Expat Stories

Indonesia produces over 18 million tons of waste annually, with most of it ending up in overcrowded landfills. In cities like Jakarta, landfills such as Bantar Gebang are nearing capacity—raising concerns about environmental degradation, methane emissions, and long-term public health.Previous WTE projects were stalled by regulatory uncertainty, land acquisition problems, and unclear revenue structures....

The Capital Strengthens Its Global Identity Through Sports Diplomacy and InfrastructureJakarta continues its evolution on the world stage—this time through sports. In a landmark announcement, FIFA has officially selected Jakarta as its regional hub for Southeast Asia and East Asia, placing the Indonesian capital alongside global centers like Paris, Johannesburg, and Panama City.Source:...

Streamlined Access to Jakarta’s Airport Rail Link for Expats and TravelersTravelers using the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link now have a faster, easier way to board the train—by simply tapping a Visa contactless card at the turnstile. This service, launched in May 2025, brings Jakarta’s transportation system one step closer to global standards in urban mobility and payment convenience.The...

BMKG explains what’s really happening with Indonesia’s weatherand what expats should expectIf you’ve been in Jakarta or Bali recently and caught yourself wondering, “Isn’t it supposed to be dry season?” you’re not alone. Many residents and newcomers alike have been surprised by frequent rain showers even though the calendar clearly marks it as Indonesia’s dry period.So, what’s going...

Jakarta’s ambitious urban transit development continues with a newly confirmed extension of the city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to South Tangerang. Estimated at US$1.25 billion, this expansion marks a critical step in linking Jakarta’s urban core with its fast-growing satellite cities—enhancing connectivity, easing congestion, and unlocking new opportunities for housing and commercial...

By Fahra RizwariCEO, Noble Properties AsiaRelocating to Indonesia can feel like stepping into a new adventure—exotic culture, exciting food, warm weather, and friendly faces. But there’s one thing that expats are rarely warned about: navigating Indonesia’s chaotic, unregulated property market without falling into a trap.If you’re fortunate to have a company-sponsored relocation package, then you're...

The Island of the Gods may soon welcome a second international gateway. Under President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming administration, Bali is reportedly set to move forward with long-discussed plans to build a second airport—this time in the north of the island, far from the tourism-heavy south that’s long been the focal point of development.As reported by Indonesia Expat (2024), this infrastructure...

Living in Jakarta as an expat is full of adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. In this Instagram Reel, several expats are asked a blunt but honest question:“What’s your biggest complaint about living in Jakarta?”🎥 Watch the video here: instagram.com/reel/DITO2bOujWH🚦 If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in Jakarta traffic wondering “why?”, just know—you’re not...

Expats Share Their Favorite Indonesian Words — And the Answers Are So RelatableIn a charming and humorous Instagram Reel, a group of expats living in Indonesia are asked a simple but revealing question: “What’s your favorite Indonesian word?” The answers range from funny and heartfelt to downright relatable for anyone who has spent time in the country.From the iconic “mantap” (which loosely...

As I watched the movers pack our belongings, I still couldn’t quite believe that we had lived in Jakarta for a total of eleven years. Our first posting was from 2009 to 2014, and the second from 2018 until August this year. Our daughter was eleven when we first set foot in this vibrant city, and now she’s a working adult. The country and its people have made a significant impact on our lives, changing...