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 | 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.

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!

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).

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 | 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 | 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. 

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 

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.

Opening of Ra Stube and Birthday Celebration

Attended by more than 50 people and taken place at Ra Stube German Bar & Resto, Ms. Ira Lembong just celebrated her birthday on Monday evening 02/11. The party was started around 7pm and the house was full with the local and expat guests and friends. They sat together and enjoyed the meals served while having great conversation and laughter.

The menus served for this party were typical Germans cuisines, consisted  of appetizers, main courses and desserts. For salads there were Kani Salad and Spinach Salad, beside the Wurst (sausage) and Schitzel with optional sauces. For main courses there were the rice, noodles and completed with meats. Having finished enjoying the main course, there are dessert and some drinks provided. During the party, there was also Nasi Tumpeng that was specially made.

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.

Ra Residence, the Serviced Apartment with a New Approach

How many residential properties in Jakarta have been recently developed with high-tech while taking an eco-friendly approach in keeping with a green environment? You won't find many. Most buildings today seem to be built with some of the most high-tech facilities and equipment only. 

It is a great challenge indeed to balance efficiency with cost effectiveness in this day and age. Just imagine the difficulties of trying to balance a successful project taking energy saving technologies, i.e. water and electricity. The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from the daily elements of weather, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, there has been a shift taking these factors into consideration. Developing buildings that will be not only run more efficiently but also more effective for a healthily life as well!

This brings us to Cilandak area and a visit to Ra Residence, a brand new building catering to expatriates and  world business travelers, not to mention discerning residents of Jakarta and beyond. This new property represents a rare opportunity to balance prestigious urban living with established high tech go-green concepts!

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.

5 Best German Restaurant in Town

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.

Jl. Kemang Raya No. 2, Plaza Bisnis Kemang 1.
Opening hours: 10.00 - 01.00.

Die Stube | 18 Hot Spots for Bar Hopping in Jakarta

Die Stube has a real neighbourhood feel about it; it has a cosy interior and a happy and laidback vibe (think flip flops, shorts and a pint, rather than glitz and guest lists). It is popular with the German and expat community for its draft Erdinger Weissbier, home-made German sausages and dirndl clad waitresses. 

Die Stube also screens live football fairly regularly and hosts a number of good promotions (we are still waiting for another pork knuckle night!). This month they will host their own Oktoberfest on Friday 9^th and Saturday 10^th October. T: +62-21 71793486

Expats Behind the Burners of Jakarta’s Top Eateries

There is a vibrant culinary scene in Jakarta and expats are no stranger to it. French, German, Italian, Australian expats work in kitchens across the city, sharing the same passion for food in what can sometimes be a challenging environment. Sophie Chavanel visited seven expat chefs in their kitchens to find out how they ended up in Jakarta and what makes each restaurant stand out from the crowd. 

 

Ralf Schmidt

Restaurant: Die Stube

Age: 49

Nationality: German

Moved to Jakarta: 2012

What brought you to Jakarta?

After eight years in Bali, I was looking for a new challenge.

Where were you working before?

Kori restaurant Bar in Kuta.

What is the most difficult ingredient to find?

Quark, it’s a cheese from Germany we use for baking.

German Eats Get Delicate Tweaks in Jakarta

For most people, the idea of German food conjures up images of oversized portions of meat, mountains of mashed potatoes and pale, pickled vegetables. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But after eight years of serving up the old favorites in a smoky pub atmosphere, Die Stube in Kemang has decided to take things in a different direction with a new look, new menu and a new take on German cuisine.

The classics are all still there — gigantic schnitzels, potatoes fried in lard and sausages bursting at the skins — but chef Ralf Schmidt has added lighter items to the menu, introducing lean cuts of meat, delicate poached eggs and paper-thin crepes.

Owner Patrick Widjaja says the menu change marks Die Stube’s transition from pub to restaurant. “We used to be a small pub with German food,” he says. “But now we’re like a German restaurant with a pub on the side.” 

The pub area keeps the punters happy, with German beer on tap and football matches screened on weekends, while the newly opened restaurant area is smoke-free and family-friendly. It has already become a popular brunch spot for mothers to get together after dropping off their kids at the nearby international schools.