Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Jakarta


What is special or unique about your city?

Jakarta At Night

Home to over ten million people, this exciting city has a metropolitan flare and a never ending selection of places to see and things to do. Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and the melting pot for Indonesia's 300-plus ethnic groups, represents the history and cultural diversity of the nation as well as being the gateway to Indonesia. For many, it is one of Asia’s most fascinating cities.

Although much has been written about the personality of Jakarta, there are few words that can capture the electric vitality of the city. The city is a mosaic of broad tree-lined streets and one can still find thousands of tiny lanes or “gang” criss-crossing the neighbourhoods where Jakartans live.

The country of Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, located between mainland South-East Asia and Australia. The country consists of approximately 17,000 islands of which approximately 6,000 are inhabited, and is divided into 27 provinces. The five principal islands are Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Irian Jaya, and Sulawesi, which together account for nearly 92% of the land area. Indonesia stretches some 5,500 kilometres from east to west, and 1600 kilometres from north to south.

Jakarta offers an array of entertainment ranging from discos and bars to the sedate films and cultural performances. There is so much to do and see in this unique city that has a character all its own, once you get settled in to your new home, we feel you're going to love it!
 
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
Tipically the first impression on new comers is bad traffic and air pollution. Major traffic jams occur on a daily basis especially during busy hours 07.00 - 09.00 am and 04.00 - 06.00 pm.

Newcomers are taken back by Jakarta's beauty and brilliant contrasts. This city is a combination of the most up to date buildings along major arterials, small local repair shops and popular outdoor restaurants.

Although the city's high heat and humidity can sometimes be overwhelming, newcomers tend to overlook this because of Jakarta's many other qualities.
 
Are these impressions likely to change?
The only first impressions that usually change are people's initial anxiety to the climate and hectic traffic. Everything else stays the same - great fondess and admiration to a city with a great history and culture.
 
What is the local language?
Bahasa Indonesia, which is a variation of Malay, is the official language of Indonesia. Meaning “language of Indonesia”, it brings together approximately two million people whose native tongue may be one of over three-hundred different languages. Even though each region has its own language, about 90% of Indonesians are Muslim and many can read the Koran, which is in Arabic. Also, many Indonesians speak English and Dutch.
 
How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
Indonesian people are very friendly and when they hear someone trying to speak their language, they will be very helpful. After you live here for a while, it will be very easy to learn the common language because it has the same letters as English. Another good thing is, it is usually pronounced the way it is spelled. English is widely used in business, especially in multinational companies. Throughout the city knowing a few key words in the local language will be beneficial however not necessary as most expatriates speak English.

Below are a few words and phrases that may help you communicate with your new neighbors, friends and business acquaintances:

ENGLISH BAHASA INDONESIAN

Good morning Selamat pagi
Good afternoon Selamat sore
Good evening Selamat malam
May name is… Nama saya…
How are you? Bagaimana kabar mu?
Yes Ya
No Tidak (don’t pronounce the k)
Where is the bathroom? Dimana kamar kecil?
How much does it cost? Berapa harganya?
Bus Bis
Soccer Sepak bola
Money Duit
Thank you Terima kasih
Excuse me Permisi or maaf
Can you help me? Bisa bantu saya?
Please Tolonglah
One Satu
Two Dua
Three Tiga
Soccer Sepak bola
Taxi Taksi
Be careful Hati-hati

 
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
Some tips to avoid offending residents of Jakarta are:
  • On greeting and departure it is customary to shake hands
  • Saying someone's name is important in Indonesia and you should never laugh at a person's name
  • Before sampling food when in someone's home, wait until it is offered
  • Indonesians are not known for their punctuality and offense should not be taken if events do not start on time, or if a guest arrives late
  • The left hand is considered unclean in this culture. You should use your right hand at all times and whenever possible in public
  • Feet are also considered unclean and you should never point with them or put them on tables or chairs
  • Some Indonesians also consider it rude to point with a finger so this should be avoided
  • Do not pat adults on their head as this considered offensive
  • Indonesians generally are very physical in their personal relations, patting acquaintances on the back, putting a hand on their shoulder and so forth
  • Do not chew gum in public, this is considered rude
  • Restrain yourself from eating or drinking in front of fasting Indonesian Muslims
  • Women are expected to be sensitive to the Muslim and Hindu beliefs and therefore wear clothing which keeps the majority of the body covered up
  • Personal questions regarding salary, education, family life should be expected and politely sidestepped if you do not want to answer them
  • Very little is said during meals as Indonesians like to concentrate more on their food
  • The subject of birth control is openly discussed although sex should be avoided
  • Topics to avoid are: Human Rights, Politics, Religion, Military Influence, Corruption, Personal Success, Sex/role of the sexes and Criticism of Indonesia
 
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
Being located near the equator, the Indonesian climate is divided into two seasons: hot and rainy. This type of weather causes it to be very humid! Regardless of where you are, if you get up into the hills and mountains the temperature drops dramatically in the evenings and during the night it can be quite cold.

It is important to give yourself time to adjust and to drink plenty of water!
 
Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
Jakartans are more sophisticated, more modern and efficiently minded than most other Indonesians and their way of life clearly shows the difference. Family-orientation still exists, but more cosmopolitan ideas about shopping and recreation can be seen in the multitude of shopping centers, international restaurants and nightspots. However, despite their cosmopolitan veneer, Jakartans are, quintessentially Indonesian.
 
Useful Links
Expat Information: www.expat.or.id
Local Newspaper: www.thejakartapost.com
Discovering Indonesia: www.travel-indonesia.com
 
 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.