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9. Moving to Indonesia

Indonesia at a Glance

Moving to Indonesia

The Javanese culture is very much influenced by Buddhism.

For most people, Indonesia evokes images of white beaches and stunning scenery. Although this is true, Indonesia has a lot more to offer. Moving to Indonesia will enable you to delve into a very rich and ancient cultural tradition. With a population of almost 250 million, Indonesia is the 4^th largest country in the world.

What many people moving to Indonesia are unaware of is that it is an archipelago made up of 17,000 islands! Each island offers a different taste of the country’s multitude of cultures. Moving to Indonesia is a dream come true for many and generally speaking a well-liked destination among expats.

Along with the aforementioned beautiful landscape and beaches, a move to Indonesia gives you the opportunity to submerge yourself into a traditional and yet increasingly modernized culture. Its cities are densely populated; yet if you are moving to Indonesia with the goal of leading a more laidback life on a less inhabited island, there is much to choose from as well.

Moving to Indonesia: Climate

Keep in mind that regardless of what your precise destination is when moving to Indonesia, be it city or village, you may have to get used to the climate first. Indonesia has a tropical climate – in short, very hot and very humid.

In addition, you will have to pay close attention to monsoon season when moving to Indonesia. It would be less than optimal for you to move during this time. There are two monsoons, the eastern monsoon from June to September, which is the driest season, and the western one from December to March, which brings the heavy rains.

When moving to Indonesia, it is therefore best to consider whether or not this climate would suit you. Check out the BBC’s weather section on Indonesia to find out what the average temperatures are. A number of other online weather services are available as well.

Move to Indonesia: Accommodation

As with all overseas moves, it is best to find accommodation before moving to Indonesia. This does not only ensure that you will have a place to stay once you enter the country, but it will also facilitate your finding something more permanent.

Remember that moving to Indonesia means you will be living in a country that is probably very different from your own. It is possible that you will need to change your outlook on life if you move to Indonesia. If you want to change as little of your Western lifestyle as possible when moving to Indonesia, it is wise to choose accommodation and housing in a city. In the capital Jakarta, for instance, Western amenities are readily available. When moving to Indonesia’s cities, be aware that it is not uncommon to have domestic help, especially as an expat.

Moving to Indonesia: Apartment Repairs

Contrary to what you may be used to from your home country, Indonesian landlords are not responsible for fixing things in the house. This means that if you rent an apartment or house, do not expect the landlord to fix the leaky faucet. Due in part to the very low property taxes paid by homeowners in Indonesia, many neighborhoods join forces to fix up the street and sidewalks themselves.

This often unfortunately affords con artists an opportunity in spiking costs of so-called “repairs”. Thus, when moving to Indonesia, it is only advisable to live in such a neighborhood if your Indonesian is good enough to fully understand what exactly you are being asked to pay for!