.
Final Tips
- Indonesians often reply to terima kasih with sama-sama (you’re welcome)
- Add ya or dong to sound more natural ("Tolong, ya!")
- Download an offline Kamus (dictionary) app for remote islands
