Jakarta at Glance | 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.

Recommended Expat Blogs: Jakarta

In our InterNations Recommended Blog section we let you take the spotlight! Expat life in general is, of course, a perfect breeding ground for great, user-generated reads, and life in Jakarta makes no exception. Take your time and browse the great blogs showcased in this article!

Everybody who has spent time in a different country knows that expat life is not quite like anything else in the world. The confusion of the first few days and weeks, the slow, but steady process of acclimation, the little peculiarities and quirks that might strike you about your new surroundings: almost any situation you encounter can make for a great story. If you are so inclined and want to blog about it, of course!

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.

Jakarta at Glance | Living in the Metropolitan City

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.

Beautiful House for Beautiful Family Living

Pondok Indah, literally means "beautiful house", is a district famed for its tropical and has been one of the cities poshest and most affluent residential areas. There are tree lined streets and huge mansions, where the local people or foreign residents take it for some particular reasons. You can find some international and national-plus schools around, and also some entertainment and recreation at Pondok Indah Malls I and II, where you can find the popular water park and classy golf course. 

Pondok Indah, the Beverly Hills of Jakarta

Pondok Indah is an upscale residential area in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, Indonesia. Dubbed the 'Beverly Hills' of Indonesia, this is a much sought-after suburb by expatriates due to the proximity to the Jakarta International School. Ciputra and Brasali, Indonesia's pioneers real estate developer and the Metropolitan Kentjana Group built Pondok Indah in the 70s into the most prestigious and complete residential complex and commercial area in Indonesia.

Reportedly, the median salary for expatriate residents is US$357,200 annually plus benefits; however, this is difficult to verify as the Indonesian government does not publicly release these figures. Houses in this suburb can run upwards to millions of U.S. dollars. Many mansions in the area comprise one to three floors, with designated quarters for household staffs. Many of the larger mansions are inhabited by wealthy Indonesians. The 'Jakarta Post' estimates that 74.5% of residents in Pondok Indah are expatriates, following their annual survey of Indonesia. (Jakarta Post, issue 6 edition 21, January 6, 2007) Most expatriate children in the suburb attend the Jakarta International School. Younger children are commonly accompanied to school by their nannies.

Living in Apartment in the Center of Jakarta | Batavia Apartment

Batavia Apartment located in Central Jakarta, provides such a concept of serviced residences for expatriates who living or staying in Jakarta. The location is strategic since it is close to the heart of the Golden Triangle, Jakarta's business district. 

Batavia Apartment serviced residences offer various kind of the amenities and services of a five-star hotel, while living amongst a community of expats from around the world. Hence it has become a premier housing choice for some expatriates. The extensive facilities cater to its tenants' recreation, leisure and business needs include inhouse mini market, restaurant, pool side bar, internet access and 24 hours security. For sport lovers, there are swimming pool, tennis court, squash court, sauna, jacuzzi, masseuse and street basket ball court provided. 

Batavia Apartment | Good Unit and Good Furniture

Batavia Apartment provides such a concept of serviced residences for expatriates who living or staying in Jakarta. The location is strategic since it is close to the heart of the Golden Triangle, Jakarta's business district. Batavia Apartment serviced residences offer various kind of the amenities and services of a five-star hotel, while living amongst a community of expats from around the world. Hence it has become a premier housing choice for some expatriates.


The extensive facilities cater to its tenants' recreation, leisure and business needs include inhouse mini market, restaurant, pool side bar, internet access and 24 hours security. For sport lovers, there are swimming pool, tennis court, squash court, sauna, jacuzzi, masseuse and street basket ball court provided.

Living in Pondok Indah Exclusive Area of Jakarta

Stately mansions line the major thoroughfare of Jl. Metro Pondok Indah, just south of Pondok Indah Mall I, II and III. A well planned community with tree-lined streets. Pondok Indah is the closest neighborhood to the Cilandak campus of Jakarta Intercultural School. Although it is a newer neighborhood compared to the Kemang or Cipete areas, the houses often lack the backyards that are a much enjoyed asset in the older expat neighborhoods. 

The commute to the the Golden Triangle could be as long as 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your destination and traffic congestion. Commute time to the British International School from the Pondok Indah area is around 45 minutes, however because the commute is going against the flow of traffic into the city, typically it is a smooth commute.

Great Home at 'Sunday Market' Area

Pejaten is a strategic location around Pasar Minggu, literally means Sunday Market, which was a fruit cultivation area developed by the Dutch government during the colonial period. The central point of the cultivation area is the traditional market of Pasar Minggu which still busy until today, regardless some shopping malls around are developed. 

House for Rent at Pejaten, Pasar Minggu 'Sunday Market' South Jakarta | List ID 5578
Detail and Facilities: 3BR, 2 bathroom, 1 maid room, 1 maid bathroom, 300 sqm land size, 250 sqm building size, furnished, excellent condition, 3300 electricity power, SHM certificate.

Permata Hijau Area May Become Great Choice!

Permata Hijau, literally means 'green diamond', it is an area where you may not find such giant shopping malls or office buildings but it makes a perfect option for the families who have children. There are plenty of greenery surrounds and scheduled back streets make Permata Hijau suitable, either for you or your family who like taking morning walks or jogging. 

From world renowned designer labels to specialty Indonesian goods that are found nowhere else, the city of Jakarta pulls out all the stops when it comes to an all-encompassing retail experience. Frequented by shopaholics from across the region and the globe the sheer diversity of shopping venues on offer in the Indonesian capital makes it one of the most shopper-friendly areas in the country. Littered with sky scraping malls and sprawling traditional markets shopping in Jakarta is anything but ordinary as bargains and fantastic deals can be had at every turn.

Premhouse Useful Info | 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.

Living in Duren Sawit Area in East Jakarta

Refer to Wikipedia, Duren Sawit is a subdistrict (kecamatan) of East Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia. The rough boundaries of Duren Sawit are I. Gusti Ngurah Rai road to the north, Kali Sunter to the west, and Kali Malang to the south. The subdistrict borders the subdistricts of Jatinegara to the west, Cakung and Pulo Gadung to the north, and Makasar to the south, and Bekasi to the east. Duren Sawit was part of Jatinegara Subdistrict until 1990. The subdistrict of Duren Sawit was established with the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 60 year 1990.

If you're looking currently for property here, a house unit available for sale in Duren Sawit area, with a great condition. For further information, please contact Premhouse Marketing: +Eta Maryani at +62-819-3292-2101 or  +62-852-15056858 | BB PIN 74196afa or email eta@mediapura.com

Jakarta, Indonesia: Five Things to Do in the City

Jakarta is a fascinating city. I say this about many places we visit, but each one brings unique experiences. Yes, it’s not the cleanest place in the world, and it has few historical sights, but if you scratch the surface there’s lots to enjoy on a visit to Indonesia’s sprawling capital. Here’s what we discovered on our recent trip.

Elegant Property in Pondok Indah Area

The commute to the the Golden Triangle could be as long as 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your destination and traffic congestion. Commute time to the British International School from the Pondok Indah area is around 45 minutes, however because the commute is going against the flow of traffic into the city, typically it is a smooth commute. 

While a lot of the appeal for you is the proximity to the school, it really is pretty nice to live in Pondok Indah area. The neighborhood is frequent and there is also a lot less open burning of trash, which is nice. You can run outside on well-maintained, low traffic streets, surrounded by trees, instead of stepping across broken asphalt worrying that you will have to jump into a filthy canal to avoid the motorcyclist whizzing by. That's a huge benefit that makes nearly every day significantly more pleasant!

Dining with the Stars ☆

Jakarta is a huge metropolis that keeps growing in superficies but also in altitude, and when you rise above the ground floor, it is a totally different place. With its sparkling lights spreading as far as you can see, she can even make you fall in love with her again, or for the first time. Indonesia Expat has tracked down the best spots in town to dine with a view.

Skye at BCA Tower

Skye should be on everybody who lives or transits in Jakarta’s bucket list. Located on the 56^th floor, the rooftop of BCA Tower near H.I. roundabout, it of course offers an amazing view of the city, but also a chill-out atmosphere and surprisingly good food. New chef Hamish Lindsay from New Zealand might have a little something to do about it as he took control of the kitchen a few months ago, making significant changes to the menu. 

Living in Pejaten at South Jakarta

Pejaten is a strategic location around Pasar Minggu, literally means Sunday Market, which was a fruit cultivation area developed by the Dutch government during the colonial period. The central point of the cultivation area is the traditional market of Pasar Minggu which still busy until today, regardless some shopping malls around are developed.


House for Sale in Siaga Raya, Pejaten | List ID 4609
Detail and Facilities: 4BR, 4 bathroom, 261 sqm land size, 218 sqm building size, furnished, excellent condition, SHM certificate.

Enjoying Lifestyle in Exclusive Area of Pondok Indah

Pondok Indah is an upscale residential area in Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta Selatan. Commonly dubbed the 'Beverly Hills' of Indonesia, this is a much sought-after suburb by expatriates due to the proximity to the Jakarta International School. Ciputra and Brasali, one of the Indonesia's pioneers for real estate developer and the Metropolitan Kentjana Group which built Pondok Indah around year of 1970's into the most prestigious and complete residential complex and commercial area in Indonesia.

Pondok Indah is famed for its tropical and it has been one of the cities poshest and most affluent residential areas. There are the tree lined streets and huge mansions, where the local people or foreign residents take it for some particular reasons. You can find some international and national-plus schools around, and also some entertainment and recreation at Pondok Indah Malls I and II, where you can find the popular water park and classy golf course. 

Elite Housing Area in Menteng at Central Jakarta

Menteng area which close to Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman, is known for Dutch colonial era mansions. Hence there are a lot of houses that considered as historical landmarks. In this area you can old buildings for bank, business district, besides the embassies, ambassadors' residences and other senior Indonesian officials. Menteng with an old infrastructure, surrounded by tall and shady trees and narrow street, is such a prestigious area and therefore the rents are high. Listing of house for rent or house for sale are available with large size in convenient area. 

Menteng remains being popular for the housing much with the upper-class elite and ambassadors where the house of former President Soeharto was living ad yet his family is still there. The location of Menteng is so full of historical moments for Jakarta. Hence, living here can be quite expensive for certainclass of society. The environment here is a bit less of crowd, even tends to be quiet, with the trees and green garden around at city park and fountain.

Cilandak Area for Home Living in Jakarta

Cilandak is one of the greener districts in Jakarta, the Cilandak district had for long been the option of many for residence and finding tranquility. The area is not necessarily packed with hyperactive entertainment spots or soaring business towers but that does not necessary puts it in the ‘underdeveloped’ category. The area is a perfect residential choice for those who do not wish to be over-exposed to Jakarta’s bustle.

For those with a penchant for sports, there is a well-known football stadium in Lebak Bulus which has had its share of musicians and national footballers lending their grace their from time to time. However, this does not mean that other sports are neglected, as the rest are just as excellent, if not famed.