Choosing the Right School and Home in Jakarta – Part 1

The Expat Family Guide to South & Central Jakarta

Relocating to Jakarta can be one of the most exciting adventures for any family — but when you have children, the biggest question is always the same: “Where will they go to school, and where should we live?”

Jakarta’s international schools are spread across the city, each with its own rhythm, community, and character. Choosing the right school often determines where you live — from the leafy suburbs of Pondok Indah to the creative corners of Kemang or the quiet residential lanes of Pejaten.

At Noble Asia, we’ve helped countless families find their perfect balance between education, lifestyle, and comfort. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most sought-after international schools in South and Central Jakarta, and what life around them really feels like.

🌳 Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS): Pondok Indah, Pattimura & Cilandak

School Snapshot

Founded over 60 years ago, Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) is one of Indonesia’s most established international schools. It follows the American curriculum, offers IB Diploma and AP programs, and runs across three campuses:

• JIS Pattimura Elementary – Kebayoran Baru
• JIS Pondok Indah Elementary
• JIS Cilandak Campus – Middle & High School

Every JIS campus feels like a green oasis in the city. Wide lawns, science labs, performing arts theaters, Olympic-size pools — it’s a mini-university for children.

Where Families Live

Because JIS sits at the heart of South Jakarta, most families choose neighborhoods within a 15-20 minute drive:

• Pondok Indah – suburban comfort, wide roads, and gated compounds.
• Kemang & Cipete – more vibrant and walkable, full of cafés, yoga studios, and French bakeries.
• Cilandak & Ampera – quieter, close to the main campus.
• Kebayoran Baru / Senopati / SCBD – ideal for parents working in Jakarta’s business core.

Housing & Lifestyle

Typical Housing Costs (2025 data & listings)

Houses (Villas / Family Homes / Compounds):

• A 4-bedroom, two-story home near JIS in Pondok Indah typically starts at USD 3,500 per month (about Rp 50–55 million). Landlords often ask for a multi-year lease or full payment in advance. For Rent 4 Bedroom Hous in Pondok Indah 
• Luxury houses in prime areas like Bukit Golf usually have higher starting prices.
• A 4-bedroom home in Metro Alam (Pondok Indah) around USD 3,500/month in listings.

Apartments / Condominiums / Serviced Units:

• In Pondok Indah, luxury apartments 2–3 bedroom in good towers are listed ~ IDR 40-60 million/month
• For example, a 3BR apartment in Pondok Indah Residences shows “IDR 650 million yearly” (~IDR 55 million/month) in listings.  For Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment in Pondok Indah Residence
• Smaller units or less premium towers may present slightly lower rates.

To find comfortable and secure housing near JIS with a manageable commute, plan to spend USD 3,000 to 6,000 or more per month for houses, or IDR 30 to 60 million or more per month for high-end apartments, depending on size and quality.

German School Jakarta (DSJ): BSD City, Tangerang

The School

The Deutsche Schule Jakarta (DSJ) offers a full German curriculum (Abitur) in a multilingual environment — German, English, and Indonesian. With small class sizes and strong academic support, DSJ provides a close-knit, community-driven environment.

Location & Commute

DSJ sits in BSD City (South Tangerang), a satellite township southwest of Jakarta. The area has become one of the most modern planned communities in Indonesia, complete with green boulevards, wide sidewalks, and lifestyle malls.

Many families who enroll their children at DSJ also move to BSD to avoid long commutes — a one-hour drive from central Jakarta can double during rush hour.

Housing & Costs

1. Apartments: from Rp 8–25 million/month, depending on building and furnishings (e.g., Sky House BSD, Branz BSD).
2. Family Homes: in gated compounds like Nava Park or The Icon BSD start around Rp 250 million/year (~USD 1,300/month) for mid-range homes, and more for premium estates.

For Rent 5 Bedroom House in BSD

BSD living offers space, security, and greenery — a refreshing change from the dense capital.

Noble Asia Insight: Families choosing DSJ often work remotely or have flexible schedules, making BSD’s distance from Jakarta less of an issue. The reward is cleaner air, modern infrastructure, and lower living costs.

 Jakarta Japanese School (JJS): Bintaro Jaya

Located in Pondok Aren, South Tangerang, the Jakarta Japanese School (JJS) serves the Japanese expatriate community but welcomes others seeking a structured, bilingual approach.

Families of JJS students typically live in Bintaro Jaya or BSD, where gated clusters like Discovery Serenity or Emerald Park provide calm, family-friendly environments.

Rent in Bintaro is noticeably lower than in South Jakarta’s central districts — a spacious 3-bedroom house might cost Rp 15–30 million/month. Shopping centers like Bintaro Xchange and nearby toll access make it practical for working parents.

For Rent 4 Bedroom in House Kebayoran Baru

🏫 ACG School Jakarta (Pejaten / Jati Padang)

About the School

The ACG School Jakarta (often referred to as AGS) follows the Cambridge IGCSE and IB curriculum, emphasizing inquiry-based learning. Class sizes are small, giving it a boutique, personalized feel.

Living Around Pejaten

Pejaten, Jati Padang, and Pasar Minggu feel quieter than bustling Kemang. Streets are tree-lined; cafés and small warungs coexist peacefully. Parents appreciate being within 10 minutes of school while still connected to Cilandak and Mampang.

Housing Costs

• Houses: USD 2,000–4,500 per month (Rp 30–70 million), depending on lot size and facilities. For Rent 5 Bedroom House In Pejaten 
• Apartments: around Rp 15–35 million/month, with choices like Pejaten Indah Residences or Pejaten Village Apartments.

Because demand peaks during enrollment season, the best homes go quickly — families often secure leases months in advance.

Noble Asia Insight: Pejaten is ideal for families who value calm, neighborhood safety, and local authenticity. Many parents describe it as “Jakarta’s hidden gem.”

 Australian Independent School (AIS): Pejaten Barat

The Campus

Previously known as the Australian International School, AIS Indonesia offers both the Australian Curriculum and the IB Diploma Programme. Known for its inclusive ethos, AIS supports students of varied learning styles and abilities.

Community & Lifestyle

AIS attracts a diverse community — Australians, Europeans, Indonesians, and families from mixed-marriage backgrounds. The campus is surrounded by trees and sports facilities, creating a suburban atmosphere despite being in South Jakarta.

Where Families Live

Most families choose:

• Pejaten Barat / Pejaten Timur – closest to school.
• Cipete / Cilandak Selatan / Kemang – vibrant café culture and international neighbours.
• Pasar Minggu / Ragunan – slightly farther but more spacious homes.

Housing Snapshot

• Houses: USD 2,500–4,500 per month (Rp 40–70 million).
• Apartments: Rp 25–40 million/month.

Good houses around Pejaten are in high demand — families often start with serviced apartments nearby  while exploring permanent homes.

🏡 Everyday Life in South Jakarta

South Jakarta’s charm lies in its contrasts: skyscrapers beside lush streets, traditional markets beside artisan cafés. Weekends often revolve around family brunches, sports clubs, and short getaways to Bogor or Puncak.

Typical Rental Ranges (2025)

🧭 Noble Asia’s Tips for Newcomers

1. Visit During Rush Hour. Traffic can double your commute; always test routes before committing.
2. Read the Lease Carefully. Most landlords request one-year payment upfront. Noble Asia ensures every contract is bilingual and transparent.
3. Ask About Maintenance. Check who handles plumbing, gardens, and repairs — small details make big differences.
4. Check for Flood Zones. Jakarta’s geography is tricky; Noble Asia’s consultants always verify property elevation and drainage.
5. Start in a Serviced Apartment. It gives your family time to settle, explore schools, and understand neighborhoods before signing a long lease.
6. Connect with Communities. Join parent networks, sports clubs, or cultural associations — they’re invaluable for local advice.
   
   

South Jakarta remains the heart of expat family life — a place where international schools, leafy neighborhoods, and modern conveniences come together. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet weekend in Cilandak, a lively dinner in Kemang, or a school concert at JIS, this part of the city offers something for everyone.

Choosing the right home here isn’t just about price or size; it’s about creating a rhythm that fits your family’s needs — from the morning school run to the weekend brunch.

At Noble Asia, we believe every relocation should feel personal. With our network of verified listings and school partnerships, we help families not just find a house — but a home, a community, and a sense of belonging in Jakarta.