Pros and Cons of Living in Jakarta
Last updated on Jul 25, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Jakarta, Indonesia include its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent food. The city is also home to many attractions, such as the National Monument and the National Museum. Additionally, Jakarta is a great place to find affordable housing and transportation. On the other hand, the cons of living in Jakarta include its high levels of air pollution, traffic congestion, and crime. The city is also prone to flooding during the rainy season, and the cost of living can be quite high.
What are the pros and cons of living in Jakarta?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Jakarta responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Jakarta, often like the low cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without spending too much. They also appreciate the vibrant and diverse culture, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. The local people are generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy for expats to make friends and feel at home. The food scene in Jakarta is also a highlight, with a wide variety of delicious local and international cuisines available at affordable prices. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the heavy traffic and congestion in Jakarta, which can make getting around the city a challenge. The public transportation system is not as developed as in some other major cities, so many people rely on private vehicles or ride-hailing services. The air quality in Jakarta can also be poor at times, due to pollution from vehicles and industrial activities. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding during the rainy season, which can cause disruptions and inconvenience. Another challenge for expats and digital nomads in Jakarta is the language barrier, as not everyone speaks English, and learning the local language, Bahasa Indonesia, can be difficult for some. The bureaucracy and red tape involved in obtaining visas and work permits can also be frustrating and time-consuming. Finally, some expats may find it challenging to adapt to the cultural differences and local customs, particularly in areas such as social etiquette and business practices," explained one expat living in Jakarta.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsGet Quote
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote
What do expats in Jakarta appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Jakarta appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Indonesian and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of flavors from all over the world. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Furthermore, the city's nightlife is a great way to meet new people and explore the city's culture. Finally, expats appreciate the city's rich history and the many cultural attractions that can be found throughout Jakarta," said one expat in Jakarta.
"No matter how bad things are for the Indonesians, they always manage a smile. They are friendly & kind. Indonesia is wealthy in art & culture & history," said a person living in Jakarta.
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
What do expats find most challenging?
"You cannot get angry & shout at someone in Indonesia, they will close down totally. To "lose face" is the worst thing for an Indonesian, therefore they won't own up to not knowing something & shouting at them makes it worse. People are afraid to say "no". Rather than say they can't or don't know something, they will say yes & then blunder through what ever they are doing. i.e. my husband is mentoring at work & has to ask 50 questions before he realizes his Indonesian colleague doesn't know what he's talking about. Or, tell a taxi driver the address you want to go to & he doesn't know where it is but drives in the wrong direction, so you have to direct him all the way," explained one expat.
"Expats in Jakarta often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the traffic in Jakarta can be overwhelming, as the roads are often congested and chaotic. Furthermore, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those in other countries," said one person in Jakarta.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Jakarta?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Jakarta?
- What is the average cost of housing in Jakarta?
- How do I meet people in Jakarta?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Jakarta?
- What should I pack when moving to Jakarta?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Jakarta?
- Will I be able to find a job in Jakarta?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Jakarta?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Jakarta?
- What is the social scene like in Jakarta?
- What advice to expats in Jakarta have about housing?
- What are medical services in Jakarta like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jakarta?
- Is the cost of living in Jakarta high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Jakarta?
- Why do people move to Jakarta?