Going to Indonesia? 15 Indonesian phrases you should know before your trip

Knowing a few simple Indonesian phrases can make everyday situations much easier — and locals usually appreciate it when foreigners make an effort to speak their language.

Here are fifteen useful phrases to learn before your trip, especially for ordering food, shopping, asking for directions and getting around.

1. Halo!

Halo! — Hello!

The easiest one to start with. You can use halo with almost anyone. Hai! works too.

2. Terima kasih

Terima kasih. — Thank you.

This is the one phrase to memorise. You will use it when someone helps you, hands you something, serves your food, or does anything kind. The casual version is makasih.

The stone spires of Prambanan temple under a blue sky — Prambanan, Yogyakarta — photo by Eugenia Clara on Unsplash.

3. Permisi

Permisi. — Excuse me.

Use permisi to get someone's attention, to pass through a crowded space, or before entering somewhere. If someone is blocking your way, permisi on its own is enough.

4. Berapa harganya?

Berapa harganya? — How much is it?

You will need this for shopping and for buying food. The shorter version is Berapa?

Ini berapa? — How much is this?

5. Ini apa?

Ini apa? — What's this?

One of the most useful phrases a traveller can have. See something you have never seen before? Point at it and ask. It comes into its own in markets and in front of unfamiliar food.

Rice terraces in Tegallalang, Bali — Tegallalang, Bali — photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash.

6. Jangan terlalu pedas, ya

Jangan terlalu pedas, ya. — Please don't make it too spicy.

This one matters. Indonesian food can be very spicy, and some dishes carry a lot of chili. If you want your food mild, this is the natural way to ask.

7. Pedas sedikit, ya

Pedas sedikit, ya. — Just a little spicy, please.

For when you do want some heat but are not used to Indonesian chili. Useful when ordering noodles, fried rice, soup and most other dishes.

8. Tanpa sambal atau gula, ya

Tanpa sambal atau gula, ya. — No sambal or sugar, please.

Tanpa means "without", and it is one of the most useful words you can carry into a warung:

tanpa sambal — without sambal
tanpa gula — without sugar
tanpa es — without ice
tanpa susu — without milk

9. Saya mau…

Saya mau… — I want… / I'd like…

Add whatever you want after it. For beginners this is the easiest Indonesian sentence pattern to remember.

Saya mau nasi goreng. — I'd like fried rice. Saya mau kopi. — I'd like coffee. Saya mau yang ini. — I'd like this one.

10. Enak banget!

Enak banget! — It's really delicious!

One of the nicest things you can say. Banget means "really" or "very" in casual Indonesian. Enak! on its own works too.

Traffic and a pedestrian bridge over a wide road in Jakarta — Setia Budi, Jakarta — photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash.

11. Di mana…?

Di mana…? — Where is…?

Add the place you are looking for:

Toilet di mana? — Where is the toilet? Stasiun di mana? — Where is the station? Bandara di mana? — Where is the airport?

12. Tolong…

Tolong… — Please… / Help…

Use tolong when asking someone to do something.

Tolong foto saya. — Please take a photo of me. Tolong berhenti di sini. — Please stop here.

13. Nggak usah

Nggak usah. — No need.

Very common in everyday Indonesian. If someone offers you something you don't need:

Nggak usah, terima kasih. — No need, thank you.

You will hear this one constantly once you start listening for it.

14. Makan di sini atau dibungkus?

Makan di sini atau dibungkus? — Eating here, or takeaway?

You may well be asked this when ordering food. The answers are Makan di sini (eat here) or Dibungkus (takeaway).

15. Sampai jumpa!

Sampai jumpa! — See you!

For saying goodbye. More casually, Sampai ketemu!

A stone Buddha among stupas at Borobudur at sunrise — Borobudur, Central Java — photo by Mario La Pergola on Unsplash.

Your Indonesian travel cheat sheet

If you only have time to memorise a handful, start with these:

Terima kasih. — Thank you.
Permisi. — Excuse me.
Berapa harganya? — How much is it?
Ini apa? — What's this?
Jangan terlalu pedas, ya. — Please don't make it too spicy.
Pedas sedikit, ya. — Just a little spicy, please.
Tanpa sambal atau gula, ya. — No sambal or sugar, please.
Saya mau… — I'd like…
Enak banget! — It's really delicious!

You don't need perfect Indonesian to enjoy your trip. Even a few simple words make everyday situations easier, and they help you connect with the people you meet.

Selamat jalan-jalan di Indonesia! — Happy travels in Indonesia!

Photos — all from Unsplash, used with thanks: Killian Pham, Eugenia Clara, Silas Baisch, Afif Ramdhasuma and Mario La Pergola.