What gifts should you take to Indonesia

Lately, there has been a trend on forums discussing "what gifts to bring to Indonesia?"

When arriving in an anchorage, it's not just about distributing freebies. From our perspective, gifts should be a way to connect with the community, reward good deeds, or trade for services, goods, or produce. We avoid giving money as it may lead communities to perceive cruisers as an easy target.

Visits from fishermen and their children are not unusual.
If you give gifts for free be prepared to welcome many
boats once the word gets out.

In Indonesia, the market is flooded with inexpensive Chinese goods, affecting the value of items. For instance, offering a fisherman a pack of hooks or fishing line in exchange for fish may be worth less than what he could sell the fish for at the market. However, in remote areas, this barter could be highly valued by the fisherman. The key is to consider the location and access to goods.

The market is flooded with cheap Chinese produced items.

We prefer to pay for the fish or produce offered by fishermen, as it contributes directly to the community. This allows the fisherman to purchase fishing supplies from local shops. If the barter is successful, we may gift a hat or, if the fisherman mentions family, we might give pencils for his children.

A rag of a soccer ball was being used in the local training session.

When we came in the next day and presented the boys with a new ball,
they kept wanting to give it back not understanding that it was a gift for them all.

When giving in a village, it's important to give to everyone. Shared items like soccer balls and volleyballs are well-received by children. Educational games such as tic-tac-toe, snakes and ladders, Uno, dominoes, chess, drafts, and Scrabble are appreciated by different age groups.

Another game of Tick-Tack-Toe was a surprise gift,
with all excited to play.

These gifts help build connections with the locals who welcome you into their village or home. When invited into a home, Karen often breaks the ice by playing a game with the children. Offering the game as a gift at the end of the visit brings joy to the children.

After being invited into the family’s private space Karen plays a game of Tick-Tack-Toe.
We then present the game as a gift in appreciation for their hospitality.

One happy little boy, that has learnt a new game and
can now share it with others.

When visiting schools, giving exercise books and pencils is a common gesture. These items can be purchased locally, supporting the community. Soccer balls and volleyballs are also popular gifts.

Like all children they come from different socially economic
backgrounds, giving the teachers the school supplies is a way to
insure the right children will receive the resources. 

Magnifying glasses (not prescription) are good for the elderly, both of us wear prescription glasses so are often asked about them, you can workout through the conversation if someone is in need. Sunglasses are also a good option for both men and women, again these are not items we just handout, there needs to be a connection, a conversation, time spent with the individual to understand if these items are required.

Magnifying glasses will assist with daily chores where it is a little 
difficult to see. However prescription glasses may have detrimental 
effects for those who have not been prescribed them.

The best thing you can do is spend money in their communities. Buy your fruit and veg from the markets, at the small local shop buy noodles if that’s all they have.go to lunch at the Warung and try the local cuisine. All of this will benefit the community as a whole.

In our upcoming episode #94, you will see us giving a new soccer ball to a group of boys, a tick-tack-toe game to a family, and a frisbee game to children, who eventually receive it as a gift. Join us this Friday as we explore the beautiful Pulau Bonerate, an isolated island in the Flores Sea.

Tips to take away from this blog.

• Consider the cultural practices and norms of the community you are visiting when choosing gifts.
• Prioritise gifts that can benefit the community directly or enhance their quality of life.
• Avoid giving items that may devalue local goods or create dependency.
• Tailor your gifts based on the specific needs and preferences of the recipients.
• Engage with the locals through shared activities or games to foster connections.
• Support local businesses by purchasing items for gifting locally.
• Use gifts as a way to show appreciation and build relationships with the community.

Thanks for catching our latest Blog, cheers R&K 

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