Time is one of the few constants in the world—yet how it’s viewed, respected, and acted upon varies greatly depending on the culture. For some, time is rigid and scheduled. For others, it’s fluid, negotiable, and relational. These differences can have a deep impact on how people interact, particularly in professional settings where misunderstandings about time often affect trust, communication, and performance. One of the most striking cultural contrasts can be seen in the way Western cultures and Indonesians treat time.

The Western View: Time Is Linear, and Deadlines Are Sacred

In most Western cultures—such as the United States, Germany, and much of Northern Europe—time is structured and linear. This “monochronic” mindset emphasizes doing one thing at a time, and doing it promptly. Deadlines are set with precision, calendars are tightly managed, and lateness is often viewed as both inefficient and rude.

More than just etiquette, punctuality in these cultures is deeply tied to trust. If a person arrives on time, meets deadlines, and respects others’ schedules, they are seen as reliable and trustworthy. Conversely, if someone is frequently late or repeatedly misses deadlines, others may assume they are disorganized, disrespectful, or even dishonest. In a business setting, this perception can seriously undermine professional relationships and credibility.

The Indonesian Approach: “Jam Karet” and Relationship First

In contrast, Indonesia embraces a more relaxed and flexible relationship with time, summed up in the popular phrase jam karet, or “rubber time.” Here, time is fluid, bendable, and less governed by the clock than by the moment. Social events often start late, meetings may run over, and schedules shift based on the situation or relationships involved.

This polychronic approach puts relationships over rigid scheduling. Indonesians are typically not upset if someone is late, and showing up early to a social event may even feel awkward. In professional settings, while time management is appreciated, it’s often less strictly enforced. A deadline might be viewed more as a goal than a firm obligation.

When Cultures Collide: Trust and Time in Cross-Cultural Workplaces

The difference in how cultures perceive time isn’t just a logistical issue—it’s also a matter of trust. In Western business environments, when someone misses a deadline or consistently shows up late, it may subtly erode trust. Foreign professionals working in Indonesia may feel that delays and lateness signal a lack of seriousness or commitment, even if that’s not the intention.

What’s critical to understand is that most Indonesians don’t associate punctuality with trustworthiness in the same way many Westerners do. They may not realize that, in the eyes of their international colleagues, missing a deadline—or showing up late to a meeting—can reflect poorly on their reliability or even their character.

This can lead to quiet frustrations and communication breakdowns. A Western manager may hesitate to assign a crucial task to someone they perceive as inconsistent with deadlines. An Indonesian employee, on the other hand, may not understand why they are being viewed so critically, especially if they feel the delay wasn’t significant or was out of their control.

Bridging the Gap: Awareness and Adaptation

For successful cross-cultural collaboration, it’s essential to acknowledge these differences and create space for mutual understanding. Western professionals working in Indonesia should learn to recognize the cultural values that shape Indonesian time habits—including the importance of relationships, harmony, and flexibility. Instead of assuming disrespect, it helps to ask clarifying questions and set mutually agreed-upon expectations.

Indonesians working with foreign colleagues can benefit from being more mindful about punctuality and meeting deadlines, especially in corporate or multinational environments. Small adjustments in time management can make a large difference in building trust and credibility.

Conclusion: Time Can Indicate Trust

Ultimately, how we use time sends a message. In many cultures, that message is about more than just efficiency—it’s about integrity, reliability, and respect. Recognizing that time is packaged differently across cultures helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens cross-cultural relationships.

By understanding and bridging the gap between Indonesia’s relaxed approach to time and the West’s structured expectations, we create more trust, smoother collaborations, and a deeper respect for one another’s values.