Expat Stories

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...

Finding Home in Jakarta: A Journey of Cultural Surprises I left Germany in 2009, and for over 15 years now, Jakarta has been my home—a city where everyday life buzzes with a mix of cultures, traditions, and modern influences. Living here in such a vibrant and dynamic environment has been an incredible experience, full of rewards but also challenges. Jakarta’s busy streets, the constant sound of...

Culture is more than just a word; it’s the essence of who we are. For me, culture has always been a central part of my life, deeply woven into my identity through the diverse heritage of my grandparents—Indonesian, Japanese, German, and Swedish. Growing up amidst this rich tapestry of cultures, I experienced firsthand the challenges and beauty that come with navigating different beliefs and...

When I first began talking to expat spouses here in Jakarta, one thing became clear: the loneliness they feel is often hidden behind brave smiles and a facade of strength. The transition to life in a new country, while exciting, brings with it a creeping sense of isolation that many are reluctant to admit. Beneath the surface, there's a shared experience of starting over, building friendships that are...

Sweat and Socialize: Finding Friends in Jakarta through Fitness and Sports Moving to a new city can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to building a social circle from scratch. However, one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends in Jakarta is through sport and fitness activities. I moved to Jakarta with my family almost a decade ago, and I quickly realized that one of the...