Indonesia straddles the equator between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It's home to immense diversity across its thousands of islands and hundreds of cultures. Unsurprisingly, these varied landscapes, rich traditions and dynamic cities have made the country a really attractive destination for digital nomads. So, if you're thinking of working here as a digital nomad, this article can help get you started!
Why choose Indonesia?
Indonesia needs no introduction. Images of green rice fields, dramatic volcanoes, Buddhist and Hindu temples, magnificent beaches and tropical islands鈥t's a truly magical place.
Its welcoming atmosphere and the relatively affordable cost of living continue to make Indonesia appealing to travelers and location-independent professionals. While living costs have risen in some popular areas (particularly in parts of Bali), Indonesia still offers good value compared with many global digital nomad hubs.
You'll be happy to hear that internet access in Indonesia has improved significantly in recent years, especially in major cities and established digital nomad destinations, making it more possible than ever to work remotely with relative ease in these areas.
Things to know before traveling to Indonesia to work remotely
Indonesia offers several short-term visa options for visitors, but digital nomads should know that the visa rules are really activity-specific, and many visas won't allow for remote work.
Depending on where you're from, you can get visa-free entry for short stays, but this visa-free entry is non-extendable and can't be converted into another type of stay permit.
Many visitors will enter Indonesia on a Visa on Arrival (VoA or e-VoA), which is valid for 30 days and can then be extended once for another 30 days. Longer stays are possible through visitor visas that you apply for in advance, and these may allow multiple extensions depending on the type of visa. This might include a KITAS, which is a temporary stay permit.
However, Digital nomads should remember that visa-free entry, VoA, and standard visitor visas do not formally permit employment in Indonesia. Remote work for foreign clients is still, to this day, a frustratingly regulatory grey area. You should avoid presenting yourself as someone working locally or taking part in activities that could be seen as being locally employed.
If you want to stay in Indonesia for extended periods, you should make sure your visa type aligns as closely as possible with the length and purpose of your stay.
If you are working remotely for overseas employers or clients, Indonesia is now finally offering a specific stay permit called the Remote Worker Visa (officially titled the E33G visa). This visa is designed for digital nomads and remote professionals who earn income from outside Indonesia and are not locally employed.
The E33G visa allows applicants to live in Indonesia while continuing their remote work for foreign companies. It's usually issued for up to one year, and it might be renewable, depending on the immigration policy at the time of re-application.
Which are the best Indonesian cities for digital nomads?
Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is the country's political and economic center. It offers a wide range of professional services, coworking spaces, nightlife, and amenities associated with a major global city. However, traffic congestion and air pollution are really bad here, leading many digital nomads to consider healthier, more relaxed alternatives. And that leads us to鈥�
Bali
The island of the gods remains Indonesia's most popular destination for digital nomads, especially areas such as Canggu and Ubud.
Canggu, which is located along Bali's southwest coast near Seminyak and Tanah Lot, has famously developed rapidly over the past decade. Once a quiet rural area, it is now a lively hub with caf茅s, coworking spaces, fitness studios, and a large international community. Despite being quite busy and popular, it continues to attract digital nomads looking for a social and work-friendly environment.
Meanwhile, Ubud is known for its focus on wellness, nature, and creative pursuits. Often associated with yoga, meditation, and healthy living, Ubud appeals to digital nomads looking for a quieter setting surrounded by rice fields and forested landscapes. It remains a popular base for those balancing remote work with a slower pace of life.
Beyond Bali, digital nomads who are happy to trade convenience for tranquillity may want to look at other destinations like Lombok, the Gili Islands, or parts of Sumatra, though infrastructure and connectivity can be much more limited.
Internet and coworking spaces in Indonesia
Indonesia has made a lot of notable progress in internet infrastructure in recent years. While connection quality can vary by region, major cities and established digital nomad hubs usually all offer really reliable broadband and mobile internet, which are perfect for video calls and online collaboration. Coworking spaces can be found all over Jakarta and Bali, especially in Canggu and Ubud.
Many caf茅s also welcome remote workers, though expectations around noise levels and time spent can be a bit differentiated compared to dedicated workspaces. You should check out recent reviews before you commit to a space.
Coworking spaces in Jakarta
Jakarta offers a across its central and southern districts. Examples include:
- , Senayan
- , Kebayoran Baru
Availability, pricing, and facilities can change, so you should check out the current offerings online.
Coworking spaces in Canggu
Canggu is home to numerous coworking spaces catering specifically to digital nomads. Examples include:
Demand can be high (especially during the peak seasons), so advance booking is often recommended.
Coworking spaces in Ubud
Ubud also offers several coworking options in and around the town center. Examples include:
Coworking availability in Ubud can be more limited than in coastal areas, so research your options ahead of arrival.
Leisure in Indonesia
Indonesia is the perfect option for anyone who wants to combine work with exploration and relaxation. Nature lovers can explore destinations such as Komodo National Park (home to the famous Komodo dragons) or Raja Ampat in Papua (the mecca of scuba diving).
There are a ton of cultural highlights too, including Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, Prambanan, a 9th-century Hindu temple complex, and Tanah Lot, a sea temple set on a rocky outcrop along Bali's coast.
A growing middle class means many sports and gym facilities have become far more popular over the past decade, allowing you to stay fit and healthy wherever you are.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
