My husband (an Indonesian) and I have been contemplating going to Indonesia to live. What it's like to live there, and what job opportunities are open to an expat?
Actually I'd also like to know what the actual lifestyle and culture is.
How do they treat you as a 'buleh'?
What are the prejudices toward you?
How do indonesian muslims regard you?
How safe is it?
What do you do for fun?
What are the malls like?
Can you drive there?
2007-02-22 01:26:32 · 8 answers · asked by LOVE 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Indonesia
SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE!
= )
2007-02-22 02:06:16 · update #1
One more thing..
Is it really that much cheaper to live there?
2007-02-22 02:40:32 · update #2
Wow, A lot of great answers so far. I guess what I meant by prejudices is that, there might be more towards me being that married to an indonesian. I was afraid of a culture clash.
2007-02-24 01:54:18 · update #3
My family lived in Indonesia for 5 years. To answer your questions based on my experiences
I was never treated badly. I am however very, very fair and at the salon the girl who did my nails always called over the other girls to compare my skin with theirs. As an American I was really embarrassed at first, but I got over it. However, in really rural parts of Indonesia children actually cried when they saw me because I am so fair and must have been a ghost. I have dark hair so that's not a problem, but friends who are blond and especially red heads would occasionally have people (generally older women) stroke their hair or pluck out a strand (I think red hair is supposed to be lucky). As far as how I was treated by Muslims? There are bands of muslims men who go around throwing rocks at any sign that says "bar", but most muslims are more "liberal" than that. The mosque near our house had a woman who sometimes lead prayer which is unthinkable in any other muslim country. I knew women who covered only during holidays and then with a sheer designer scarf. Our housekeeper was muslim, but she was more than happy to talk about Hindu gods. Everywhere you go you will run into Indonesians who have spent a lot of time in the US or who have a child/cousin/etc in the US. When I was living there, opinion of the US was high.
How safe was it? Well, we had a weapon of some sort (a billy club and stun guns) for each person in the car, just in case. WE never used it, but you never know.
What do you do for fun? Go to restaurants, go shopping, to museums, on trips, go to the American Club, get your hair and nails done (that can take most of the day), take Indonesian classes...
What are the malls like? Awesome. Tons of fun stuff. That was my favorite part.
Can you drive there? Sure, but I wouldn't. We had a driver, it can be dangerous for non-Indonesians to be in a wreck. He also knew when and where things were bad and if we wanted to go someplace that could be dangerous he would say "Not today"
As far as jobs, most expat wives had volunteer positions, my mother sold quilts for an organization that employed Indonesian women who were responsible for supporting their families, other women volunteered at orphanages.
Since your husband is Indonesian, you have a leg up on most expats. Go, you can always come back.
2007-02-22 02:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by erin7 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I've been to Indonesia twice this year for business trip and vacation, and it is a great country. The news make it sound so scary, but it wasn't at all. There's so much humanities in that country, everybody is friendly and treat you as a normal person, nothing weird. The malls are HUGE and awesome, I had never seen that many amazing stores before, it is heaven to shop over there (plaza Indonesia or Senayan City are great). However, I wouldn't recommend anybody to drive, traffics are horrible. Taxi is easy to find, and the city never sleep, so much you can do for fun over there. Also, it is only a couple hours of plane ride to go to Bali if you want to relax in the heavenly beaches or it's only an hour plane ride to Singapore where you can shop till you drop. It doesn't matter what their religions are they're all friendly and nice. You need a working permit to work there, however you need to find out by contacting an Indonesia embassy since you're married to an Indonesian, they might have a different rule. Indonesia is a country with a rich cultures. It has a bit of different lifestyle, but that's what make it so interesting. If you're willing to experience something new, and open to different culture and ready to explore, you'll love it over there. Hope it'll help.
2007-02-23 16:26:38 · answer #2 · answered by shellyi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! I was born there so i hope i help.
The javanese lifestyle is a pleasant one. They believe in being kind and always smile no matter how hard it is. The lifestyle there is quite wierd at times. It's cosmopolitan yet still retains the old Javanese way of life because of the Kampung. IT's a nice place to go to because I was never attacked by some crazy jihadist loony!
as for transportation... be very wary... especially the areas of Kunninang and Kemang... Those are traffick galore areas. It's best if you have a driver because you'll feel the pain of waiting for hours and hours if you leave 5pm... even till 8... you'll get serious traffic problems.
As for the malls, Senayan city is a good one to visit!!! Pondok Indah mall 2 is a good mall! If you are computer geeky, then go to Ratu Plaza. that's the heaven of all computer stores!!! i bought my laptop there for a cheap price. less than australia too!
As for the Bule part.... if you are a good person who is kind to others, then you will be treated well. if you are like those Jakarta international school brats who are obnoxious and rude, then you will get a bad comment about you.
There is nothing wrong if you treat the locals with kindness.
THe muslims! ahahahahahahah i was never attacked or harrased by one. I love them even though i am catholic! they are humans too and i love them!
Well for safety, you'd better not go to the philippines... that's the second most dangerous place because of the corruption. It's safe if you travel in packs. make sure you are with someone.... that way you are not going be an easy target.
I do a lot of things for fun. I go to the malls, eat like i have never eaten before and do what is available. I don't care if it's not like the US because i love it because of its uniqueness. I hang out with the locals and they are kind people. they are not the evil cold hearted anti western hooligans you believe in FOX news!
the malls are really good. LIke i said before senayan city, pondok indah mall 2 and ratu plaza are hot spots.
I'm in architecture so i just pay attention to the small details of buildings..... it's jst what i do for fun.
as for driving... get a driver.. it's not like sydney where you can walk anywhere with relative safety but as an environmentalist i wish they would do something about it.
2007-02-24 06:54:07 · answer #3 · answered by Harry 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What it's like for an American to live in Jakarta?
It's very dirty - lots of pollution - it would be very different from the United States. There are also lots of corruption - you can get away without paying taxes to the government. If you're used to living with Credit Card - better say Good Bye to your Credit Card.
My husband (an Indonesian) and I have been contemplating going to Indonesia to live. What it's like to live there, and what job opportunities are open to an expat?
Job Opportunities are very low - you can get a maid for less than 20 for a full day - I would recommend staying in the United States for job opportunities and save some $$ and spend it in Indonesia.
Actually I'd also like to know what the actual lifestyle and culture is.
Lifestyle is very different according to the regions - in Jakarta you can actually see how wide the rich-poor gap is.
How do they treat you as a 'buleh'?
They are usually nice - however since you are American usually local people will try to get advantage of you for your $$. They think that you are a tourist.
What are the prejudices toward you?
They are not that prejudiced against Americans - however they ARE very prejudice against Chinese-Indonesians because of their control over the economy. 10 years ago their ID usually says your religion.
How do indonesian muslims regard you?
Depends - there are some extremists and there are some moderates - lately the extremists have been gaining grounds IMO
+ If you make your ID 10 years ago it would say your religion
How safe is it?
NOT SAFE in terms of burglary and pick pockets - KEEP your wallet with you AT ALL TIMES - chain them if you have to
What do you do for fun?
Going to the mall + bargain malls
Most of Indonesian loves to go to bargain malls - they are called Mangga Dua - in here you can actually bargain for your stuffs - there are many small stores and many pick pockets in the area
What are the malls like?
They are usually like the malls in the United States - however no Macy's or JC Penney's or Nordstorm. They are usually your regular stores
Can you drive there?
Yes, you usually have to pay for parking though - very cheap
PS: make sure that you DON'T do Valet Parking EVER in Indonesia. Keep all your valuables with you at all times.
Is it really that much cheaper to live there?
VERY cheap if you know how to bargain and because of the money differences (if you work as an office worker in Indonesia you won't be able to afford to pay your mortgage for a 3 bedroom house+ brand new car+ living costs+ family costs)
PS: Indonesia is a heaven for spicy food lovers + They really have good fruits and good food - though you have to watch out for their unsanitary food carts in the streets.
2007-02-23 14:05:26 · answer #4 · answered by cerbie86 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you would love living in Indonesia in general.
i didnt quite like living in Jakarta as i was so stressed with the crazy traffic and the crimes. but Jakarta is a great city apart.
finding a job as a bule would be easy for you if its relating to English teaching, there are many opportunities for that. Also for oil companies as there are plenty American oil companies there.
Most of Indonesians have high respect to anyone not just toward bule. Some would definately find you different, kids would be excited to call you, some would be "scared" as your appeal is differ to Indonesians of course :) but you would love Indonesians no need to worry.
Prejudices would be thick I guess...but mostly on economy. Indonesians tend to think bules are rich people, so they might try to sell you things, and it can get annoying sometimes.
Try to also learn a few things of the daily culture like do not give things using your left hand, eating with your left hand (unless you are left handed), pointing things with your foot (consider rude), etc but in Jakarta, its really a big city where people tend not to rely on culture much no more, so again no need to worry
I will never say Jakarta is safe. was there, worked there, lived there, didnt like it much. watch out for pickpockets, robbers, etc
Lots things to do to have fun, going to restaurants/bars, malls, plenty concerts, sea world (well yeah there is sea world in US too hehe), TMII (Miniature of Indonesia), Fantasy World (Dufan), plenty more
Malls are excellent!
yes you can if you have international driving license. the driver seat is on the right side tho, just get use to it, my husband got used to it. i wouldnt dare driving in Jakarta tho. driving snail and just crazy traffic. my husband didnt like driving in Jakarta as well, but outside Jakarta? like in other cities in Indonesia? he just loves driving around ^_^
and yes, compare to other countries esp to American, living cost is definately cheap in Indonesia
the Moslems are great people. nothing to worry about. see for yourself.
hmmm now I wonder when my husband and I will visit Indonesia again..... well Have Fun! ^_^
2007-02-22 22:06:04 · answer #5 · answered by Kuchiki Rukia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i cant be more agreed to kuchiki rukia and for cerbie86 answers some are good as well but OF COURSE bye bye to credit card dude, as you know Indonesia even 10 years ago wasn't modern and rich country and even worse today, sure people are modern there but the country is still poor and getting poorer, most rely on CASH, not credit card, DOH! comparing Indonesia with US is big BULLSHIT
compare US with CANADA! or pick other country that equal to US!
dirty, pollution, corruption are not just in Indonesia, dude!
2007-02-24 08:57:37 · answer #6 · answered by ctvtv30 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Jakarta is very much cosmopolitan city....to learn more: www.jakartaexpat.com
Pleople here will treat "bule" (foreigner especially caucasian) better than local!!!! you ll get more smile, more greetings....and more charges hahahah means normally they have more expensive rate for bule compare to local.
That is merely bule earns more money ....
It is very much safe...of course you have to go to places where good crowd are...and avoid "high risk area". Stay in Sudirman, Thamrin, Kemang, KEbun Jeruk, Kelapa Gading....
MAlls are OK...very modern with branded stuff
International driving license will do....but you have take extra careful on the rules.....and other driver...especially public transportation. Just be careful and watch your line.....parking lots will be packed compare to those in states...but you'll get used to it tho....
drop email to the website i told you above...you can ask more detail question
2007-02-22 12:24:20 · answer #7 · answered by Bear 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The muslims will try to kill you.
2007-02-22 09:30:01 · answer #8 · answered by a1tommyL 5 · 0⤊ 6⤋