The Cultural Superpower That Builds Unstoppable Teams

When talking about Indonesian culture, there's one term that's key to understanding how communities function and flourish: gotong royong. This idea isn't just about working together. It's a way of life that's ingrained in how Indonesians do things, how they deal with problems, and how Indonesians get things done, all across society.

What is Gotong Royong?

The term “gotong royong” basically means “mutual assistance”, or “working together voluntarily for the common good”. It reflects a collective mindset in which everyone is thinking the same, and they are more focused on the group’s or community’s success than on their own. In practice this means helping a neighbour build a house, cleaning a village temple together, preparing and contributing to a wedding ceremony in the whole village together, or stepping in to support a team member without being asked.

This communal spirit is not limited to rural villages or traditional settings, it still continues to be a big deal in modern workplaces too, including hotels, villas, and tourism businesses all over Indonesia.

Why it matters in the Hospitality Industry

Understanding gotong royong is essential for any villa owner or manager who works with an Indonesian team.

For example:

• A gardener might help clean the villa if housekeeping is overwhelmed.

• A receptionist might offer to carry bags if the porter is busy.

• Staff can help each other out without expecting anything in return.

This isn’t about stepping out of line. It’s an expression of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Leveraging Gotong Royong in Villa Operations

Here at Pulau, we’ve seen for ourselves how getting everyone on board with the spirit of “gotong royong” can totally transform villa operations. When we encourage and support this cultural value, it creates a strong sense of community, reduces tension, and improves service delivery, especially in smaller teams where flexibility is key.

Here’s How Villa Owners and Managers Can Encourage Everyone to Work Together:

• Celebrate the moments where your team members support each other. It’s important to recognise the efforts of the whole group, not just the individual results. 

• Avoid overly strict job descriptions. Make sure there’s room for different teams to work together.

• Lead by example. When leadership and management models collaborative behaviour, it sets the tone for the whole team.

• Set some shared goals. When everyone feels like they are part of a bigger mission, they’re more likely to step in and help.

A Value That Builds more Than Villas

Gotong Royong isn’t just about working together. It’s also about a sense of belonging. It’s the social glue that binds communities, teams, and families across Indonesia. If you’re a foreign villa owner or manager, embracing this value can help you build a stronger bond with your team and create a more harmonious work environment.

At the end of the day, understanding cultural values like “gotong royong” isn’t just about better communication. It is about showing respect. When team members feel seen, valued and supported, you can see the results yourself: motivated staff, smoother operations and guests who feel the warmth of a truly collaborative environment.