Moving to Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia is one of the biggest countries in Southeast Asia, boasting an abundance of natural beauty, soaring volcanoes, spectacular rice terraces, and some of the best diving sites in the world.

It runs along the equator and naturally possesses a tropical climate with alternating monsoonal wet and dry seasons. It is, however, distinctly cooler in the highlands. Jakarta is the capital city and the largest in Indonesia. Its borders are shared with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia.

There are around 300 ethnic groups all across the country, each with their own unique cultural identities developed over the centuries, and influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Malay, and European sources. Of the most distinct are the traditional Javanese and Balinese dances that are rich with Hindu influences. Textiles or fabrics printed with characteristic native designs are very popular across the region. Architecture is primarily dominated by Indian influences. However, Chinese, Arab and European touches have been significant.

The country has numerous related, but very distinct cultural and linguistic groups, many of which are ethnically Malay. Since their independence from Dutch colonialism, Bahasa Indonesia has spread throughout the archipelago and has become the national language and is widely used in written communication, education, government, business and media. There are many areas where native languages are still dominant. However, an expatriate will not find communicating with natives a problem as English is widely spoken in the locality.

Indonesians are a mix of at least six different religious groupings, the majority of which are Islam, composing 86.1 %, followed by Protestantism – 5.7%, and Catholicism - 3%. Traces of other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism are still felt sparingly across the regions, although in the resort island of Bali, Hinduism rules while other areas still practice animism.

The sounds from the mosques mark the start and end of each day, calling believers to prayer. Don't be offended if the locals enquire about your bathing habits - many believe that you must take a shower before the last prayer of the day or the devil will steal your soul.

Very few places in Bali and Java are of interest to the passing tourist. However, expats can still find city gems like the famous Mt. Bromo mountain slope where the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is located.

With the affordable cost of living in Indonesia, it can be an ideal destination for expatriates. Indonesia is a beautiful country and anyone who seeks to make it a home will experience a culture that is unlike any other.