Indonesia is one of the most incredible countries in the world, known for its rich national character and diverse cultures. Today, Indonesia is gaining more international recognition not only for its amazing cuisines, but also for its deeply rooted cultural heritage. Among these traditions, two simple yet powerful practices often surprise and captivate people from other parts of the world: kissing hands known in Bahasa Indonesia as cium tangan and eating with bare hands.
At first glance, these practices may seem old-fashioned or even unusual, especially to people who come from highly modern and fast-paced societies. In many countries, physical contact such as hand-kissing may feel too personal, and eating without cutlery may be considered impolite. However, in Indonesia, these traditions carry deep meanings. They reflect values of respect, humility, togetherness, gratitude, and strong emotional bonds between people.
Growing Up with These Traditions
When I was a child, especially during my elementary school years, I saw many children my age naturally practicing these traditions in their daily lives. Kissing our parents’ hands before going to school or after returning home was not something we learned from textbooks or formal lessons it was simply part of everyday life. We did it almost automatically, without being told, because we saw adults and older siblings doing the same.
Read also - "Sambal:" More Than Just a Spicy Sauce for Indonesians
Eating with bare hands during family meals was also very common. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sitting together and sharing food using our hands created a special atmosphere. There was a sense of closeness and equality at the table. No one felt distant or superior. Everyone shared the same dishes, the same space, and the same experience.
These simple routines shaped our attitudes from a very young age. They taught us manners, respect, and emotional awareness in a natural way. They were not strict rules enforced by fear or punishment, but habits formed through love, repetition, and example
.
The Meaning Behind Eating with Bare Hands
Eating with bare hands is not just about tradition it is also about connection. In many parts of Indonesia, food is enjoyed not only with the mouth, but also with the sense of touch. Using hands allows people to feel the texture and temperature of the food, creating a more intimate and mindful eating experience.
This practice also symbolizes togetherness. When people eat with their hands from shared dishes, it encourages patience, sharing, and mutual respect. People become more aware of others at the table. They take only what they need and make sure everyone has enough. In this way, eating becomes a social activity, not just a physical necessity.
For many Indonesians, eating with bare hands also represents simplicity and humility. It reminds us that happiness does not always come from luxury or sophistication. Sometimes, it comes from simple moments sharing rice, side dishes, and laughter with family or friends.
Seen Through Foreign Eyes
In recent years, many foreigners have shown interest in these Indonesian traditions. Through YouTube videos, travel vlogs, and cultural documentaries, people from different countries have expressed admiration for the simplicity and warmth of Indonesian daily life.
Many of them say they feel touched by how children respect their parents and elders. Some are surprised to see families eating together, using their hands, laughing, and talking without distractions. For people who live in stressful and highly individualistic environments, these scenes feel peaceful and meaningful.
What Indonesians often consider ordinary turns out to be extraordinary to outsiders. These traditions represent something many people are searching for: connection, calmness, and genuine human interaction.
Adopting Indonesian Values
For foreigners who live in Indonesia for a long time, these practices often become familiar and comfortable. Some begin to practice kissing hands or “cium tangan” in Indonesian language when greeting older Indonesians. Others start eating with bare hands, especially when sharing meals with local families.
Read also -Why Bakso Holds a Special Place in the Heart of Indonesians
Slowly, without realizing it, they adopt parts of Indonesian culture into their own lives. What once felt strange or outdated begins to feel logical and deeply human. These traditions stop being seen as cultural curiosities and instead become meaningful life lessons.
Tradition in a Modern World
In a world that is becoming more digital and fast-paced, traditions like especially eating with bare hands may seem old-fashioned. However, they offer an important reminder: modern life does not have to erase human values. Technology can move forward, cities can grow taller, and lifestyles can change but respect, humility, and togetherness should remain. Indonesian culture shows that tradition and modernity can coexist. Simple gestures can still carry powerful meanings.
Through eating with bare hands and cium tangan, Indonesia quietly teaches the world that true progress is not only about innovation and speed. It is also about staying connected to family, to community, and to our shared humanity.
My friends...
Have you ever experienced eating with bare hands or greeting elders with cium tangan in Indonesia?
Share your thoughts, memories, or experiences in the comments below and let’s keep this cultural conversation alive ..
Happy weekend everyone
At first glance, these practices may seem old-fashioned or even unusual, especially to people who come from highly modern and fast-paced societies. In many countries, physical contact such as hand-kissing may feel too personal, and eating without cutlery may be considered impolite. However, in Indonesia, these traditions carry deep meanings. They reflect values of respect, humility, togetherness, gratitude, and strong emotional bonds between people.
Growing Up with These Traditions
When I was a child, especially during my elementary school years, I saw many children my age naturally practicing these traditions in their daily lives. Kissing our parents’ hands before going to school or after returning home was not something we learned from textbooks or formal lessons it was simply part of everyday life. We did it almost automatically, without being told, because we saw adults and older siblings doing the same.
Read also - "Sambal:" More Than Just a Spicy Sauce for Indonesians
Eating with bare hands during family meals was also very common. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sitting together and sharing food using our hands created a special atmosphere. There was a sense of closeness and equality at the table. No one felt distant or superior. Everyone shared the same dishes, the same space, and the same experience.
These simple routines shaped our attitudes from a very young age. They taught us manners, respect, and emotional awareness in a natural way. They were not strict rules enforced by fear or punishment, but habits formed through love, repetition, and example
 |
| This is my hand as I eat a traditional Indonesian meal with bare hands, a daily practice rooted in simplicity and togetherness. Photo by me |
 |
| I am on the right side having meals with bare hands in Bali together with staff and personnel from KangGuru Indonesia, most of them Australian nationals, sharing a relaxed and friendly moment. |
Eating with bare hands is not just about tradition it is also about connection. In many parts of Indonesia, food is enjoyed not only with the mouth, but also with the sense of touch. Using hands allows people to feel the texture and temperature of the food, creating a more intimate and mindful eating experience.
This practice also symbolizes togetherness. When people eat with their hands from shared dishes, it encourages patience, sharing, and mutual respect. People become more aware of others at the table. They take only what they need and make sure everyone has enough. In this way, eating becomes a social activity, not just a physical necessity.
For many Indonesians, eating with bare hands also represents simplicity and humility. It reminds us that happiness does not always come from luxury or sophistication. Sometimes, it comes from simple moments sharing rice, side dishes, and laughter with family or friends.
Seen Through Foreign Eyes
In recent years, many foreigners have shown interest in these Indonesian traditions. Through YouTube videos, travel vlogs, and cultural documentaries, people from different countries have expressed admiration for the simplicity and warmth of Indonesian daily life.
Many of them say they feel touched by how children respect their parents and elders. Some are surprised to see families eating together, using their hands, laughing, and talking without distractions. For people who live in stressful and highly individualistic environments, these scenes feel peaceful and meaningful.
What Indonesians often consider ordinary turns out to be extraordinary to outsiders. These traditions represent something many people are searching for: connection, calmness, and genuine human interaction.
Adopting Indonesian Values
For foreigners who live in Indonesia for a long time, these practices often become familiar and comfortable. Some begin to practice kissing hands or “cium tangan” in Indonesian language when greeting older Indonesians. Others start eating with bare hands, especially when sharing meals with local families.
Read also -Why Bakso Holds a Special Place in the Heart of Indonesians
Slowly, without realizing it, they adopt parts of Indonesian culture into their own lives. What once felt strange or outdated begins to feel logical and deeply human. These traditions stop being seen as cultural curiosities and instead become meaningful life lessons.
Tradition in a Modern World
In a world that is becoming more digital and fast-paced, traditions like especially eating with bare hands may seem old-fashioned. However, they offer an important reminder: modern life does not have to erase human values. Technology can move forward, cities can grow taller, and lifestyles can change but respect, humility, and togetherness should remain. Indonesian culture shows that tradition and modernity can coexist. Simple gestures can still carry powerful meanings.
Through eating with bare hands and cium tangan, Indonesia quietly teaches the world that true progress is not only about innovation and speed. It is also about staying connected to family, to community, and to our shared humanity.
My friends...
Have you ever experienced eating with bare hands or greeting elders with cium tangan in Indonesia?
Share your thoughts, memories, or experiences in the comments below and let’s keep this cultural conversation alive ..
Happy weekend everyone
A Message From Asep Haryono
"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well. Please leave any comment down below. Let me hear from you. Greetings from Indonesia"
Such a wonderful post and learning about this tradition. Yes, I will admit, I like to eat with my bare hands from time to time too.
ReplyDeleteSo good to read your post about this tradition of togetherness at mealtime.
ReplyDelete