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Moving to Indonesia
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Expats moving to Indonesia will find themselves in a colourful and exotic country, consisting of a vast archipelago stretching over more than 17,000 islands with an ethnically and culturally diverse population of over 260 million people.
Rich in natural resources, the country acquires most of its wealth from gas, oil and other mining activities, and most expats moving to Indonesia do so in order to work in these sectors. The telecommunications industry and teaching English are other attractions for expats seeking work in Indonesia.
Most expats find themselves living in the popular tourist hub of Bali and the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta, the country's capital and economic, cultural and financial centre. The more remote mining areas in the Papua region also attract a fair share of expats.
Obtaining a visa or work permit for Indonesia can be a frustrating process and one riddled with bureaucracy. Even more frustrating for expats planning a move to or already living in Indonesia is the fact that the requirements and processes for obtaining a visa change constantly.
The cost of living in Indonesia can be inexpensive compared to life in many Western countries. After accommodation, education will likely be an expat parent's biggest expense. There are numerous schooling options, with a number of international schools operating in Indonesia, most of which are in Jakarta.
Indonesia's healthcare sector is considered quite poor and certainly not up to Western standards, particularly outside of Jakarta. Any serious medical conditions will likely see expats having to seek medical attention outside of the country, typically in Singapore. Increasing air pollution in Indonesian cities is a further health hazard.
Expats living in Indonesia, particularly Westerners, may take time to adjust to the conservative culture of the region. Local culture is largely influenced by Islam, which is the dominant religion in the country. Female expats, especially, will find themselves having to make adjustments. Men are generally viewed in higher regard than women, dress is conservative and the concept of personal space differs greatly from what expats may expect.
Indonesia is an exciting expat destination, but it's certainly a country that is not without its challenges. The most prominent safety issue is the ongoing threat of terrorism. Attacks have taken place in the past and these have specifically targeted Westerners. Nevertheless, Indonesian authorities have made a concerted effort to address the problem, and there have been no significant recent incidents.
Indonesian cities have grand modern offices and tower blocks marking their skylines, in contrast to overpopulated shanty and slum areas representing the poverty that the vast majority of Indonesians continue to live in. Outside of city limits, the country has landscapes of volcanic mountains, tropical beaches and jungles, which can offer expats a relaxed and outdoor lifestyle, and many attractions for a weekend break from working life. However, with a hot and tropical climate, it may take a while for expats coming from cooler climates to get used to the humidity, which is present all year round.
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"The best thing about Jakarta is definitely the people. Both locals and expats are so friendly that it actually makes it hard to leave this city." Read more about Spanish expat Lidia's expat life in Jakarta.
"Vibrancy, chaos, culture. I don't really know how to put it in exact words; Jakarta is like a mixed salad, there's a mix of everything and when you put all together, it actually tastes pretty good." Learn more about what Singaporean expat Cassandra has to say about living in Jakarta.
Are you an expat living in Indonesia?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Indonesia. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.