Moving to Jakarta as an expat can be an exciting adventure, but settling into a new city is always easier when you have a supportive community. Jakarta is home to a diverse range of expat communities that offer opportunities to socialize, network, and integrate into local life.
According to What’s New Indonesia, joining an expat community can significantly improve your experience of living in Jakarta:
“Joining an expat community is one of the best ways to meet new people, share experiences, and make Jakarta feel like home.” (What’s New Indonesia, Expat Communities You Could Join in Jakarta)
Here are some of the top expat communities in Jakarta to help you build connections and settle into the city
- Indoindians.com – Connecting the Indian Community in Indonesia
Indoindians.com is a popular platform connecting the Indian community in Indonesia. It offers cultural events, networking opportunities, and helpful resources for Indian expats settling in Jakarta.
- Why Join:
✔ Community events celebrating Indian festivals and traditions.
✔ Networking opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs.
✔ Resources for newcomers on housing, schools, and cultural integration.
📱 Find Them On: Indoindians.com
- Expatnations – Building Connections Across Cultures
Expatnations is a vibrant expat community in Jakarta that focuses on social events, cultural outings, and language exchanges. It’s a great place for newcomers to make friends and learn about Indonesian culture.
- Highlights:
✔ Weekly social gatherings, meetups, and cultural tours.
✔ Language exchange groups to practice Bahasa Indonesia.
✔ A supportive network for professionals and families.
📱 Find Them On: Facebook | LinkedIn
- The Jakarta Players – Community Theater Group
For expats with a passion for the arts, The Jakarta Players is a non-profit community theater group that offers opportunities to get involved in acting, directing, and stage management.
- Why It’s Great:
✔ Regular English-language performances.
✔ Welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced actors.
✔ A great way to meet creative-minded expats and locals.
📱 Find Them On: Facebook | The Jakarta Players Website
- Indonesian Heritage Society – Discover Indonesia’s Culture
The Indonesian Heritage Society is a non-profit organization that offers cultural tours, lectures, and study groups for expats who want to deepen their understanding of Indonesia.
- What They Offer:
✔ Tours of museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
✔ Study groups covering Indonesian art, history, and culture.
✔ Events and lectures in English, French, Japanese, and Korean.
📍 Location: National Museum, Jakarta
- Women’s International Club (WIC) – A Global Women’s Network
The Women’s International Club (WIC) is a non-political, non-profit organization that brings together women from around the world living in Jakarta.
- Why Join:
✔ Regular social events like coffee mornings, charity bazaars, and workshops.
✔ Volunteer opportunities in community service projects.
✔ A welcoming environment for women of all nationalities.
📱 Find Them On: Facebook | WIC Jakarta Website
- The British Women’s Association (BWA) Jakarta
Founded in 1970, the British Women’s Association (BWA) provides a supportive community for British expat women in Jakarta, though it’s open to women of all nationalities.
- Key Activities:
✔ Weekly coffee mornings, book clubs, and cultural trips.
✔ Social events and fundraising activities.
✔ A focus on building friendships and giving back to the community.
📱 Find Them On: Facebook | BWA Jakarta Website
- Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association – Supporting Multicultural Families
The Srikandi Mixed Marriage Association is dedicated to supporting Indonesian women who are married to foreign nationals. This community focuses on sharing experiences, offering support, and promoting cultural understanding.
- Why It’s Unique:
✔ Regular meetups and support groups.
✔ Advice on legal and social issues unique to mixed marriages.
✔ A platform to celebrate multicultural families in Indonesia.
📱 Find Them On: Facebook
Why Joining an Expat Community in Jakarta Is Beneficial
- Make New Friends: Build your social circle and find like-minded people.
- Professional Networking: Meet industry peers and professionals from diverse fields.
- Cultural Integration: Participate in local events and learn more about Indonesian traditions.
- Family Support: Find communities that cater to expat families, parents, and children.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Expat Community in Jakarta
Joining an expat community is one of the easiest ways to navigate life in Jakarta, make friends, and feel at home. Whether you’re interested in cultural activities, sports, social events, or professional networking, there’s a community waiting for you.
For more expat tips and relocation guides in Jakarta, visit Noble Properties Asia.
Source:
- What’s New Indonesia. “Expat Communities You Could Join in Jakarta.” Available at: https://whatsnewindonesia.com/jakarta/ultimate-guide/expat-guide-service/expat-communities-you-could-join-jakarta
