The Land of The Prambanan Temple, Borobudur,

The Sultan's Palace & The Danau Toba Lake

Information on Relocating to Indonesia

• The capital city of Indonesia is Jakarta with about 13.2 million people. The political centre is also in Jakarta where the President resides. Indonesia is a Republic.

• Languages: The national language is Indonesian, and in addition over 250 languages and dialects are spoken in various regions of the country. English is widely spoken within the Indonesian business community. Local TV programs are generally in Indonesian. Cable TV and satellite TV are available.

• Population: The population is about 245 million people - 45% Javanese, 14% Sundanese, 7.5% Madurese, 7.5% coastal Malays, 26% other.

• Expat areas: Jakarta is the primary Expat location within Indonesia.

• Housing: In general, expatriates live in the central and southern parts of the city. There is a wide selection of houses, town houses and apartments available for rent in the city and suburbs. Families with children tend to live in the southern suburbs to be closer to the international schools.

• Cost of housing: Housing in Indonesia can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and standard of renovation. For an apartment rent can be anywhere from $ 1000 to $ 6000, with an average rent being $ 1500 to $ 3500, and for a house rent can range between $1500 and $ 6000, with an average rent being $ 2000 to $ 3500. Please note that to rent a house or apartment in Jakarta, a minimum one to three year lease has to be signed, and paid for in its entirety up front before you move in. The local currency is the Rupiah, however expatriate rental properties are quoted in US$.

• Schools: The Jakarta International School offers education from Prep Reception to grade 12. The British International School offers all grade levels based on the British school system and follows the British national curriculum. Other options include the Australian International School, French, German, Dutch, New Zealand, Singapore, Japanese and Korean international schools, and The Gandhi Memorial International School.

• Transportation: Jakarta’s public transport system is poorly developed and relies mostly on buses. Expatriates generally have a personal or company car and driver, and it is not recommended for a foreigner to drive as the traffic is extremely chaotic. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but you must be careful of dishonest drivers and ensure that the meter is working before taking a taxi. Taxis of the Blue Bird Group are recommended.

• Bank: Numerous foreign and local banks offer a full range of banking services. The banks are generally open on Monday–Friday from 8.30 am – 3.00 pm.

• Shopping: Grocery stores are open every day from as early as 9.00 am - 9.00 pm, with a few smaller stores providing 24 hour service. Department stores and shopping malls open every day from about 10.00 am - 9.30 pm.

• Climate: Indonesia’s climate is tropical with temperatures around 28°-31°C (85°F-95°F) throughout the year. Heavy rainstorms are common in the wet season (November – April) and temperatures tend to be slightly hotter in the dry season (May – October) while rainfall is less heavy and less frequent.

• Culture: Jakarta offers many museums and art galleries but few theatrical performances. Movies are mostly in English with Indonesian subtitles, and there are many modern western style Cineplex theatres. There are also several bowling alleys.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; January/February-Chinese New Year; Idul Adha-(The Islamic Day of Sacrifice); Islamic New Year; Nyepi-(The Hindu Day of Silence); March/April-Good Friday; Maulid-(The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad); Ascension Day of Jesus Christ; Waisak-(Buddha’s Day of Enlightenment); August 17th-Indonesian Independence Day; Isra’ Mi’raj-(The Ascension Day of Prophet Muhammad); Idul Fitri-(celebration at the end of the Islamic fasting month); December 25th-Christmas Day.