Navigating toilets in Indonesia can be a surprising experience for travelers, especially those unfamiliar with the country’s unique bathroom culture. The toilet in Indonesia reflects a blend of tradition, practicality, and cultural values, shaped by the nation’s diverse population and Islamic influences. From squat toilets to modern facilities, Indonesia toilets vary widely depending on location, from bustling urban centers to rural villages. This article provides an overview of toilets in Indonesia, explores common types, explains toilet etiquette, and offers practical tips for tourists to ensure a comfortable experience. For those considering an Indonesia tour package, understanding the local toilet culture can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Overview of Toilets in Indonesia
The Indonesia toilet landscape is diverse, reflecting the country’s cultural, economic, and geographic diversity. As the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, with over 279 million people, Indonesia’s bathroom practices are heavily influenced by Islamic principles of cleanliness, which emphasize washing with water after using the toilet in Indonesia. Unlike Western countries where toilet paper is standard, many toilets in Indonesia rely on water for cleaning, often via a bucket, scoop, or bidet hose. This practice is rooted in the belief that water is more hygienic than paper alone.
Indonesia toilets range from basic setups in rural areas to modern facilities in urban centers like Jakarta and Bali. In rural regions, sanitation infrastructure may be limited, with around 25 million people lacking access to flush toilets or septic systems, leading to open defecation in some areas. In contrast, urban areas and tourist hotspots often feature Western-style toilets, especially in hotels, malls, and airports. However, even in modern settings, toilet paper may be absent, and plumbing systems are often not designed to handle paper, requiring users to dispose of it in a bin. Understanding these differences is key to navigating toilets in Indonesia comfortably.
Common Types of Toilets in Indonesia
The toilet in Indonesia comes in various forms, each with distinct features and cultural significance. Below, we explore the three main types: squat toilets, Western-style toilets, and public toilets.
Squat Toilets
Squat toilets, often called “squatty potties,” are the most common type of Indonesia toilet, especially in rural areas, budget accommodations, and public facilities. These toilets consist of a ceramic basin flush with the floor, with grooved footrests for positioning. Users squat over the hole to use the toilet in Indonesia, a practice that may challenge Western travelers unaccustomed to squatting due to less flexible leg muscles. Indonesians, however, find squatting natural, as it aligns with cultural habits of sitting low to the ground for daily activities.
Squat toilets typically lack automatic flushing systems. Instead, a nearby bucket or bak mandi (water tank) with a scoop is used for manual flushing. Toilets in Indonesia like these are considered hygienic by locals because they minimize contact with surfaces. However, the floors are often wet due to water splashing during cleaning, which can be off-putting for newcomers.
Western-Style Toilets
Western-style toilets, with seats and flush valves, are increasingly common in urban areas, tourist destinations, and upscale establishments. In cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali, hotels, restaurants, and malls often provide these Indonesia toilets to cater to international visitors. However, even these facilities may lack toilet paper, as many Indonesians prefer water-based cleaning methods like a bidet hose, often called a “butt hose” or semprotan cebok. Some Western-style toilets have signs warning against standing on the seat, as locals accustomed to squatting may misuse them.
The plumbing in toilets in Indonesia is often not designed to handle toilet paper, so even in Western-style setups, users are advised to dispose of paper in a provided bin to avoid clogs. This blend of modern and traditional elements highlights the unique nature of the Indonesia toilet experience.
Public Toilets in Indonesia
Public toilets in Indonesia vary widely in quality and availability. In urban areas, facilities in malls, airports, and tourist attractions are generally clean and may offer both squat and Western-style options. However, in rural areas or less-developed public spaces like markets or bus terminals, public Indonesia toilets may be basic, sometimes just a hole in the floor with minimal privacy. These facilities often lack toilet paper, soap, or handwashing stations, and floors are frequently wet due to the cultural preference for water-based cleaning.
Sanitation challenges persist, with poor toilet in Indonesia infrastructure contributing to health issues like diarrhea and parasitic infections, particularly in children. Efforts by the government and organizations like UNICEF aim to improve access to hygienic toilets in Indonesia, but progress is uneven, especially in remote regions.
Toilet Etiquette in Indonesia
Understanding toilet etiquette is essential for respectfully navigating toilets in Indonesia. Cultural norms, particularly those rooted in Islamic practices, shape how locals use and maintain these facilities.
Water vs. Toilet Paper
In Indonesia toilets, water is the preferred method for cleaning after using the bathroom, reflecting Islamic emphasis on hygiene. Most facilities provide a bucket with a scoop or a bidet hose for washing, typically with the left hand, as the right hand is reserved for eating and greeting. This practice is considered more hygienic and economical than toilet paper, which is often absent or “borrowed” from public restrooms.
Travelers accustomed to toilet paper may find this challenging. When paper is used, it should be disposed of in a bin, as flushing it can clog the toilet in Indonesia. Carrying tissues or wet wipes is advisable for those who prefer paper, but users should still wash with water to align with local customs.
Shoes, Cleanliness, and Hygiene
Toilets in Indonesia are often wet due to the use of water for cleaning both the user and the toilet itself. This “wet bathroom” culture means floors may be slippery, and visitors should be cautious. In some settings, especially rural or traditional homes, users are expected to remove shoes before entering the toilet in Indonesia to maintain cleanliness, though public restrooms may not enforce this.
Handwashing is not always guaranteed, as soap and sinks may be absent in public Indonesia toilets. Locals prioritize washing with water after using the toilet, but hand sanitizer is recommended for travelers to ensure hygiene. The cultural emphasis on cleanliness extends to leaving the toilet tidy, such as cleaning footprints off squat toilet footrests.
Tips for Tourists Using Toilets in Indonesia
For travelers, adapting to toilets in Indonesia requires preparation and an open mind. Here are practical tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Carry Supplies: Always carry tissues, wet wipes, or a small towel, as toilet paper is rarely provided in Indonesia toilets. A travel-sized hand sanitizer is also essential for hygiene.
- Master the Squat: Practice squatting to use squat toilets comfortably. Wear clothing that’s easy to manage, like dresses or pants with rollable cuffs, to avoid wet floors.
- Dispose of Paper Properly: Do not flush toilet paper in toilets in Indonesia, as it can clog plumbing. Use the provided bin or carry used tissues out if no bin is available.
- Use the Correct Hand: Follow the local custom of using the left hand for cleaning and the right for eating or greeting to show respect.
- Check Facilities in Advance: In tourist areas, seek out Western-style Indonesia toilets in hotels, malls, or restaurants for familiarity. Public restrooms in rural areas may require more adaptability.
- Stay Hydrated but Plan Ahead: Indonesia’s hot climate requires ample water intake, but plan bathroom visits, as public toilets in Indonesia may be scarce or basic in remote areas.
- Be Culturally Sensitive: Embrace the water-based cleaning method and wet bathroom culture as part of the toilet in Indonesia experience, respecting local norms.
Conclusion
Toilets in Indonesia offer a unique glimpse into the country’s cultural and practical approaches to hygiene. From squat toilets to Western-style facilities, the toilet in Indonesia varies by location, with water-based cleaning central to local practices. Understanding the types of Indonesia toilets, adhering to etiquette like using water and the left hand, and preparing with supplies like tissues and sanitizer can make the experience seamless for travelers. By approaching toilets in Indonesia with an open mind, visitors can navigate this aspect of travel with confidence and respect for local traditions.
