Hey Kaye,

Greetings from the U.S. I'm originally from Indonesia, but have been in the states most of my life. I lived in Jakarta for a year back in 1993, so I can tell you what my experience was like then ... but Jakarta's a fast growth city and much has changed since. I have tons of family there, so was just there for a visit a month ago.

It's a relatively modern city as far as southeast asia is concerned. Almost anything you can purchase in the UK or the US (e.g. western groceries, clothing, sports gear, etc.), you can get in Jakarta ... just at a tenth of the price! Your money goes far there. Jakarta has incredibly modern mega malls and mega grocery centers (e.g. the french owned Carrefour grocery/pharmacy/electronics/everything store) which trump many of those here in Chicago. The nightlife's fun and a very active expat community. Many interesting people over there. Tons to do, especially if you know where to find it. Sports clubs are also a great way to get into the community. Also a lot of schools that teach bahasa indonesia and hiring a private tutor is not a bad way to go. It's an easy language, you'll pick it up in no time.

Trade offs: unfortunately there are some; a lot of the infrastructure sucks, to be honest. It's definitely an adjustment from what we're used to. In the UK and US we're used to being able to ride our bikes, go for a run or roller blade virtually everywhere and anytime. In Jakarta, unless you wanna' get run over by a mack truck, you're better off going at 5 in the morning or staying on a track or gym. The humidity also may keep you from any of those activities until early morning or later in the evening. Also, the traffic sucks. Depending on where you live, commutes during rush hour can be up to 2 hours. So I highly recommend living down near the Golden Triangle, near Jl. Gatot Subrato (on of the main thoroughfares) if you're working in that main financial/business district. A lot of expats live in Kuningan. There's also a ton of new luxury hi-rise complexes over there (in areas such as Semanggi or Senayan) that are going for fairly cheap since there was so much overproduction during the boom in the '90s. Now, they suffer from a 60% occupancy rate and are dying to get occupants in. Short term leases are also available. Definitely a car & driver will be a necessity. Driving in Jakarta is a frustrating feat that's better left to experts. Most leases come with a driver. Your company will probably take care of most of those logistics.

Well, I hope that helps. I will also be returning to Jakarta to do legal work there in September of this year. Have been practicing in the states for a while and am ready for new challenges in Asia. When will you be relocating? Perhaps we'll be there around the same time. Feel free to write me at krispribadi@hotmail.com if you have any other questions or will be in the Jakarta area around the same time.

Hope all is well and good luck in your move!!

Regards,
Kris

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Hi K was just browsing in this site for the first time and came across your message. I have travelled several times to indonesia. If its yuor first time it can be a bit of a culture shock and takes a little time getting used to the way indonesian's do things. But this can all be quickly learnt especially if open minded. having even a little indonesian helps as the indonesians i meant appreciated my effort to speak in their language and caused some laughter too, great ice breaker.

I personally haven't worked or lived in indonesia yet i was looking for work ther a couple of years ago but do to the crisis a the time it wasn't feasible. I would be most interestd in how you obtained work, and how your move works out.

Personally i love indonesia, the atmosphere, people, way of life quite a bit different to england. jakarta itself
is like any major city, but it is fairly easy to get out of town to the mountains near by.

Hope your move goes well

regards

Philip Wright

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Hi K just left a reply to you and if you like to get in touch here is my e-mail Philip>Wright@bauer.co.uk

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