Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Indonesia?

Not customary, avoid. In Indonesia, kissing on the cheek when greeting is not a standard practice and can be seen as overly intimate or inappropriate, especially in social gatherings. The traditional greeting involves a handshake (often with a slight bow) or a nod, and physical contact between opposite genders is generally avoided unless initiated by the other person. This norm is rooted in both cultural modesty and Islamic influences, which prioritize non-physical greetings.

Instead, offer a polite smile, a slight bow, and a handshake (if same gender) or simply place your hand over your heart while nodding.

In more Westernized or younger circles in Jakarta, a cheek kiss may be accepted among close friends of the same gender, but it remains rare and should not be assumed.