Pros and Cons of Moving to Indonesia

With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago. This culturally diverse corner of South-East Asia maintains a rich tradition of music, art, dance, storytelling and craft and offers a rich and varied lifestyle for expats.

Like any other destination, there are challenges to overcome, but with an open mind and a sense of adventure, the rewards of living in this enchanting archipelago are countless. Below is our list of some of the pros and cons of moving to Indonesia.

Lifestyle in Indonesia

+ PRO: Vibrant nightlife and entertainment

The nightlife in Indonesian cities is vibrant and varied, so it’s not difficult to have a good time if one knows where to look for it. In Jakarta, the cultural side of life is rich with regular art shows, live music, and film festivals. International rock bands and famous singers regularly perform gigs hosted in the city.

Despite alcohol being costly, it's only banned in part of the country – Aceh, the westernmost province. Elsewhere, particularly in Jakarta, there are many popular bars and clubs to choose from, not to mention plenty of excellent places to eat and drink or relax with a coffee. Indonesian food is exquisite and varied enough to cater to everyone’s dietary needs. If expats find themselves craving Western fast food, there are the usual American fast food joints dotted around most cities, and international food is available in all the major tourist spots.

- CON: Cultural norms

Western expats in Indonesia will find themselves having to adjust to and respect the local customs. Islam is the majority religion and carries a conservative culture that may be difficult for expats to understand. The dress code is more modest than what some expats may be used to, and it’s best to wear loose-fitted clothing and cover the knees and shoulders.

+ PRO: Expat organisations

For expats, especially women who feel isolated from their compatriots, there are a number of well-run and established organisations which host meetings, events and talks. They offer support and can give help and advice on any number of issues that may arise.

There are also various organisations that expats can join and volunteer with if they would like to support one of the many charities that work in Indonesia. The very young, the elderly and the sick are particularly vulnerable.

- CON: Social inequalities and poverty

The economic disparity and the challenges faced by underprivileged communities in Indonesia might be eye-opening for expats, particularly those from more affluent regions of the world. It's an aspect of life in Indonesia that invites a deeper understanding and empathy towards the varying socioeconomic conditions present in the country, and coming to terms with this inequality can evoke strong feelings and significant discomfort.

Accommodation in Indonesia

- CON: Overcrowding

Finding accommodation in Indonesia, especially if spacious living is a priority, is difficult. Most people opt to live in apartments. Space comes at a premium in Jakarta, so expect to pay a lot more for a house with a garden. If choosing to live in an expat area, also be prepared to pay a lot more than if living among the locals. In major Indonesian cities, traffic can be horrific, so, ideally, expats should try to live somewhere that is as close to work as possible.

Healthcare in Indonesia

+ PRO: Decent healthcare

Most minor medical emergencies can be handled from within Indonesia. For any severe emergencies, Singapore, which has world-class medical facilities, is just a two-hour flight away. Good private dentists are available in Indonesia, and dental costs are usually cheaper than what one would expect to pay in North America or Western Europe.

- CON: Poor sanitation

Expats might encounter some health challenges like stomach upsets or dengue fever, especially during the rainy season. It’s advisable to drink bottled water and exercise caution with street food, however tempting it may look or smell. Fresh juices are sold widely from carts on the roadside in Indonesia; they are often diluted with water of dubious origin and can cause serious illness.

Transport in Indonesia

+ PRO: Affordable taxis

Taxis are readily available and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for expats, and if tipped well, the driver will wait for passengers while they do their shopping. Additionally, hiring a driver is common in Indonesia for those who prefer a more convenient and familiar mode of transportation. A good driver is well worth the cost as they have knowledge of all the side streets to make travelling around more bearable. Having a driver in the West would be considered a luxury; here in Indonesia, it is a part of life for most expats with a stable income.

- CON: Traffic congestion

One of the most significant disadvantages of living in Jakarta is the traffic. With over 12 million people using the city’s roads daily, congestion is a nightmare, and traffic jams are a normal part of life. The pollution generated by the exhaust fumes hangs like an umbrella over the city, and the public transport system leaves much to be desired. Motorcycle taxis known as ojeks are good, but not always ideal if it’s pouring with rain or if one has shopping bags to carry.

Cost of living in Indonesia

+ PRO: Cheap food, communications and household help

Eating out is very cheap if alcohol is not included. Shopping for local fresh produce in the markets and warungs is fun, and there are great bargains to be found. If buying locally and skipping the supermarkets, one can live well and very cheaply.

Mobile phone tariffs are good value, and broadband or cable is easily installed and not expensive. To hire household help of any kind, be it household staff, a gardener, driver or nanny, the cost is considerably cheaper than in Western European and North American countries. Textiles are abundant in Indonesia and are considered cheap. By finding the right tailor, made-to-measure clothes become a way of life.

- CON: Expensive imported products

The cost of living does vary depending on what one buys, though. In general, any imported goods are much pricier than Indonesian products.

Shopping for food in the supermarkets, especially Western-styled ones, can be costly. Electricity bills can be disproportionately high, and for people who are used to getting visits to the doctor and certain medicines for free, healthcare will need to be accounted for in the budget.