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 

Living in Jakarta

As an expat living in Jakarta, you will be living in Indonesia’s largest city. With its 9.8 million inhabitants, Jakarta is a metropolis with international flair. Read the InterNations Guide on Jakarta for more information on Southeast Asia’s “Big Apple,” from culture to healthcare.

Although Indonesia is perhaps not the highest ranking among expat destinations, life in Jakarta can be thrilling. Due to Indonesia’s long and turbulent colonial history, the influence of the Dutch and Portuguese are still prevalent. There are many traces from colonial times in Jakarta, from the buildings to the way the city itself is structured.

As the metropolis of Indonesia, Jakarta attracts many new residents from other parts of Indonesia. Not only are the residents of Jakarta relatively open-minded in respect to foreigners, but the mix of nationalities brings a unique flair to the city.

With quite a few cultural offerings to attract tourists, Jakarta successfully lures expats to its city center. The restoration of the Jakarta Arts Center, for example, along with a number of other buildings, means that the city can now boast some of the country’s best concerts and exhibitions.

Moving to Jakarta

Moving to Jakarta will take you to a bustling city, complete with skyscrapers and traffic jams. Indeed, Jakarta is often considered to be the “Big Apple” of Southeast Asia. Our guide on moving to Jakarta will help you with your move by providing you with advice on housing, education, visas and more.

The Big Apple (Big Durian) of Southeast Asia is the economic, political and cultural hub of the Indonesian archipelago. With almost 10 million inhabitants, it is the largest city in Indonesia. Jakarta is a fascinating place, even though it is fighting against the negative image of being a terrorist stronghold. This prejudice arose in the wake of violent terrorist incidents across Indonesia in the past decade. Actually, most expats in Jakarta are pleased with their decision to move to Jakarta and enjoy the city’s flair.