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 us in ways we couldn’t have imagined if we had lived elsewhere. Our daughter, now a London-based fashion designer, often shares that living in Indonesia allowed her to connect more deeply with her Malay heritage. It also sparked her love for fabric weaving and hand printing, which even “fed her creatively,” as she puts it, when she designed her Master’s collection.

2009–2014

We hadn’t expected to relocate to Jakarta. It came as a bolt from the blue. We had just returned from a three-year stint in Munich, Germany, and our daughter was adjusting to life back in Singapore. It hadn’t been easy for her, as she loved Munich, spoke the language fluently, and had made many friends.

When my husband broke the news about moving to Jakarta, a gamut of emotions flooded me—from disbelief and fear to enthusiasm and hope. The more we discussed it, the more excited we became. We knew it would be another major change for our daughter, but we felt it would be good for her to experience a culture close to mine and to thrive in an international setting once again.

On our first “look and see” visit to Jakarta, we braced ourselves for the infamous pollution, traffic congestion, and the stark divide between rich and poor. However, we weren’t prepared for the warmth and generosity of the people we met or the country’s incredible diversity.

When we arrived, we had a clear plan: we wanted our daughter in the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, and we chose to live close to her school, even if it meant my husband would have a long commute to work. We opted for a house, as we wanted a change from apartment living. We met Property consultant, Fahra Rizwari, who was gracious and resourceful. She found us a lovely bungalow in Pondok Indah, a district in South Jakarta with all the amenities we needed nearby.

We moved in, but it wasn’t long before we discovered termites in the cupboards, a hole in the pool, a family of cats living in the roof, and even a “spirit” in our daughter’s room. With Fahra’s help, we found another beautiful home nearby, which became our haven for the next five years. I took great pleasure in making it our own, and I appreciated my part-time helper, who handled the household chores, allowing me to focus on shopping and cooking for the family.

Once our home was settled, and with my daughter and husband busy with school and work, I found myself with time on my hands. I joined book clubs organized by the mothers I met at my daughter’s school, which was enjoyable, but I wanted to do more. So, I volunteered with a few non-profit organizations, teaching English to children. I also joined the committee of a successful welfare organization, which was a rewarding experience. This led to other opportunities, including a short project as Head of the English Department at an international school. I eventually joined a writing club, where I met like-minded people and learned from published authors. This opened doors for me, including writing for The Jakarta Post, where I became a regular contributor and was later given my own column. When The Jakarta Post transitioned to digital, I received a similar position with The Jakarta Globe, where I remained a columnist until we left in 2014. Leaving Jakarta was bittersweet, as it had become our home, and many of the people we met had become dear friends.

2018–2024

Our second posting to Jakarta was even more unexpected than the first! Never in our wildest dreams had we anticipated returning. The first thing we did was call Fahra, who had since established her own real estate and relocation company, Noble. This time, we opted for an apartment in central Jakarta, close to my husband’s office, as it was just the two of us. Our daughter was then studying at a university in England. We wanted something low-maintenance, and we were thrilled to discover that Fahra’s company offered furniture rentals, so we could settle in with just our suitcases. The location was ideal, as my husband could walk to work, and it was easy for me to get around.

It felt strange yet comforting to be back. After four years, Jakarta had transformed, with new highways, trains, and skyscrapers. However, it was harder to make new friends without a school network, and many of the expats I knew had left. Fortunately, I had stayed in touch with some locals over the years. I was working on my novel at the time, and a change of scenery was welcome.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit while I was back in Jakarta, and my daughter and I returned to Singapore, while my husband stayed due to work. Like millions of others worldwide, we experienced a difficult separation. Despite the challenges, we were grateful, especially compared to those who lost loved ones. My husband made the best of his time in Jakarta, improving his cooking skills and taking up photography. With the streets empty, he could safely stroll and capture city scenes. I completed my first novel and enjoyed quality time with my daughter. When restrictions eased, my husband returned home, sharing stories of his quarantine experiences.

After the pandemic, life returned to normal, almost as if it had never happened. I went back to Jakarta, and our daughter left for England to pursue her Master’s degree. In 2022, we moved to an apartment in Kuningan, which became our home until we left in August this year.

I will miss the immense beauty of Indonesia’s diverse landscapes, the complex flavors of its cuisine, and the graciousness of its people. I feel privileged to have experienced the warmth and kindness of the many wonderful people we met during our stay.