What comes to your mind when it comes to Indonesia? Is it a tropical haven stretching over 17,000 islands affluent with diverse cultural heritage, magnificent landscapes, and warm hospitality?
Indonesia has become a treasured destination for expatriates due to business opportunities, besides its beauty. The country’s economy is significantly based on mining, agricultural, tourism, and manufacturing activities - propelling the government to expand regulations to ease short-term and long-term international mobility over the years. More so the country’s major cities have their own charm no less appealing than the tranquil beaches and majestic mountains scattered.
It’s no wonder Indonesia has grown to be a choice for settlement. We’ve covered the ins and outs of moving to Indonesia below.
Ins and Outs Moving to Indonesia
What etiquette must I be aware of?
Acquainting a foreign country’s local culture and customs is a critical step to take. Indeed, culture shock could most probably arise at some point. But not being blindsided sounds better. The most common etiquettes include:
Avoid using your left hand to hand something to someone, pointing, and any other interaction because it is considered dirty, given that bathroom activities use the left hand.
Respect the elders. One way is to call them not by their name but pak (sir) and bu (madame). Miss is usually addressed as mba, kak, or gek (in Bali); whereas mas, bang, or bli (in Bali) refer to mister.
Dress appropriately. Some places and activities prefer modest clothing.
Leave nothing on your plate when you visit a local’s home or someone who has invited you over to eat. Having a clean plate indicates respect and appreciation of the food and the time provided by the host. Go for seconds if you wish - they will be even more thrilled!
Where should I stay?
Some expats don’t have the luxury of choosing a city to settle in since it’s normally predetermined by their companies. That could be Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, or Bandung. As for digital nomads, consider the job opportunities, cost of living, and personal preferences of a city. Bali is a popular destination for digital nomads - check out our tips here.
Available accommodation options include apartments, houses, and villas in urban centres and tourist destinations. Get in touch with reputable real estate agencies or familiarise yourself to explore the proximity to work, safety, facilities, and neighbourhood. Jakarta and Surabaya are home to several serviced apartments suitable for singles and families.
What visa do I need?
Whether you’re planning to work, retire or study, make sure to have the right visa secured. Refer to the Directorate General of Immigration’s official website, Molina, to get the details. To sum up, your appropriate visa could be the following:
KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) - work
Sosial Budaya Visa - cultural or educational purposes
Golden Visa - individual and corporation entities investors
Second Home Visa - living in Indonesia for five to 10 years and not work
How much is the cost of living?
The cost of living is relatively inexpensive in comparison to life in most Western countries and some Asian countries. Again, this does depend on lifestyle and location. Daily necessities are reasonably priced while imported goods are boosted with taxes. Hiring domestic help is possible too. It’s fairly affordable in Indonesia than other countries. Ultimately the decision falls back to you, based on your priorities and budget.
What can I expect from the healthcare sector?
Healthcare in Jakarta has improved over the years. But quality medical care outside of the capital is still relatively challenging. You can check out these private healthcare providers in Jakarta, Bali, and Bandung for your reference. They can be on the staggering side of the bill but with health insurance issued by your company or obtaining one individually will be helpful.
Where can I learn Bahasa Indonesia?
Bahasa Indonesia, or the Indonesian, is the country’s official language. Urbanisation has boosted English proficiency in major cities and tourist spots whereas most small areas can get everyday conversation going. You can step up your interactions and experiences with local vendors and alike by learning the local language here. Ask any tourist who has visited Indonesia and they’ll say “warm and friendly” when describing the locals.
Where can my children continue their education?
Numerous highly accredited international schools exist throughout Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Medan, and other urban cities. These renowned schools embed various curriculums, such as Cambridge, IB, AP, and more.
Below is a list of international schools according to region and curriculums:
How can I get around?
Traffic congestion is a dreadful aspect of many cities, especially in Jakarta. Rush hours and holiday seasons are the most mobile periods. You can always drive with your international driver’s permit in hand. Or, try out the public transportation. Jakarta has buses, trains, MRT, LRT, conventional and online taxis, and online motorcycle taxis (Gojek and Grab). While mobility in other cities mostly relies on buses, trains and online transportation services.
What Indonesian cuisine can I eat?
The gastronomy world is unique - diverse and flavourful spices of Indonesian cuisine intertwine seamlessly with renowned international cuisine prepared by talented expat and local chefs. On the local route, traditional dishes such as nasi goreng, martabak, gudeg (from Yogyakarta), and plenty more are worth trying. If you decide to eat from the street vendor, always ensure cleanliness to avoid a case of the Bali belly. Check out some of the best Indonesian restaurants in Jakarta and Bali to start your culinary adventure.
How can I connect with the expat community?
Fellow expats stay in touch through business groups, social clubs, volunteer organisations, social media groups, online forums and offline events. What’s New Indonesia lists expat events in Jakarta, perfect for newcomers and long-stayers to connect, exchange support, and find information.