What is life like for an Expat in Indonesia?
Expats are individuals who chose to reside in a country which is not that of their birth or citizenship. Indonesia is an exciting country in which to live or work.
Living permanently or for an extended period of years in a country other than the one in which you were born or where you are a citizen can be very exciting. The culture, economy, and general rules of behavior may be very different from your accustomed lifestyle. Being an Expat (expatriate – from the Latin meaning leaving your parent country) is especially challenging for individuals who go to Indonesia.
First, give thought to the geography, climate and island configuration. Indonesia is a group of islands very close to the Equator. There are enormous contrasts, for example: Bali is in the more remote region, Jakarta is in very dense urban environment. Other major cities are Bandung and Semarang. But all of these areas have year round temperatures ranging from the 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people who expatriate to Indonesia cannot tolerate the humidity – a reliable 60 to 90% year around. There is a long monsoon season from roughly November to May during which rain can occur daily in voluminous amounts. The ‘dry season’ is basically summer and fall and is the preferred tourist season.
Away from the city, most of Indonesia can be classified as jungle, with the expected flora and fauna. An Expat Indonesia who chooses to live outside the cities in Indonesia should be prepared for unusual insects, birds, animals and snakes. Since the climate is equatorial and there are diseases which we don’t encounter frequently in much of the rest of the world, expats should be certain that they have health insurance and access to one of the Expat medical clinics in Indonesia which employs staff with whom the Expat can easily communicate. For major health problems most expats in Indonesia return to their home country or go to locations such a Singapore for care.
Expats do not have the same civil rights as Indonesians. Foreigners cannot own real estate but they can enter into long term leases. The government and populace are mostly devoted to Islam and there is a strong group of fundamentalists. An Expat who is a missionary or evangelist would probably be uncomfortable in this country if they are outspoken.
Visas for foreigners to come to Indonesia generally cost around $25.00 but are only given for 30 day periods. If the visitor overstays the visa without some form of renewal, there are fines assessed for each day held over as well as potential jail time. Most come to Indonesia expecting to find work, however, the islands have very high unemployment so often the new arrival will be unable to find high paying employment. A person coming to Indonesia with the intention of remaining should seek visa exception and employment prior to arrival if possible. Once in country with an expired visa the Expat has diminished options to obtain work which publicly meets his or her skill level.
However, if an Expat Indonesia is willing to work under the table or in a situation where the employer does not report properly to the government regarding the worker, then an Expat in Indonesia can live comfortably on an amount which would not be possible in the United States. A salary of $1,000 to $1,200 per month would support a small family so long as the apartment or rent was kept low. Housing is the most expensive area in the budget of most Expat families.
The environment in Indonesia is magnificent and the climate may be perfect for those who can tolerate the equatorial conditions. An Expat can be very comfortable in Indonesia if the visa and work issues are resolved in accordance to governmental rules.
Read more details about Move to Indonesia and bali forum.
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