Cultural Insight

In early June 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health issued an official advisory in response to a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases across several Asian countries, including neighboring nations. Although the situation in Indonesia remains under control, authorities are urging increased public awareness and preventive behavior, especially ahead of travel or public gatherings.As reported by The Jakarta Post...

Jakarta has taken another step toward improving regional mobility with the launch of a new intercity bus route connecting the capital to Bekasi. Announced in May 2025, this route adds to the Transjakarta-operated intercity fleet and aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance public transit access, and improve commuting conditions for daily travelers.As reported by The Jakarta Post (2025), the route is part...

Gold has long been seen as one of the most reliable investment vehicles in times of economic uncertainty. In Indonesia, it’s not just a symbol of wealth—it’s a practical and increasingly accessible asset class for both locals and foreign residents alike.As highlighted in a recent Social Expat article (2024), the appeal of gold in Indonesia continues to grow, especially as more people look for secure,...

Starting May 2025, Indonesia has officially launched full e-passport services across all its immigration offices—an upgrade that simplifies international travel, visa applications, and airport processing for citizens and long-term foreign residents.As reported by Social Expat (2024), the move is part of a broader digitalization push by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration. For global citizens...

Jakarta has just earned a spot on Time Out’s prestigious list of the 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025, joining the ranks of global heavyweights like New York, Tokyo, and Barcelona. For locals, the recognition comes as a welcome nod to the capital’s transformation. For expats and property seekers, it’s another strong reason to consider Jakarta not just as a stopover—but as a vibrant city to...

From remote workers to digital nomads to long-term expats, one factor has quietly become non-negotiable when choosing where to live, work, or travel: Wi-Fi quality. As reported by Indonesia Expat (2024), the availability and reliability of internet access can make or break a travel experience—and the same holds true for international relocations.For many moving to Indonesia—whether to Bali, Jakarta, or...

If you’ve just relocated to Jakarta or Bali, your first morning meal might surprise you. Forget toast and cereal—Indonesia wakes up to something more vibrant. From coconut rice to peanut-sauced vegetables, breakfast here isn’t just fuel. It’s a reflection of the country’s diverse flavors and regional pride.According to Social Expat (2024), traditional Indonesian breakfasts vary widely depending...

If you’re planning to move to Indonesia—or have recently arrived—you may be wondering whether it’s worth the effort to learn Bahasa Indonesia, the country’s national language. The short answer? Absolutely.As outlined in Expat.or.id (2024), learning even basic Bahasa Indonesia can significantly improve your experience as a foreigner in the country. Whether you're in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, or...

Indonesia’s first high-speed rail service, Whoosh, is off to a strong start in 2025—especially among foreign passengers. As reported by Indonesia Expat (2024), the Jakarta–Bandung high-speed train has seen a sharp increase in international ridership, signaling a growing confidence in the country's infrastructure and a shift in how both locals and expats travel between major cities.For expatriates,...

Just off the northern coast of Jakarta lies a serene archipelago that many overlook—Kepulauan Seribu, or the Thousand Islands. But this May, it wasn’t tourists flocking to its shores. Instead, the islands welcomed students and educators on an environmental education trip aimed at raising awareness about Indonesia’s fragile marine ecosystems and the importance of sustainable tourism.As reported by The...