F.A.Q.'s

Is Jakarta safe?

In general Jakarta is a safe city, there is not more risk than any other city in the Europe. It's no problem to walk alone in the street during in the evening or night. Jakarta has a sophisticated society with many Western influences from the colonial era. Unfortunately, the media is not always showing the right picture of the real Jakarta. People treat each other respectfully and crime is not in their dictionary.

How is life in Jakarta?

Jakarta is the business centre of Indonesia. Everything happens there. Besides this, Jakarta is a heaven for expatriates. Many time Jakarta is seen as a forgotten city in South east Asia.. Perhaps you don't expect this, but this metropolis has all the facilities of a Western city. Tremendous big malls, skyscrapers, night-life, and gorgeous restaurants with all cuisines of the world dominate this city. Jakarta is the place for clubs but also live band pubs where you spend your night. Jakarta never sleeps.

What about social life in Jakarta? Are there many expats and students?

The majority of all people in Jakarta are Indonesian, coming from all parts of Indonesia which results in a mix of cultures. You will find in certain areas many expats and students, like in Kemang. When you do business with multinationals or big Indonesian companies you will find expats as well. It is not difficult to meet other Western students in Indonesia. Further, there are many opportunities to spend your time on the gym, aerobics, playing soccer, tennis, golf, carting or other sports. You name it, Jakarta has all of it.

What about pollution, I heard Jakarta is a polluted city?

Jakarta has a higher level of pollution than surrounding cities in Indonesia, this is mainly caused by the massive amount of vehicles. With a population of more than 9 million people the city has a large magnet on people in Asia. The city is growing fast and society becomes more prosperous. The government recognizes this problem and is taking measures to prevents Jakarta from being a polluted city by planning a monorail and other measurements to improve a clean environment.

What about the Indonesian people?

Indonesia is one of the most open countries in the world. As an expat you are guests in this country and you will be treated in the best way by everybody. It is for example usual that people invite you to their house just to make you feel comfortable and to make a chat with them.

Is Jakarta an expensive city?

You would expect that Jakarta as a metropolis is an expensive city. The opposite is true. Jakarta is pretty cheap according to Western standards. For your indication, taking a cab will cost you not more than € 1,- for 2 km or a small bottle of Coca cola will cost you less than € 0,50.

What about the area around Jakarta?

Everything depends of what somebody likes. In North-Jakarta you will find a huge entertainment park called Ancol where you can find a replica-Disneyland, SeaWorld, movie planet, a beach and much more. Occasionally huge artists perform over there. The park is crowed by local Indonesian youngster and families go there to enjoy their weekend. On a distance of 45 minutes off-shore from that place you will find the Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu). It is easy to take a fast boat to one of the islands and go snorkelling, scuba diving in crystal clear water or just relaxing on the pearl white beaches. There are also surfing opportunities in places around Jakarta. If you like adventure there is an opportunity to go to Bogor or Bandung by train. Two cities located around 100km from Jakarta. In those places you will find beautiful volcanoes and hot springs, rice field and a natural reserve where you can do a safari with many species of wild animals. Finally, If you plan to go to other places like Bali, it is easy to reach by plane in 1,5 hours. We recommend you to travel around Indonesia. In case you need help or info about this you can always contact us so we can give you a travel advice.

Important links:

- http://www.minbuza.nl/
- http://www.nesoindonesia.com/
- http://www.visa4indonesia.nl/