Working in Jakarta Indonesia
The capital and largest city in Indonesia, Jakarta is located on the north-west coast of Java and has a population of 10.2 million in the city and more than 28 million in its greater region. Jakarta was founded in the fourth century and has been the capital of Indonesia since independence was declared in the country during 1945.
Jakarta has survived the economic crises of the past two decades to be the focal point of Indonesia growth as a financial power in South-East Asia. The city experiences a hot and humid climate with an average year-round temperature of about 25 °C combined with regular rainfall.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Soekarno Hatta International Airport
Located 19km from central Jakarta, the Indonesian capital’s primary airport is named after the first president and vice-president of independent Indonesia. Soekarno Hatta International Airport, which was opened in 1985, consists of three terminals and services to all of the world’s major airlines. It is also the hub for Indonesian carrier Garuda and budget airline Air Asia.
An addition to the Indonesian capital’s transport infrastructure in recent years was a rail link between the airport and Manggarai Station, which is based in central Jakarta. Visitors can also travel to and from the airport by bus, with several local companies providing services around the city. Taxis and hire cars are another option, but with Jakarta’s traffic congestion make sure to plan ahead, in terms of time and costs.
Railway Station
The main terminal in the Indonesia capital, Jakarta Kota Station is located in the historical centre of the city. Built in 1870, Jakarta Kota Station has grown into a terminal that services all parts of Jakarta and the country. It also provides services to international destinations. Visitors will find a bus depot and taxi stand at the station.
Transportation
Jakarta is like most Asian mega cities in that getting around can be an issue due to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. The best forms of travel are by train or through use of the city’s busway. Jakarta’s trains operate between 5am and 10pm to all parts of the city with concentration on its central areas. Trains in Jakarta are often very crowded.
The continually expanding busway system in Jakarta is growing to help ease the congestion in the city. Jakarta’s buses are modern, air-conditioned and comfortable and provide a strong network throughout the Indonesian capital.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for expats in Jakarta is low by western standards. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (www.numbeo.com), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $2.70 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $16.40 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $2.60 |
| Coke (330mL) | $0.75 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $1.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.10 |
| Eggs | $1.80 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $0.40 |
| Monthly pass | $16.40 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $0.65 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $760 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $1310 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $15 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $145 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $440 |
Accommodation
Hotels in Jakarta can vary in price, but there is lots of choice for low and high end spenders. Compared to western hotels accommodation in Indonesia is generally inexpensive. As the city is the key financial hub of Indonesia there are several high-end executive style hotels in central areas targeting the business traveler. The city also has a variety of hostels to choose from for backpackers. The most popular area for backpackers is Jalan Jaksa.
A few options to consider include:
Budget
Six Degrees
Hunny Hostel Jakarta
Mid-range
Grandkemang Hotel
Akmani Hotel
High-end
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
Hotel Mulia Senayan
Shopping
Shoppers are blessed with choice in Jakarta, both those looking for a bargain and those after exclusive products from major brand names. As the retail centre of Indonesia, there are dozens of shopping malls to visit. Like most major cities in South-East Asia there is also a decent choice of markets.
The top shopping centre in Jakarta is Jalan Surabaya, which is situated in the city’s central area. Shopping malls that are popular with locals and tourists include Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia and Central Park Mall.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police 110 / 112
Ambulance 118
Fire 113
Medical emergencies 119
Tourist police (021) 526 4073
Australian Embassy
Jalan H R Rasuna Said Kav C 15-16
Jakarta Selatan 12940 INDONESIA
Telephone: +62 21 2550 5555
Facsimile: +62 21 2550 5467
Email: consular.jakarta@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/jakt/home.html
Insurance and Healthcare
Indonesia has a public and private health care system. The public system is setup by the country’s government and funded by taxes. Expats in Indonesia are eligible to use both public and private facilities, but are not covered by the government scheme.
Private health care is an excellent option for expats in Indonesia. There is good range of private services available for those willing to pay for private care in Indonesia and costs are generally cheaper than those in Australia.
Be aware the air quality in major Indonesian cities, such as Jakarta, is poor, while in regional areas there is risk of disease. With the quality of health care being low in Indonesia compared to Australian standards, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.