Relocating overseas and living thousands of miles away from home can be a very difficult experience, for both yourself and your family. From learning a new language to finding the right home, enrolling your kids to the right school and simply adjusting to simple day-to-day activities can be very unsettling without the right guidance. It is even harder when you do not have your usual support system at your beck and call.
This is why it is always important to find and enroll yourself in expat communities wherever you are. Being an active part of one or more communities is an essential step in settling down in a foreign country, mostly because there is nothing like having a group of peers that understands and empathizes with your situation. These peers can also offer you survival tips, networking opportunities and other valuable resources that could further help your adjustment period.
There are a myriad of issues an expat faces and having a group of peers to bounce questions off of, can be incredibly reassuring, especially when they become long-term friends. There are a variety of expat communities to choose from based on a wide range of special interests. Below are some of the most popular communities in Jakarta – simply pick your preferred ones and be a part of it!
Read Also Upcoming Jakarta Expat Events You Don't Wanna Miss
ANZA JAKARTA
The Australia and New Zealand Association (ANZA) Jakarta was established in 1970 for expatriate Australians and New Zealanders to meet and share their experiences of living in Indonesia. They are a friendly, inclusive association and welcome members from all over the world.
ANZA House is now open to Members and their guests for specific activities, with COVID-19 protocol in place to protect our Members and Staff!
Find out what's happening at ANZA in the News section of the website. For the latest news and activities, check out their Facebook and Instagram. Regular activities include Friday Coffee Mornings, Playgroup, ANZA Adventures and Chill n' Chat evenings!
Become a member today to join in and get social with ANZA - Social activities - Social network - Social Welfare - all while social distancing!
For more information, get in touch via Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or email.
Join Friends of What's New Jakarta Meetup Group
The Friends of What's New Jakarta Meetup Group is a social group that brings together newcomers, expats, and locals in Jakarta. The group's goal is to build a community by meeting new friends, creating friendships, and providing support to each other. They meet up regularly to explore new places together and engage in various activities such as happy hours, lunches, movies, and more. The group is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, and it aims to create an environment where people can connect and build relationships. Whether you're new to Jakarta or have been living there for a while, the Friends of What's New Jakarta Meetup Group is a great way to meet new people, experience the city, and build a sense of community. Join here
Internations.org
While InterNations is not a physical community, it is the largest global network of International communities online. This site helps you connect with fellow expats or like-minded individuals both online and offline. It is an incredible way to exchange information, experiences as well as make new friends. InterNations also offers global networking opportunities and information on local events, activities and more. You will be able to find forums and expat-relevant information as well as destination guides, which provide valuable tips and information on the site.
InterNations membership is by approval only, which ensures the high quality of the network.
Expatnations
Expatnations Jakarta is a thriving community of expatriates living in Jakarta, Indonesia. The platform offers a space for members to connect, share experiences, and offer advice on various aspects of life in the city. Through social events and activities, such as language exchange groups and cultural outings, members can build a support network and make new friends.
https://www.instagram.com/expatnations
The Jakarta Players
The Jakarta Players is a popular non-profit community theatre group that provides English language entertainment for the capital’s theatre-loving community including musicals, dramas, comedy shows, and other forms of theatre arts. The Jakarta Players welcomes all nationalities to be involved in their community and there are many ways to do so, from directing to performing, stage-management, props, costumes, make-up, marketing and much more. The large group of dedicated volunteers help produce shows every year, where all the profits are donated to local charities. So be a part of Jakarta Players, where you are able to be part of a fun-loving community and provide entertainment while helping the community.
Indonesian Heritage Society
The Indonesian Heritage Society, Jakarta is a non-profit and multinational organization, which provides the opportunity for expats to learn more about Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage such as the nation’s history, traditions, and art through various activities. Some of these activities include tours, lectures, study groups and more, which are mostly conducted in English, however, there are special sections that conduct these activities in various languages including Chinese, French, Japanese and Korean.
Address: Sentral Senayan 1, 17th Floor, Jl Asia-Afrika (adjacent to Plaza Senayan)
Telephone: (+62 21) 572 5870
Email: [email protected]
www.heritagejkt.org
Women’s International Club (WIC)
Women’s International Club is a non-political, non-profit organization, which is exclusively open to women from all backgrounds. Currently, the members consist of 60% Indonesian women and 40% foreign nationalities. WIC provides women with the opportunity to mingle, meet new friends, exchange valuable information and be a part of activities and events happening around town.
Address: Gedung Nyi Ageng Serang, Jl H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. C-22, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan
Telephone: (+62 21) 526 3301 / 3302 / 3303
www.wic-jakarta.or.id
The BWA Jakarta
The BWA Jakarta has been offering friendship and support for women living in Jakarta since 1970 and has members from all over the UK and many other nations too (you don’t have to be British to join).
The BWA Jakarta have a home in Jakarta Selatan in Kabayoran Baru where members can meet for coffee and a snack, come to one of the many organized activities; quiz nights, coffee mornings, borrow books or join language and art classes. Open on Tuesday and Friday for BWA (AIA and AWA are at the house on Thursday & Monday/Wednesday).
If you are new to Jakarta, The BWA Jakarta can offer support and information to help you settle into your new home, and if you have been living in Jakarta for a while The BWA Jakarta can still get you involved in our various activities and events.Take a closer look at what the BWA can offer you. www.bwajakarta.org
Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association
The Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association is an association of Indonesian women who are married or have been married to men with foreign citizenship. Srikandi’s goal is to be a place to share, to support Srikandi members in times of need, to help and find solutions in times of trouble or whenever they are treated unfairly or denied justice. In this exclusive interview, the Chairman of Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association, Ani Natalia unveils her takes on the Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association.
website www.srikandi.org
Wine and Spirits Circle
Calling all wine lovers of Jakarta, Bali, and Lombok to the Wine and Spirit Circles. Be a part of this boozy community and enjoy monthly gatherings every last Friday of the month at different venues, which include wine tasting sessions and dinner. As a bonus, members of Wine and Spirits Circle are granted free corkage at many restaurants in Jakarta.
Address: VIN+, Jl Kemang Raya No. 45B, Jakarta Selatan
Telephone: (+62 21) 7179 2577
Email: [email protected]
Toastmasters Club in Indonesia
Established in 1979, Toastmasters Club in Indonesia aims to provide individuals with the opportunity to learn communication and leadership skills, as well as help, develop their self-esteem from a supportive and positive environment. There are 43 Toastmasters Clubs in Jakarta and 78 clubs in Indonesia, all of which are under Toastmasters International in the U.S.A, which you can be a part of with a small fee.
Address: Menara Kuningan F2 Floor, Alpha L Room, Jl HR Rasuna Said Kav 5, Karet Kuningan, Setiabudi, Jakarta Selatan
www.jakartatoastmastersclub.blogspot.com
www.toastmasters.org
Email: [email protected]
Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club (JFCC)
The Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club (JFCC) is a non-profit organization, which consists of more than 400 Indonesian as well as international journalists based in Indonesia working for international media. JFCC aims to serve the foreign journalist community by providing the opportunity to network with prominent people such as newsmakers, analysts, diplomats, foreign correspondents and Indonesia’s important decision-makers at their various gatherings. While these events are open to the public, JFCC members get significant discounts.
ASEAN Women’s Circle of Jakarta
Established in 1975 by Madame Nelly Adam Malik, wife of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, together with the wives of the ASEAN Ambassadors in Indonesia and other women officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia, the ASEAN Women’s Circle of Jakarta’s (AWC) mission is to gather like-minded women to promote and form solidarity and friendships. As members, you can be involved in various social-cultural activities as well as AWC’s fundraising efforts such as sports events, seminars, culinary demonstrations, fashion shows, gatherings and more.
Address: Jl Sisingamangaraja No. 70A, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
Telephone: (+62 21) 724 3372 / 726 2991: ext 219
awcjkt.wixsite.com/aseanwomenscircle
Email [email protected]
Jakarta Animal Aid Network
Calling all animal lovers! Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in Indonesia. There are two divisions to the community – Domestic and Wildlife animals. There are many ways you could be involved, from being a volunteer to providing foster homes and assisting in events.
www.jakartaanimalaid.com
Email: [email protected]
Read Also Expat Chambers of Commerce and Business Association in Jakarta