What is it like to move to and live in Jakarta?
The capital of Indonesia is a large, bustling city that attracts expats from all over the world.
In this interview I want to share practical information about what life in Jakarta is like, for anyone considering living here.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life in the place the expat now calls home, and share practical tips to help anyone who is thinking about moving to this destination.
Expat Life in Jakarta, Indonesia
Name: Jia Li
Age: 38
Home town: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Why Did You Move to Jakarta?
”I’ve always looked forward to the family holidays overseas or the getaways with my friends but I never thought further about moving abroad even though I had a great time living a year in Queensland, Australia as a student.
Home has always been Malaysia until destiny came knocking on my door. Through my work, I’ve been fortunate enough to be posted to Tokyo and then to Jakarta.”
What Do You Like About Living in Jakarta?
”The most wonderful aspect of living in Jakarta is the people. They are so welcoming, polite, kind and everyone seems to beam in this aura of santai (relaxed).
I’ve never felt intimidated, unsafe or scammed. This definitely put me at ease when I first moved here.
The country is developing fast. There’s a lot of new, impressive architecture surrounded by old buildings and squatter homes in a city bustling with so much going on.
You’ll see busy executives being chauffeured in their car and a few steps away, a man peddling his warung (food cart) while a hip-looking teenager hops off their gojek (motorbike taxi) and walks into a massive shopping mall.
Life in Jakarta may appear to be unruly but to me in many ways, it looks like a beautiful mess whenever I observe and think about their daily lives.
The digital revolution happening in the country has brought a lot of change and benefited many end consumers. You can get so much done through local apps – from ordering a taxi or getting food delivered to arranging cleaners and masseuses to your home.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
What Do You Dislike About Living in Jakarta?
”Traffic jams are the only big issue living in Jakarta. And that is why choosing where in the city you live, so that you are close to your work place/school is very important.
You get used to the traffic eventually.
The locals have no identifiable road rage and appear to have an infinite supply of tolerance while driving. The local drivers might even bring you on an adventure along the jalan tikus (small streets) that connect across the cities to help navigate through traffic quicker.
My rule of thumb is to avoid drinking any liquids an hour before you have to head out and make sure to go to the bathroom right before getting into the car. 🙂
Another minor thing I dislike about living in Jakarta is the lack of well-maintained public parks or running routes. But, they do have world-class gyms in the city that you can join.”
Is Jakarta Safe as a Place to Live?
”In general, Jakarta is a safe place to live especially if you reside in the CBD region.
This is based on my own personal experience as well as conversations with expats from other countries. But, just like with any large city, you should be attentive and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Jakarta?
”I enjoy getting a spa or massage session frequently because it’s very affordable in Jakarta and of great quality.
Heading to a salon for a traditional Indonesian cream bath hair treatment, getting relaxing body massages, or even ordering in the services to my home is one of the things I love about living in Jakarta.”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Jakarta?
”There are so many vibrant new concept cafes, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Indonesia has its own unique coffee culture and almost every cafe has its own charm with a creatively done ambiance to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
That is where I find myself mostly, in a cafe, reading a good book or catching up with friends. The area I live in in Jakarta is called Kemang, which has many great cafes. But anywhere in South Jakarta you’ll find many good options.
Some of my favorite F&B places are Toko Kopi Tuku, Liberica, Union and Loewy.
There is a lot of unique local food to try as well, apart from the usual nasi goreng, such as Manadonese food (very spicy, but it’s worth the sweat and tears). I’d recommend Beautika Restaurant. And there are many interesting local snacks you should try such as pempek (savory Indonesian fish cake made of fish and tapioca) or martabak manis (Indonesian style pancake filled with chopped peanut, chocolate sauce or cheese).”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Jakarta?
”Expat life in Jakarta is very different from life in a place like Bali where you bump into expats and tourists all the time. But, there is a diverse group of foreigners living in Jakarta and the mix of nationalities brings unique connections.
There are quite a number of well-run communities of expats that organize events, meetings and activities.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Jakarta?
”Depending on where you are from, getting into Indonesia, even as a tourist, may require a visa. And if you are looking to live here the visa process gets a bit more complicated.
The process is not as clearly defined and unless you speak the language it can get complicated and confusing. I would say it’s best to use a relocation consultant to help you with all the legal stuff.
Do some (online) research into the area you intend to live in and speak to as many expats and locals as you can before you move here, to get a good understanding of what your life in Jakarta will be like.
Housing remains the top priority when it comes to relocation and there are many condominiums and houses for rent. An important thing to know when renting in Jakarta is that it usually requires prepayment of between 6 to 12 months rent (depending on your negotiation with the agent/owner) plus the common 2 months rent equivalent as a deposit. This can be quite a hefty upfront payment!
If you move to Jakarta for a job and your company offers relocation assistance, be sure to check what they can do for you as far as rent prepayment.
There are many modern malls in the city. In fact, Jakarta is said to be the city with the most shopping malls in the world. This means most things are easily available.
There are many dining out options available and well-stocked supermarkets are conveniently located throughout the city. But, imported items such as good cheese and meats are limited and alcohol is heavily taxed.
Keep an open mind and have a sense of discovery if you decide to live in Jakarta. You’ll be amazed at what Jakarta has to offer. For one, it definitely has taught me patience and gratitude!”
Also Read: Living in Indonesia – Things to Know Before Moving Here
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to And/or Building a New Life in Jakarta?
”These are the resources I found the most useful when planning my move to and starting my life in Jakarta:
- Direktorat Jendral Imigrasi – Information about the immigration process & requirements, very useful before moving to Jakarta.
- Rumah123.com – For rental properties in Jakarta.
- Jendela360 – Another popular website for rental properties.
- NOW! Jakarta – Information about events & activities around the city (I joined some of the events and that’s how I met several expats living in Jakarta).
- Women’s International Club Jakarta – To join events and mingle with both local and expat women.
- Tokopedia – the biggest e-commerce site where you can find practically anything.
- Numbeo – Gives information about the cost of living in Jakarta.
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Jakarta?
”Jakarta is known as Asia’s top nightlife metropolis and is often referred to as the “city that never sleeps.” So I’d say you have to experience Jakarta’s nightlife at least once.
The Skye Bar would be a good option to sample the city’s nightlife while enjoying a breathtaking view. But there are many other good options such as Lucy in the Sky or Dragonfly, so no matter what type of nightlife you enjoy, you’ll find something that suits you.
The Old Town of Jakarta, commonly known as Kota Tua, is full of historic buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial period. It may not be as charming or grand as the historic center of some other cities in the world, but it is one of the best spots to visit in Jakarta if you want to learn about the city’s history.
But, I would say the best thing about living in Jakarta is getting out of Jakarta. You get to easily explore Indonesia’s beautiful destinations such as Bali, Labuan Bajo, Mount Bromo, etc.
Take a day trip north of the city to the Thousand Islands, a collection of 110 beautiful islands spread in the Java Sea. It’s only about a 90-minute boat ride from Jakarta to a beach paradise whenever you need a quick rejuvenation. Thousand Islands is a fantastic option for a quick trip that is not overly touristy, inexpensive, and easy to get to.”
Also Read: The Best Things to Do in Indonesia
About Li – An Expat Living in Jakarta
”My name is Li, a Malaysian who works in marketing and through my work, my expat journey began in 2015.
I’ve lived abroad ever since, exploring different cultures, learning little nuances, and meeting new interesting people that have truly enriched my life.
I’m happy I was able to share my experiences and tips for living in Jakarta and hope you found it useful!”
About Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia.
Located on the northwest coast of Java, the world’s most populous island, Jakarta is the largest city in Southeast Asia with a population of over 10 million people.
The city is Indonesia’s economic, cultural and political center.
Jakarta’s business opportunities, and its ability to offer a potentially higher standard of living than many other parts of the country, have attracted migrants from across the Indonesian archipelago and from many parts of the world. This has made the city into the melting pot of cultures it is today.
Jakarta is known for its heavy traffic and high level of pollution but also for its exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping areas.
Also Read:
- Facts About Indonesia – Some Interesting, Some Funny & Some Shocking
- 5 Great Reasons to Move Abroad
- Living & Working Abroad: What You Thought vs What It’s Really Like
- Interview About Living in Bali, Indonesia
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Thank you so much for helding this interview with Li, you wouldn’t know how much I appreciate to read this. Do you have Li’s contact that I could stay connect with her? I am a Malaysian too, recently has been thinking about living in indonesia soon due to marriage arrangement. There is so much to be prepared mentally. Would be great if I could ask her more about the life in long terms.
Thank you so much! Truly grateful,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you! Unfortunately because of privacy I can’t give you any contact details. Perhaps joining some of the events and networks she lists will help.
I hope your move to Indonesia goes well!