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Learn how to use squat toilet Indonesia style with easy steps and practical tips. Discover local bathroom customs, hygiene practices, and travel advice for a comfortable experience.
Understanding the Squat Toilet Indonesia
The squat toilet, locally known as “toilet jongkok,” has been Indonesia’s bathroom staple for centuries. Unlike Western sitting toilets, these floor-level facilities require users to squat over a ceramic basin. While it might look intimidating to newcomers, millions of Indonesians use these toilets daily with complete comfort and efficiency.
What makes Indonesian toilet culture unique isn’t just the squatting position – it’s the entire cleansing philosophy that prioritizes water over paper. This water-based cleaning method, combined with specific hand techniques, creates a hygiene system that many locals consider superior to Western practices.
Why Squat Position is Actually Healthier Than Sitting Toilets
Digestive Benefits: Squatting helps your body work more naturally when you need to go to the bathroom. It puts less pressure on your body and helps everything come out easier and faster. Many doctors say this position is actually better for your digestive system than sitting.
Physical Benefits: Using squat toilets is like a mini workout – it makes your leg muscles stronger and keeps your hips flexible. Plus, you don’t have to touch anything dirty, which means fewer germs and a cleaner bathroom experience overall.
Research published in digestive health journals suggests that the squatting position can reduce constipation and improve overall bowel health. So while it might feel awkward initially, your body will thank you later!
What You'll Find in Indonesian Bathrooms
Walking into an Indonesian bathroom for the first time can feel like entering a different world. Here’s what you’ll typically encounter:
The Holy Trinity of Indonesian Bathrooms
The Squat Toilet (Toilet Jongkok) is the star of the show – a ceramic basin that sits flush with the floor, complete with footrests on either side for proper positioning. The drain hole in the center is where everything disappears, so aim carefully! This ancient design has been serving Indonesian families for generations.
The Water Dipper (Gayung) is your new best friend in Indonesian bathrooms. This plastic scoop with a sturdy handle serves as both your flushing mechanism and cleaning assistant. You’ll typically find it floating in the water container or hanging nearby, ready for action.
The Water Container (Bak Mandi) is the large ceramic or plastic basin that holds your cleaning and flushing water supply. Think of it as your personal water reservoir – always keep it filled and treat it with respect since it’s essential for the entire bathroom experience.
The Jet Shower While the traditional gayung and water bucket are the most common sights, you’ll also find a more modern convenience, especially in newer establishments and hotels: the jet shower (also known as a bidet sprayer or bum gun).
You’ll also commonly find a small backup water bucket for emergencies, soap dispensers or traditional soap bars for hand washing, towel hooks with small towels, and floor drains to handle any water overflow. These extras make the Indonesian bathroom experience more comfortable and hygienic.
Mastering the Squat: How to Position Yourself Comfortably
Learning the proper squatting technique is crucial for comfort and effectiveness. Here are the easy steps to achieve the perfect squat position:
Step 1: Place your feet on the textured footrests, keeping your heels flat on the ground. This stable position balances your weight and helps you squat comfortably.
Step 2: For women, lifting a skirt or dress makes squatting easier. For men, pulling pants down just below the knees works well. If you can, wear shorts — less fabric means less hassle!
Step 3: Keep your knees pointing upwards and your back straight if possible. This posture helps with balance and ease.
Why Indonesians Choose Water Over Paper
Understanding how to use squat toilet Indonesia style means embracing the water-cleaning method. This isn’t just about hygiene – it’s about cultural respect and personal cleanliness that goes beyond what toilet paper can achieve.
Cultural Reasons:
- Traditional Islamic and Hindu practices emphasize water purification
- Considered more thorough than dry wiping
- Environmentally sustainable approach
- Cost-effective for families
Practical Benefits:
- Removes bacteria more effectively than paper
- Prevents irritation and rashes
- Leaves you feeling genuinely clean
- Reduces risk of urinary tract infections
The Left Hand Rule: Cultural Etiquette You Must Know
In Indonesian culture, hand designation follows strict rules:
Left Hand (Tangan Kiri): The left hand is traditionally considered the “unclean” hand in Indonesia and many parts of Asia because it’s used for this very purpose. Use your left hand to wash yourself while pouring water from the gayung with your right hand. For women, it’s best to wash from front to back to avoid infections.
Right Hand (Tangan Kanan): This is why it’s so important to remember which hand is which! In Indonesia, it is customary to eat, shake hands, and give or receive things with your right hand. The left hand is reserved for bathroom duties and is considered impolite for social interactions. It’s a system that makes a lot of sense, right?
This isn’t about being “dirty” – it’s about maintaining clear boundaries between different functions. Following this rule shows cultural respect and prevents uncomfortable social situations.
Cleaning Up: The Local Way and a Modern Alternative
In Indonesia, it’s customary to use water and your hand to clean yourself. Remember the “left-hand rule”—your left hand is for cleaning, and your right hand is for everything else, like eating and shaking hands. It might sound unusual, but it’s a practice that’s both effective and sensible.
Here’s how it’s done:
- For women: Use your left hand to wash from front to back, using water from the gayung to help the process. This helps prevent urinary tract infections.
- For men: The process is similar. Use your left hand to clean with water from the gayung, typically in a front-to-back motion.
A Modern Alternative: The Jet Shower
In more modern bathrooms, you might find a convenient alternative to the gayung—the jet shower. This handheld nozzle, attached to a flexible hose, provides a powerful and targeted stream of water. Think of it as a personal, high-pressure water gun for your hygiene. To use it, simply aim the nozzle at the right spot and gently press the trigger. It’s a favorite among travelers for its ease of use and a great option if you’re not comfortable with the hand and gayung method. Just be careful with the pressure! A gentle squeeze is all you need to start, and you can adjust it to your liking to avoid any surprises.
How To Use Gayung for Flushing
There’s no button or handle to press here. To flush, simply use the gayung to pour several scoops of water directly into the toilet hole. Continue to pour until everything has been flushed away and the toilet is clean for the next person. If you notice any mess around the toilet, be a good tourist and use a few splashes of water to clean it up. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Essential Tips for Squat Toilet Success
What to Always Carry
- Wet Wipes and Dry Tissues are your bathroom best friends. Pack small travel packs of wet wipes for extra cleaning power, and bring dry tissues to wipe your hands afterward. Keep everything in a waterproof pouch so they stay dry and ready to use.
- Small Change (2,000-5,000 Rupiah) is essential for public toilets. Most toilets at gas stations, tourist spots, and shopping areas charge around 2,000-5,000 rupiah (about 15-35 cents USD). Keep small bills in your pocket so you don’t have to ask for change at awkward moments.
- Pocket Security is super important because you’ll be moving around and squatting. Never put your phone, wallet, or keys in back pockets – they will fall out! Use a small waterproof pouch or front pocket instead. Many phones have taken unexpected swimming lessons in Indonesian toilets!
Advanced Tips for Frequent Users
Building Leg Strength makes squatting much easier over time. Practice squatting at home while watching TV or brushing your teeth to build up your leg muscles. Stretch your ankles and calves regularly, and think of it as part of your travel workout routine – you’ll thank yourself later!
Cultural Integration:
Learn basic Indonesian toilet-related vocabulary
- Kamar mandi = bathroom
- Toilet = toilet (yes, they use this word too!)
- Maaf, di mana toilet? = Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- WC = another common term for toilet (pronounced “way-say”)
- Permisi = excuse me (when you need to pass by someone)
- Terima kasih = thank you (for toilet attendants)
- Sabun = soap
- Air = water (pronounced “ah-eer”)
- Bersih = clean
Don’t be shy to ask locals for help – Indonesians are incredibly friendly and patient with foreigners learning their customs.
Mastering how to use squat toilet Indonesia style with these easy steps is more than just a practical skill – it’s your gateway to authentic Indonesian experiences. What seems challenging at first becomes natural with practice, and you’ll discover the health benefits and cultural wisdom behind this traditional approach.
Don’t let bathroom anxiety hold you back from exploring Indonesia’s incredible diversity. From bustling Jakarta streets to remote Javanese villages, confident toilet navigation opens doors to genuine local interactions and unforgettable adventures.
Ready to dive deeper into Indonesian culture? Understanding toilet etiquette is just the beginning. To truly connect with locals and navigate Indonesia like a pro, you need to speak the language. Check out our Indonesian Courses section to discover how BASANTARA’s 1-on-1 online lessons with native Indonesian teachers can transform your travel experience. Learn essential phrases, cultural nuances, and practical vocabulary that will make every aspect of your Indonesian journey – including those bathroom conversations – smooth and confident.
Pack your wet wipes, practice your squats, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Selamat jalan (safe travels)!
