southeastern

My friend's son is moving to Jararta for work and she's very nervous about his move. Has anyone been there and what's your take on it? Thank you.

southeastern

That's Jakarta. Sorry, need to learn to type.

Kathie

I've been to Jakarta, but I don't think I'm the best source for someone moving to Jakarta. There's an expat on the board here who lives and works in Jakarta, marmot. I'm sure she'll have something to say about it.

moremiles

I was there many years ago and thought it was a fascinating city and now have an acquaintance whose daughter works there and she loves it. They go to visit her at least once a year and enjoy Jakarta themselves and all the interesting side trips nearby.

mohan

I go to Jakarta because I have family and friends there. I won't choose it as a travel destination but if I were given a job with a good package in my twenties, I would be more than happy to say yes. Expats love it there and many have stayed for good. Maybe your friend can check the following:http://www.livinginindonesiaforum.org/

marmot

I've lived in Jakarta since 1995. Like so much of Indonesia it turns the aphorism upsidedown: it's a nice place to live, but I wouldn't want to visit.

Jakarta is a big, sprawling, dirty, congested Asian city with a thin though shiny veneer of Western sophistication. If you're interested in Asian culture, have a good sense of humor and plenty of patience it can be a fascinating place. That Bali and the rest of the Indonesian archipelego is acessible by a short flight is a definite plus.

Surprisingly for a city of 20 million (who knows?) Jakarta is quite safe. There is not much violent crime. Indonesians are overwhelmingly gracious and hospitable to visitors.

Foreigners with expat packages -- even those with mid-level NGO jobs -- live very well in Jakarta. I've heard that among the US diplomatic corp it's the most requested destination for repeat assignments. The expat community of all ages and all nationalities is lively and social.

Terrorism is a thorny subject. The chance of being harmed or even inconvenienced by a terrorist attack in Jakarta or anywhere in Indonesia is very, very slim. Having said that you have to be aware that there is a tiny minority of crazies operating in Indonesia whose sole purpose is to cause heartache to someone. They number a few hundred out of a population of 240 million, but they are deadly.

Personally, I take a fatalistic attitude the same way I felt about earthquakes when I lived in San Francisco, or for that matter the way I feel everytime I step on an airplane. I don't deny the possibility of disaster, but I feel that the risk level is low. To me, the benefits of the experience far outweigh the negatives, but everyone has to determine his own comfort level.

southeastern

He is going to be with Chevron Oil. His wife and 2 children will go with him. They are excited, they spent 2 years in Brazil and loved it. My friend, their grandmother, doesn't want them to go on many levels. I will pass the information on and hope it makes her feels better. She has spent time on the internet but these personal comments might make her feel better.She looks for the bad rather than the good. I told her to start planning for a visit and that it is a good jumping off place to visit other countries. Thank you for you valuable information.

marmot

The oil companies have a huge presence in Indonesia so your friend's son and his family will immediately be welcomed into a friendly and active community. The spouses I've observed have a mixed reaction to Indonesia -- some love it, some hate it -- which can affect the happiness of the whole family. Since they had a positive experience in Brazil the prognosis is good, but there's no question that it's a long way from home.

The international schools -- notably Jakarta International School where most Americans end up -- are excellent, some of the best private schools in the world. Living here is a remarkable opportunity for children of any age. My son who is now in graduate school in the US really misses it.

My advice to your friend would be to visit sooner rather than later. Seeing the environment first hand would put her mind at ease.

southeastern

Oh thank you for the school comment! That is a big concern of hers. The grand children are in the 1st and 4th grades. The couple have an excellent positive attitude and the wife likes the expat life. I sent both of your comments to my friend and hope it helps with her attitude adjustment. I'm sure she'll miss the grandchildren but it is an excellent opportunity for him. You have been most helpfull. Thank you. Hey, I'm ready to join her on a visit. I loved Thailand, Cambodia, and China. You are very fortunate to have the adventure of living in Indonesia. I would have jumped at the chance to do something like that!