Ra Residence | Happy Chinese New Year 2016!

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Every year is represented by a zodiac animal sign. 

 

What Do People Do?

Chinese New Year is the most important and longest of all Chinese festivals, celebrated in Chinese communities worldwide. Chinese New Year activities include: making offerings to household deities, wearing new clothes, particularly in red, hosting a large banquet for family and friends and taking part in lion and dragon dances, as well as festive parades featuring acrobatic demonstrations, beating gongs, and clashing cymbal. 

Ra Residence | Welcome to Modern City Jakarta!

Home to over 10 million people, Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the sacred and the worldly. Its population comprises of all ethnic groups in the Indonesian archipelago, living under the national motto: Bhineka Tunggal Ika, meaning:  Unity in Diversity.

Spanning an area of 661 square kilometers (255 sq mi) Jakarta is one of the world's largest cities. Capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta is an autonomous province consisting of five municipalities, namely : Central Jakarta, North, West, East and South Jakarta and the District of Pulau Seribu or the Thousand Islands.

Ra Residence | Useful Tips: Do's and Don'ts in Jakarta

Jakarta, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

Ra Residence | Business Traveler Info: Health and Safety in Jakarta

Dehydration and Sunburn
The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveller. Drink plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss and remember that alcoholic drinks make dehydration worse, not better. Make sure you pack suitable clothes for a warm humid climate.

Mosquitoes
Due to the constant humid climate, mosquitoes tend to be present throughout the year. The three most significant diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is Dengue Fever. To repel mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods, apply an insect repellent containing DEET to your skin or clothing.

Demand for Serviced Apartments Outstripping Supply, Says New Report

4th edition of Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report published

Demand for serviced apartments is growing faster than new supply is coming on-stream, as an increasingly-mobile global workforce drives business travel and relocation activity. But whilst global apartment brands are expanding into new and emerging economies and new sub-brands are launched, the industry is no nearer the levels of standardisation in product and distribution required by corporates.

These are just two of the findings in the fourth edition of the Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report, published by Travel Intelligence Network for The Apartment Service, which includes the findings of a new survey conducted amongst corporates, TMCs and apartment operators, as well as an overview of global supply and demand trends and individual regional reports.

10 Reasons To Stay in Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are fast becoming a popular choice for leisure and business travellers in London and major cities around the UK. If you're looking for a place to live rather than just sleep, they're the ideal accommodation solution. But what does a serviced apartment stay include and what are the benefits?

24-hour concierge

Service by name, service by nature... and most serviced apartments provide 24-hour concierge service. Assisting guests with individual travel and social arrangements, each concierge is a master of organisation. Armed with inside knowledge of the local area and its transport links, delivery services, theatre showings and restaurants, these stress-busting wizards help make your stay something really special.

Ra Residence | Useful Info: New Work Permit Regulations in Indonesia

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is glad to share useful tips and information regarding regulation and other related issues for expatriates who are living in Jakarta.

Indosight.com | To work legally in Indonesia, you must have a work permit (IMTA). Based on the work permit (IMTA), the Indonesian Immigration will issue your limited stay permit (VITAS) and the limited stay permit card (KITAS). 

In this article, I should explain what it will take to obtain a work permit (IMTA), what can be expected during the process of getting one, and other necessary details. The information I am going to share will be based on two legal instruments: the Work Permit Regulation (No. 16/2015) and its October 2015 update (No. 35/2015). We will keep visible here the details which the newer regulation has changed. Many agents are unaware of these changes, and may provide you with incorrect information. Should you need further assistance on securing your work permit in Indonesia, feel free to contact us!

Expatriates Community Organization in Indonesia

Below is a listing of expatriate community organizations, associations, clubs and country-based societies (click for the link):

Adoptive Families of Indonesia

Al-Anon

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia (AmCham)

American Women's Association of Indonesia (AWA)

ASEAN Women's Circle of Jakarta

Asociacion Iberoamericana

Australian & New Zealand Association (ANZA)

Belgium & Luxembourg Indonesia Club

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts

Bridge Groups

Tips for Moving Abroad With Your Family

Visit www.raresidence.com for your option to stay in Jakarta! 

Turn relocating abroad into a positive experience for your family with these tips for making an international move with children 

We all know that moving abroad can be a stressful experience on its own – and even more so when family is added into the mix. An international relocation itself requires lengthy planning, preparation and effort – but what about preparing your family for such a big change?

Moving can be a traumatic experience for any family, regardless of the reason for the move, be it a positive one or a serious change in circumstance. Moving almost always means leaving something behind, whether memories, loved ones, family or friends. Our tips can help you ensure your moving experience is a positive one, allowing your family to focus on making new memories in their new home.

Preparing your children for the move

Whatever stage of the moving process you’re in, it can be particularly emotional and distressing for children in the family – particularly younger kids, who may feel confused by the big change. Adults tend to focus on the practicalities of the move, whereas children are more likely to see the losses that moving will bring. Each family is different, some children may take the move in their stride and even be excited about the big day, while others may be worried about changing schools or making new friends. 

Expat Guide | Jakarta Entertainment

Jakarta’s entertainment is mostly centered around malls. The nightlife is surprisingly lively. Drinks for two are around Rp. 100.000 – 200.000 (around USD 10 – 20) and to enter a club you have to rake out another Rp. 80.000 – 100.000 (around USD 8 – 10) per person.

The cinemas here are also mostly located in malls. Watching movies in Jakarta is a very cheap way to keep yourself occupied, at only Rp. 15.000 (around USD 1.5) on weekdays and Rp. 35.000 (around USD 3.5) on Fridays and weekends. State of the art, plush Blitz Megaplex offers comfy seats, big screens, surround sound and some English subtitled films.

Concerts are also a popular passtime. Over the years, many music promoters have succeeded in bringing international artists to perform in Jakarta. The ticket price for attending a music concerts varies depending on the artist performing. It can range from reasonable Rp. 300.000 – 700.000 (around USD 30 – 70) to over the top at Rp. 700.000 – Rp. 2.000.000 (around USD 70 – 200).

Ra Residence | Why Staying in Serviced Apartment?

Here are some reasons why discerning executives and travellers preferrably stay in serviced apartments rather than in hotels! It has become more popular to stay in serviced apartments instead of hotels among expatriates who expect more personal services, and family travellers who prefer to stay in a two or three-bedroom apartment with a kitchen rather than connecting rooms. Serviced apartments are furnished apartments with amenities such as kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms that are rented out for either short-term or long-term stays.

Cost effectiveness of Serviced Apartments

Serviced Apartments offer competitive rates that generally reduce according to the length of your stay. Hotels charge for single or double occupancy, whereas serviced apartments charge per apartment. For example if you booked a one-bedroom apartment which can accommodate up to 2 people, you pay the same whether it is for 1 person or 2 persons. In addition, you can avoid pricy hotel breakfasts and room services by cooking for yourself using the apartment's kitchen and dining facilities. The cost effectiveness of serviced apartments is making them second home for expatriates and business executives on the move.

Jakarta | The Multicultural City

In Jakarta, local culture, Betawi, fuse with European, Indian, Chinese, and Arab influences. In the 4th century AD, Jakarta, then named Sunda Kelapa, was already known as a busy port of the Hindu Pajajaran kingdom where were settlements of traders from China, India and Arabia, as well as of ethnic groups from the many islands in the Indonesian archipelago who came to trade predominantly in pepper. During the European Age of Discovery in quest of the Spice Islands, the first Portuguese vessel anchored here in 1522 and carried home a large cargo of precious pepper.

Ra Residence | Expat Guide: Working in the Capital City

Are you thinking of working in Jakarta, also known as the “Big Durian” or “Big Apple”? Indonesia’s capital and largest city, as well as its economic and political center, has plenty of job opportunities. Our guide on working in Jakarta provides info on the economy, visas and health.

As is common for many megacities, Jakarta encompasses all walks of life from wealth to poverty. Although most people employed in Jakarta’s center and its skyscrapers are well off, the other side of the coin is a wide strip of slum landscape surrounding the city. When living and working in Jakarta, you need to be able to deal with such extremes. Working in Jakarta will, like any move to a foreign city, have its ups and downs.

Jakarta: Economic Overview

Much of the economy in Indonesia is dependent on government funding. Expatriates looking for a job in Jakarta will have more luck in the service sector, or the financial, banking and trading sectors. Jakarta is home to the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), which has a significant influence on global markets.

Ra Residence | Expat Guide: Choosing a Preschools in Indonesia

Within large cities in Indonesia you will find a wide variety of preschool options for your young children. From informal play groups with friends, to neighborhood kindergartens (taman kanak-kanak or TK), to international standard preschools - your needs will be met.

Some preschools organize Moms and Tots programs for 1-2 year olds who are preparing to enter a preschool program. There are also many extracurricular activities, including physical play, music, art and other social opportunities for young children which are organized by community organizations or through commercial entities.

What's most important is to find the preschool experience that you feel is most appropriate for your child. If you are looking for a more Asian academic setting to prepare for elementary school or an open experience and creative play orientation, there is a school that will match your requirements.

Ra Residence | Expat Guide: Shopping in Jakarta

Shopping can be seen as a national sport for Indonesians, both honorary and native. The immense variety of shopping malls, markets and boutiques makes Jakarta a shopper’s paradise. Like most countries in Asia, Jakarta boasts extravagant world-class malls with designer stores galore, as well as smaller local designer boutiques. Renowned designers and interior decorators often visit Jakarta and showcase their latest creations both at runway shows and special exhibitions at the many malls around the city. 

Malls in Jakarta

Visiting shopping malls is a central activity in the lives of many Jakartans. Malls provide an escape from the heat, humidity and rain, and the many entertainment options makes them pivotal in the lifestyle of Jakartans and expats alike. Shopping malls in Jakarta can be described as lifestyle centres. Expats can leave the mall with a fresh new haircut, after getting a massage, enjoying international cuisine and buying stationary, a pair of shoes, and food for their pets. Malls are truly the cornucopia of shoppers, where products are bountiful, ever-changing and always following the latest trends.

Ra Residence | CITOS Cilandak Town Square

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is located in strategic area with easy access and surrounded by commercial buildings and shopping mal. Cilandak Town Square is the nearest shopping center to be reached from our apartment. This mal becomes one of Jakarta's many landmarks to discover. Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta provides vehicle for our guests who will visit Cilandak Town Square and it takes 1 minutes only to be reched. 

Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta is located in South Jakarta’s Cilandak Barat area, a 45 minute drive from Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Warm and cozy, this serviced-apartment offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Ra Residence Simatupang Jakarta enjoys easy access to Cilandak Commercial Estate and Pondok Indah Shopping Mall. Overlooking the surrounding greenery, rooms at Ra Residence are equipped with flat-screen cable TV and air conditioning. Private bathrooms come with standing shower facilities. 

Ra Residence | Deepest Condolence #prayforjakarta

Our deepest condolences for all of the victim's family of Sarinah bombing this afternoon. May you all rest in peace. Please stay safe, especially all of our dear families and friends in Jakarta. Let's pray for the peaceful Jakarta and safety for everyone #PrayForJakarta
 

Jakarta Post | At least five of the 24 victims injured in the vicious attack at the Sarinah department store on Thursday were police officers, showing that the attack was aimed at the police, National Police deputy chief Com. Gen. Budi Gunawan has said.

“The five police officers were severely injured by gun or shrapnel wounds. Meanwhile, five alleged terror attackers and two civilians died. One of the fallen civilians was an expatriate,” he said as quoted by tribunnews.com in Jakarta on Friday.

Ra Residence | Apartment Living in Jakarta

In some countries, apartment living previously indicated a social or economic stigma. Many people saw it as a compromise, driven by financial and utilitarian necessity rather than social and aesthetic advantages. Common thinking was that apartment living meant too little privacy, too much noise, little or no access to personal outdoor space, undesirable neighbors and unpredictable increases in rent or condominium fees.

This is no longer the case in Jakarta. Over the past ten years Jakarta has seen an explosion in the development of a wide variety of apartment facilities. Apartment living is quickly becoming a social status symbol as many of the complexes offer very convenient and desired locations, five-star facilities and luxurious interiors, enabling the dwellers a unique city living experience. Depending on the person/family’s individual situation and lifestyle, and the ever-increasing time drain of being caught up in long delays due to traffic jams, apartment living near the work place is beginning to make more sense than owning or renting a house.

Ra Residence | Visual Jalanan: Amplifying Voices from the Urban Fringe

“History is important and impossible to erase.”

Indonesian cities are hard to love. Aside from a few exceptional urban districts, the streets in Indonesian cities are typically bleak, chaotic and dirty, a symptom of years of poor delivery of public urban infrastructure.

If asked to describe an Indonesian street you might mention the unfinished structural walls enclosing major highways, miserable underpasses, dangerous or non-existent footpaths, or the fortress-like walls surrounding private residences. But the streets are arguably the only truly public spaces in many Indonesian cities, spaces that are accessible to all elements of the country’s fragmented urban society. These urban scars and hardscapes are also the canvases for visual culture documented by Visual Jalanan.

Ra Residence | Serviced partment, Temporary Housing

After your arrival in Jakarta, you and your family will be spending an enormous amount of energy trying to set up your new lives. The immediate tasks include: getting settled into your job, finding a house or apartment, getting your kids enrolled in school, buying or leasing a car, learning your way around town, hiring household staff, getting involved in the community and making new friends. 

Your company may advise or require you to stay in a hotel or serviced apartment until you are able to locate suitable housing. If this is the case, ask the company to book you in a hotel or apartment that is near the neighborhood you are most likely to live in. Hotel Kristal is a favorite choice, because it is conveniently located to the Cilandak or Pondok Indah Campus of the Jakarta Intercultural School and your children can start school from this temporary residence while you seek a permanent home. 

Ra Residence | A Foreign Investor’s View: Will Indonesia’s Economy Recover?

By James Castle | After five years of steadily deteriorating economic performance, the Indonesian economy may be in the process of turning around. After reaching a 21st-century high of 6.4 percent in 2010, the country’s GDP growth rate has been lower every year since. It is unlikely to be higher than 4.7 percent this year, the lowest level since the 2009 global crisis.

There are now some signs that the slump may be ending, however, and 2016 growth may exceed five percent. What caused the last five years of decline? What is causing the fledgling recovery and what are its prospects for success?

Ra Residence | Expat Guide: Healthcare Services and Facilities

Are you moving to Jakarta and are interested in learning about healthcare options for you and your family? In this article, Expatmedicare examines Jakarta's healthcare system and facilities, helping you stay informed about the best options medically for you and your family.

While Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, is becoming a hot destination for expats relocating to Southeast Asia, one of the most important things to be informed of is the state of its healthcare system. Nationally, Indonesia’s healthcare system is not up to par with neighboring or regional countries, such as Singapore or Thailand, although there are a growing number of private facilities and some improving public facilities in Jakarta. Yet for emergency or planned surgeries, many expats still prefer to go to neighboring countries for better care, making international medical insurance coverage a must-have item for those moving to Indonesia.

The Reality of Living in Jakarta

You might have heard ‘scary’ things about Jakarta: the maddening traffic, heartbreaking poverty, even terrorist attacks targeting expatriates. If you are considering an offer to relocate to Jakarta, it is no wonder you are very concerned about your family’s wellbeing!

But let us tell you the truth: living in Jakarta is actually not as scary as you thought. It is truly exciting and fulfilling! In HSBC Expat Explorer Survey which involves more than 7,000 expats in 37 countries, Indonesia ranked twelfth in the world with economics and experience criteria. Expats who are living in Indonesia reports very positive experience living there, according to the survey. So, there is a very good chance that you and your family would find your happiness in Jakarta, Indonesia too! 

9 Things to Consider When Moving to Jakarta

So you’ve made the decision, you are moving to Jakarta! A new adventure and once you’ve come to terms with the macet, the noise, and the smell,  the city is just brimming with things to be explored. But what are the things essential in settling in Jakarta? You’re new, without friends, and not knowing how to cross the road! Here are some things that you can consider once you have collected your bearings and ready to start a life in the city: 

1. Where to Live? 

With the utmost consideration to Jakarta’s traffic and the immense size of the city, you’ll want to pick a house/apartment that’s reasonably close to where you/or your spouse works and your children go to school. Many expats favor central & south Jakarta, including Kemang, due to their proximity to many of the international schools, and the abundant choice of international restaurants, bars and shops.  It is where the of Jakarta’s premium business districts are located. The only downside of this area would only be its higher prices than most of other areas. 

2. Visa & Permits

For first timers to Indonesia, this can be a real hassle. Having to deal with immigration office and knowing the actual rules and steps, is a challenge even for those that have lived in the country for decades. Even the officials themselves might not know the regulations that they need to enforce! Do note that visas or temporary stay permits can take weeks or even months to be ready. So make sure with your employer or organization that all the permits and visas line up and ready by the time you need to relocate. If you are responsible for your and your family’s permits, make sure you choose a trusted agent or relocating firm to help you 

7 Best German Restaurants in Jakarta

Your search for the best tall glass of cold German beer, the tastiest fall-off-the bone pork knuckle and juiciest wurst ends here; we list some of the best places in Jakarta to enjoy Bavarian cuisine with a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

1. Die Stube

Established in 2004, Die Stube has always been a welcoming hideaway where regulars and newcomers alike would come and enjoy authentic German cuisine and linger over cold beer.  In the expert hands of executive chef, Ralf Schmidt the restaurant’s menu has become the talk of the town featuring mouthwatering German specialties such as Rinder Roulade (Beef Roll) as well as an assortment of homemade German sausages. The cozy yet lively bar area still draws in guests for its pub ambiance. Those who like sports will undoubtedly enjoy the facilities the stube has to offer. Die Stube boasts 7 flat-screen TVs in addition to its 3 large screen projectors.

Address: Jl. Kemang Raya no 2, Plaza Bisnis Kemang 1, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730
Phone: (021) 71793486
Open: 10.00 – 01.00 daily www.diestube.co.id 

Ra Residence | New Year's Eve!

See how did we celebrate it! 

New Year’s Eve is a day of mixed feelings for many people. On one hand, it is a time to celebrate the end of the year gone by and welcome what is in store in the New Year. On the other hand, some people experience a sense of nostalgia as they reflect on the events that took place in their lives in the past 12 months. Many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions at this time of the year.New Year’s Eve is a day of mixed feelings for many people. 

On one hand, it is a time to celebrate the end of the year gone by and welcome what is in store in the New Year. On the other hand, some people experience a sense of nostalgia as they reflect on the events that took place in their lives in the past 12 months. Many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions at this time of the year.On one hand, it is a time to celebrate the end of the year gone by and welcome what is in store in the New Year. On the other hand, some people experience a sense of nostalgia as they reflect on the events that took place in their lives in the past 12 months. Many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions at this time of the year.