Hospitality and Retail Sectors Push Back on Music Licensing RegulationsIn response to newly enforced music royalty regulations, businesses across Indonesia—particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors—are urging the government to provide exemptions for small enterprises and background music usage that doesn’t directly generate revenue.As reported by The Jakarta Post (2025), associations...
A Strategic Move to Strengthen Global Tourism and Bilateral TiesIndonesia has officially expanded its visa-free entry policy to include Brazilian and Turkish passport holders, marking a key development in its ongoing strategy to enhance global connectivity and promote international tourism.As reported by Indonesia Expat (2025), this policy shift was confirmed by the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, with...
Balancing Urban Wellness, Informal Economy, and Public Order in the CapitalJakarta’s beloved Car-Free Day (CFD), a weekly event that transforms major roads into pedestrian zones for sports, recreation, and community life, may be heading toward a major shift. Indonesia’s Home Ministry has signaled plans to re-evaluate CFD activities, citing concerns that the event has increasingly become a hub for...
Indonesia produces over 18 million tons of waste annually, with most of it ending up in overcrowded landfills. In cities like Jakarta, landfills such as Bantar Gebang are nearing capacity—raising concerns about environmental degradation, methane emissions, and long-term public health.Previous WTE projects were stalled by regulatory uncertainty, land acquisition problems, and unclear revenue structures....
The Capital Strengthens Its Global Identity Through Sports Diplomacy and InfrastructureJakarta continues its evolution on the world stage—this time through sports. In a landmark announcement, FIFA has officially selected Jakarta as its regional hub for Southeast Asia and East Asia, placing the Indonesian capital alongside global centers like Paris, Johannesburg, and Panama City.Source:...
Streamlined Access to Jakarta’s Airport Rail Link for Expats and TravelersTravelers using the Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link now have a faster, easier way to board the train—by simply tapping a Visa contactless card at the turnstile. This service, launched in May 2025, brings Jakarta’s transportation system one step closer to global standards in urban mobility and payment convenience.The...
BMKG explains what’s really happening with Indonesia’s weatherand what expats should expectIf you’ve been in Jakarta or Bali recently and caught yourself wondering, “Isn’t it supposed to be dry season?” you’re not alone. Many residents and newcomers alike have been surprised by frequent rain showers even though the calendar clearly marks it as Indonesia’s dry period.So, what’s going...
Jakarta’s ambitious urban transit development continues with a newly confirmed extension of the city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to South Tangerang. Estimated at US$1.25 billion, this expansion marks a critical step in linking Jakarta’s urban core with its fast-growing satellite cities—enhancing connectivity, easing congestion, and unlocking new opportunities for housing and commercial...
By Fahra RizwariCEO, Noble Properties AsiaRelocating to Indonesia can feel like stepping into a new adventure—exotic culture, exciting food, warm weather, and friendly faces. But there’s one thing that expats are rarely warned about: navigating Indonesia’s chaotic, unregulated property market without falling into a trap.If you’re fortunate to have a company-sponsored relocation package, then you're...
by Fahra Rizwari 
When people think of Jakarta, the first images that come to mind often involve endless traffic and a dense urban sprawl. But there's a refreshing new way to view the city that defies those expectations—from the top deck of an open-top bus, where Jakarta’s skyline tells a very different story.The Jakarta Tourism Office, in collaboration with TransJakarta, has revived the popular Jakarta Explorer...