Jobs in Jakarta

Introduction

The Special Capital Region of Jakarta is the capital and largest city in Indonesia. It is the country’s center of politics, economics, and culture and the city is also referred to as the “Big Durian” because it is seen as the Indonesian equivalent of New York (the Big Apple). Although it is famous for its heavy traffic and pollution, life in Jakarta moves at a fast pace. The city is known to be dynamic, diverse, vibrant, and busy.

Jakarta is overflowing with world-class food, coffee shops, museums, countless shopping malls, and nightclubs. People from all over the country come to the city in the hope of a higher standard of living, which makes it the center and melting pot of Indonesian culture. During the day, the population of the city increases as commuters from the surrounding areas travel to work.

This megacity is home to Indonesia Stock Exchange, Bank of Indonesia, and headquarters of various Indonesian companies as well as multinational companies. It offers attractive job opportunities for locals and expats and expats looking for a job in Jakarta should consider the service sectors, specifically the banking, financial, and trading sectors. There is also a great demand for English teachers. Jakarta’s minimum wage is among the highest in Indonesia, set at Rp3.94 million (US$260). According to Forbes, Jakarta is one of the most profitable cities for expats with an average salary of US$152,600 per year.

Popular Areas in Jakarta

• Kemang is the most popular neighborhood for expats for its proximity to international schools, high-end housing, and general safety of the area. It is an ideal neighborhood for families. The area is sometimes referred to as Seminyak of Jakarta because of its laidback and village-like atmosphere and It also offers a large choice of restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Expats usually hang out in Eastern Promise and Murphy’s Irish Pub.  

• Menteng is located in the center of Jakarta. This area is exclusive and luxurious since it is the residential area for people involved with politics and government affairs. Expats who live here have easy access to numerous malls, restaurants, markets, and embassies.

• Mega Kuningan is very close to the Central Business District. The area consists of offices, hotels, and apartment’s towers. Thanks to the well-maintained sidewalks, you can walk around the area. It has an active nightlife and is an excellent place to meet other expats. It is the best area for a single expat or young couple with no kids. Basque and Loewy are some of the most popular restaurant here.

• Kebayoran Lama is a budding neighborhood in South Jakarta. It’s popular among expats because of housing, safety, and nightlife options. Many people compared it to Kemang, but with more affordable prices. The area has really bad traffic during rush hour.

• Pondok Indah is a wealthy area with a mix of foreigners and Indonesian residents. The area is much quieter than other parts of Jakarta, with generally low traffic and well-maintained streets. The best places to hang out in this area are the Pondok Indah Mall or De Hooi, a bar that targets expats.

Weather and Climate in Jakarta

Jakarta enjoys warm, sunny, and humid weather all year round. The average yearly temperature is around 24 to 32.5 °C. Jakarta has two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. June to September is the dry season with over 11 to 12 hours of sunlight with an average temperature of around 26°C to 27°C, but it can get as high as 35°C. The temperatures are slightly cooler during the night.

The wet season starts from October until May. You can expect rain every day, especially in December, January, and February. The temperatures and humidity are stable all year long. Some areas are prone to flood, specifically Kampung Pulo, Rajawati, Cipulir, and Kalibata. It’s best to avoid those areas during the wet season.

Getting Around in Jakarta

The main airport in the region is the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located in Tangerang, 20 kilometers northwest of Central Jakarta. It is one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport has daily flights to and from domestic destinations and has international connections with major cities in Asia, Australia, and Europe. The airport also serves budget airlines such as Batik Air, AirAsia, and Lion Air.

Although Jakarta is infamous for being one of the world's worst cities for traffic, it is easy to get around the city. There are various modes of transportation available. There are a lot of taxis in the city, but most people use Express or Blue Bird since they’re the most reliable brands. The base fare is Rp6,500 and Blue Bird has an app that lets you pre-book a taxi.  The best option if you want to be fast is by motorbike taxis (known as “ojek”), you can hail one in the streets or via Go-Jek and Grab, online hailing apps similar to Uber. The apps also provide taxis and private cars.

Transjakarta bus is a good option. It’s more comfortable and faster since it has its own lane. However, the routes are still limited. You can opt for the KRL trains for more affordable transport but they can be overcrowded. Jakarta just opened its first subway system, known as the Jakarta MRT. The trains leave every 10 minutes and they are pretty fast.

Work Visas in Jakarta

Foreign workers who want to work in Indonesia must get a work permit. The government offers several types of permit. The frequently used ones are a limited-stay permit called KITAS and a special work permit called IMTA. Since the Indonesian government has a policy of prioritizing local applicants, getting a work visa can be difficult. It is best to arrange a job and a sponsor before arriving in the country because you cannot apply for a work visa on your own; you need your future employer to obtain one for you. Note that Indonesian immigration authorities are sensitive about misuse and do not use tourist visas to work or do any kind of business.

Additional Information

1. Jakarta’s economy depends mainly on manufacturing and service sector including banking, financial, and trading. Indonesia is the world’s 16th largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP) and the 7th strongest in purchasing power parity (PPP). It is also a member of the G-20. Agriculture is the key sector in the country’s economy as well as mining, automotive industry, finance, real estate, and business.
2. US$1 converts to Rp14,274. In 2018, the rupiah fell into its weakest position since the 1998 crisis, but the currency has had a stable performance against the US dollar in 2019.
3. The official language in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. Since Jakarta is a diverse city, many people will be able to speak Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Batak and other indigenous local languages. English is widely spoken in Jakarta, especially among the young generation.
4. There are numerous common work Etiquette and culture that most employees follow through on their working routine such as giving a handshake. It is an important aspect when meeting someone for the first time. The normal working day starts from 08.00am to 05.00pm. Indonesia has major religious holidays such as Eid Mubarak, Christmas, Vesak, and Nyepi.