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The Unspoken Power of Indonesian Hospitality: What Moving to France Taught Me About Belonging

YEET MAGAZINE

01 May 2024 • 6 min read

The Unspoken Power of Indonesian Hospitality: What Moving to France Taught Me About Belonging

In 2024, the highly anticipated Indonesia Food Exhibition and Food and Hotel Indonesia (FHI) 2024 events are set to bring international attention to the rich, diverse culinary scene of Indonesia. Moving from Indonesia to France gave me a newfound appreciation for the warmth and hospitality my homeland offers, especially in how food is intertwined with the culture. This year’s Food + Beverage Indonesia 2024 is not just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of flavors, connections, and the welcoming spirit that defines Indonesian hospitality. Events like the Pameran Food and Beverage 2024 highlight how food in Indonesia is more than sustenance—it’s a bridge between people, an invitation to belong, no matter one’s origin.

The FHI 2024 in Jakarta promises to be more expansive than ever, with the Food Hotel Indonesia 2024 Exhibitor List showcasing a remarkable variety of domestic and international participants, each eager to share innovations in food, beverage, and hospitality. France, my adopted home, prides itself on culinary excellence, but it wasn’t until I left Indonesia that I truly realized the unique hospitality that accompanies Indonesian cuisine. The exhibitors at FHI Jakarta 2024 aim to bring this to life, displaying a cross-section of Indonesian and global cuisines that celebrate the country’s diversity. Visitors can expect to explore offerings that range from traditional Indonesian spices and local coffee beans to innovative culinary technology and sustainable practices.

As the schedule for the Pameran Food and Beverage 2024 unfolds, FHI will be an essential platform for showcasing Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable growth in food production and hospitality. With a history of drawing international interest, FHI 2024 emphasizes food as a universal language, an idea that resonates with my experience in France. In moving to a new culture, I learned that food often carries the first message of welcome. While France is known for its formality and tradition in dining, Indonesia’s approach is heartwarming and inclusive, encouraging visitors to become part of the family. This cultural warmth will be palpable at FHI 2024, where attendees from around the world will experience not just Indonesian food but the spirit of togetherness that defines it.

Looking forward, Food and Hotel Indonesia 2025 is already generating excitement. Following the success of FHI 2024, next year’s exhibition is expected to expand on themes of innovation and sustainability in food and beverage. The Indonesia Food Exhibition 2024 and the subsequent Food and Hotel Indonesia 2025 events are invaluable in educating both locals and international visitors on the industry’s latest trends and Indonesia’s unique hospitality approach. It’s more than business; it’s an invitation to understand Indonesia’s identity through its culinary traditions.

By Paola Bapelle, Yeetmagazine.com, May 1, 2024

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Moving to France, I was excited about the prospect of embracing a new culture, language, and way of life. As someone who grew up in Indonesia, I had already become accustomed to the warmth and openness of my homeland. But what I didn't anticipate was how drastically different social dynamics would feel once I settled into my new life in France. There was something crucial that I realized I had taken for granted in Indonesian culture: the effortless way Indonesians make people feel included.

a group of people sitting at tables outside of a restaurant — Photo by Nico Knaack / Unsplash

In Indonesia, hospitality isn’t just a cultural trait; it’s an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s a family gathering, a neighborhood celebration, or a casual meet-up with friends, there’s an unspoken rule: everyone is made to feel like they belong. You could be a complete stranger, but at an Indonesian gathering, it never feels that way. There’s a warmth, a sense of community, and an effortless inclusivity that makes everyone feel seen and valued. You’re not just another face in the crowd—you’re part of something bigger, even if only for that moment.

Feeling Invisible in France

When I first moved to France, I was eager to immerse myself in the culture and dive into the French way of socializing. But as time passed, I found myself feeling increasingly invisible in social settings. I would be in a room full of people, yet I often felt as though I didn’t exist. It wasn’t that the French people I met were unfriendly—they were polite, and at times even welcoming—but there was something different about the way interactions unfolded that made me feel like an outsider.

woman smoking while look through the window — Photo by Tobias Tullius / Unsplash

It was a stark contrast to the Indonesian gatherings I was used to, where people go out of their way to ensure everyone feels included. In France, breaking into a conversation felt much more difficult. I often hesitated to speak up, not because of a language barrier but because there seemed to be an unspoken formality that made socializing feel more structured. It wasn’t as fluid or natural as what I had grown up with in Indonesia.

two women looking at the back while smiling and taking picture — Photo by Tyler Morgan / Unsplash

While French culture emphasizes politeness, I noticed a certain reserve in social interactions, especially with strangers or acquaintances. I would attend events or dinners where conversations were kept within small, intimate groups, and there was little effort to bring new people into the fold. This left me feeling disconnected, even when I was physically present.

The Indonesian Way of Inclusion

In Indonesian culture, gatherings are spontaneous, lively, and almost always filled with laughter. Whether you're at a wedding or a casual gathering, people are always open to chatting, and there’s a collective effort to make sure no one is left out. The concept of "gotong royong" (communal cooperation) is deeply ingrained in the culture. It extends beyond just physical labor—it’s about emotional and social inclusion as well. Whether it’s through food, conversation, or gestures of kindness, Indonesians make sure that everyone feels like they are part of something bigger.

This sense of inclusion is so intrinsic to the culture that you don't even notice it—until it’s missing. And that’s what I realized I missed the most when I found myself navigating French social circles. In Indonesia, you don’t have to try to fit in; people naturally draw you in. Whether you're a newcomer or a frequent guest, there’s always a sense of warmth and belonging that is palpable. In France, it felt like you had to earn your place in social settings, and even then, the connection sometimes felt formal, rather than personal.

One of the most noticeable differences between France and Indonesia was how social interactions were structured. In France, conversations often took place in smaller, more private groups, and there was a level of formality to socializing that I wasn’t accustomed to. Social gatherings in France felt like they had invisible barriers that were difficult to cross if you weren’t already part of the inner circle. It wasn’t unusual to stand in silence, observing a conversation from the sidelines, feeling unsure of how or when to join in.

In Indonesia, on the other hand, social interactions are much more fluid. Conversations flow easily, and people are quick to introduce themselves or bring others into the discussion. There’s a lack of pretension that makes it easy to connect with others, even if you’ve just met them. In an Indonesian gathering, you’re never left alone for long—someone will always approach you, engage you in conversation, or invite you to join the group.

This inclusivity extends to all aspects of Indonesian culture. The concept of "ramah tamah" (cordial hospitality) is a uniquely Indonesian practice of being genuinely welcoming and warm to guests. Whether you're in someone’s home or a public space, Indonesians will go out of their way to ensure that you feel comfortable and included. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about making sure you feel like you matter, like you belong.

What France Taught Me About Belonging

Living in France has given me a deeper appreciation for the sense of belonging I experienced in Indonesia. I’ve come to understand that feeling included is not just about being present in a room full of people—it’s about feeling acknowledged, valued, and connected. While I’ve learned to navigate the nuances of French social life, I can’t help but miss the effortless hospitality that I experienced growing up in Indonesia.

In the end, the experience of living in two distinct cultures has taught me that belonging isn’t just something that’s given—it’s something that needs to be nurtured. It has to be cultivated by both the individual and the community. While the Indonesian way of hospitality may come more naturally, my time in France has shown me that creating a sense of inclusion is a conscious choice that we can all make, no matter where we are.

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