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Overview of Jakarta

With a population of almost 11 million and an area of 664 square kilometers, the heart of Jakarta is, without question, the largest and most populous city in Indonesia, in addition to being the country's capital.

The wider Jakartan metropolis has a population of over 40 million, making it the world's largest city. The sheer size of the Indonesian capital makes it impossible to cover all accommodation options and residential areas in one article. However, we can offer you some tips and advice that will come in handy before your move to Jakarta. Despite the lack of data on this subject, this city is undoubtedly home to the bulk of Indonesia's roughly 350,000 expat population.

Thanks to its large area, it is easy to find a wide range of accommodation options in Jakarta. However, rents are quite high compared to other major cities in the country, as the demand for housing in the capital far exceeds the supply, more than anywhere else in Indonesia. There is also a great deal of diversity in Jakarta's neighborhoods, with both quiet and vibrant areas. While expatriates tend to congregate in the same neighborhoods, you also have the option of living in more popular areas, which will allow you to experience the real Jakartan way of life.

Jakarta's neighborhoods

Even though it is often referred to as a city, even by its residents, Jakarta is technically not one. In fact, it is a province composed of five cities: Central Jakarta, South Jakarta, North Jakarta, West Jakarta and East Jakarta. Each of these parts of Jakarta is administratively considered a city in its own right.

Jakarta is actually a megapolis and, as such, includes many different districts that are more or less popular among expatriates.

Central Jakarta

It is the administrative, political and financial center of Jakarta. The district not only boasts many towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls but also has spacious green parks, museums and old historic buildings, most of which date back to the Dutch colonial era when the city was called Batavia. As a matter of fact, Central Jakarta is home to the city's oldest building, the Toko Merah, which means "red store" in Bahasa Indonesian. The area is popular with expatriates because it is Jakarta's business center.

Several large national and international companies have set up offices in the capital, allowing most expatriates living there to avoid the heavy Jakarta traffic jams on their way to work in Jakarta in the morning and on their way back at night. Among the most popular neighborhoods in Central Jakarta is Menteng, the city's oldest and arguably most upscale district.

Located in the city center, it is within easy reach of the central business districts, including Thamrin and Sudirman, making it an ideal residential area for expatriates who plan to work in Jakarta for a multinational corporation or a major local company. The area is also convenient for government officials, thanks to its proximity to many embassies and government offices. If your office is located in one of these areas and if you live in Menteng, then it will usually only take you a few minutes to walk up there.

Housing options are pretty limited in Menteng. Nevertheless, thanks to its proximity to several business districts, one can find a few residential buildings, such as Menteng Park, Menteng Exclusive Apartments, and Menteng Regency, that offer luxurious apartments. However, those types of accommodation only benefit the wealthier.

Menteng is unsurprisingly among the most expensive residential areas in Jakarta, surrounded by large shopping malls, restaurants and lush parks. To rent a house in this area, expect to spend IDR 500 million to IDR 1.2 billion (USD 32,000 – USD 75,000) per year, with luxury or newly renovated properties reaching 2 billion+ IDR annually.

South Jakarta

South Jakarta's most popular neighborhood for expats is, by far, Kemang. This is a very trendy and lively area, where upscale shopping malls, famous restaurants and luxurious residential areas are all around. Kemang is the perfect district if you like to go out after work. Moreover, you will be happy to know that there are also many expatriate communities and clubs.

It is also home to some of the best international schools in Jakarta. Like Menteng, Kemang is also close to the city's business centers.

Kemang is varied, offering apartments, studios, apartment complexes, and many other types of housing. Of course, good things always come at a price, and although slightly cheaper than Menteng, renting a house in Kemang costs between IDR 300 million and IDR 700 million (USD 19,000 to USD 45,000) per year. Newer and larger properties easily cross over the IDR 1 billion mark annually.

West Jakarta

Although less prized by expatriates, West Jakarta is mostly a residential zone with many charms. It should be noted that this area is not considered a municipality, as are the other administrative sections of Jakarta. The majority of the inhabitants of West Jakarta, therefore, consider themselves more Indonesian than Jakartans, even though Jakarta's ethnic diversity is very much present in many vivid ways.

Several modern and sophisticated shopping malls, universities (including Bina Nusantara University, one of the best in the country) and top schools are located there. Moreover, West Jakarta boasts several comfortable residential areas, most of which are quite inexpensive. You can even choose to live in a very typical neighborhood if you want to immerse yourself deeper into the rich Jakartan culture.

Security is not a major problem in Jakarta, and even the threat of terrorism, which has long plagued the Indonesian archipelago, has declined significantly in recent years thanks to the efforts of the authorities. Just be sure to respect local traditions and customs to better adapt to the vibrant Jakartan culture.

West Jakarta is also home to the old city of Jakarta and features several other history-rich neighborhoods. Some of the most popular sections of the district include Cengkareng, Kalideres and Kebon Jeruk. A basic room can start at around IDR 1 million to IDR 2 million (USD 60 to USD 130) per month, while a comfortable, fully furnished room typically costs IDR 2 million to IDR 5 million (USD 130 to USD 300+) per month, depending on the facilities.

Also located in West Jakarta, Tanjung Duren is a thriving expatriate district. It is home to prestigious office complexes, sophisticated apartments and beautiful shopping malls. Moreover, the area is convenient for those planning to pursue secondary education or for those with children, as it is well-connected to renowned schools and universities.

While not as luxurious as its counterparts in Central and South Jakarta, Tanjung Duren also boasts nice apartments at reasonable prices. Expect to pay roughly IDR 60 million to IDR 180 million (USD 4,000 to USD 12,000) per year, with larger or newer units reaching IDR 250 million+ annually.

North Jakarta

Here is another area of Jakarta that is not so popular with expatriates. Nevertheless, it proudly features many typical shops, entertainment centers, and some comfortable residential areas. However, most of North Jakarta remains primarily a huge industrial area, harboring some of Jakarta's most important seaports, as well as several major national and multinational factories. A few hundred expatriates live in plush apartment complexes like Green Bay Pluit Apartment, The Mansion Kemayoran Bougainville, and Tifolia Apartment. Other complexes, such as Gading Nias Apartment or Callia Apartment, offer less luxurious apartments at more affordable prices.

Kelapa Gading is the place in northern Jakarta where you'll never get bored or go hungry. The district boasts a wide selection of entertainment centers, shopping malls, restaurants and clubs. In addition, Sunter, a neighboring district, has some of the best street vendors and restaurants in Jakarta, offering a wide choice of delicious cuisines from around the world. Visiting this neighboring area is a good way for you to get a deeper dive into the Jakarta lifestyle. If you have children, don't worry, Kelapa Gading is also home to top-notch schools, as well as after-school clubs.

Kelapa Gading is, however, regarded as one of the most expensive and poshest areas in Jakarta. But rest assured, you can still get reasonably priced accommodation in this residential area. Rental prices are generally more affordable than in central or southern districts. Apartments typically range from IDR 60 million to IDR 150 million (USD 4,000 – USD 10,000) per year, while larger or premium units can reach IDR 200 million to IDR 350 million annually. Houses are less common but can range from IDR 50 million to IDR 150 million per year, with high-end properties commanding significantly more.

East Jakarta

East Jakarta is the largest of the capital's five municipalities. The area is less residential and is mainly industrial. It is also home to one of Jakarta's most important airports, Halim Perdana Kusuma. However, there are a few good-quality apartment complexes that expatriates prize. They are Cibubur Village, Bassura City Apartment, Sentra Timur Residence and Casablanca East Residence. Rents there are between IDR 2 and IDR 8 million per month.

The Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands form a chain of islets off the coast of Jakarta and fall under the city's administrative regency. Located off the mainland and comprising many beautiful islands, the Thousand Islands are a very popular tourist destination. As mentioned above, Central Jakarta and South Jakarta are the most popular areas for expatriates. On the other hand, it could also be nice to live in West, North and East Jakarta. In any case, though, it will all boil down to your budget and needs.

Keep in mind that if you want to live in this busy city, it is better to choose your home close to your workplace or your children's school. Jakarta has severe traffic problems, which should be avoided for a trouble-free daily life. When planning your commute, it helps to understand getting around Jakarta efficiently.

Types of accommodation in Jakarta

As in all major cities, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Jakarta. For a short stay, a hotel room or Airbnb will save you money.

Otherwise, as part of your relocation to Jakarta, you can opt to rent or buy a property. In any case, Jakarta has no shortage of houses and apartments at different prices, suited to all preferences. You just have to plan and stick to your budget.

Good to know:

In Jakarta, you will find a unique and cheap type of accommodation called the "kost". The Kost is synonymous with affordable rent. In other words, it is a fully equipped room, sometimes fully furnished, that comes with electricity, access to free laundry, and free Wi-Fi included in the price. Mind you, however, this is a form of shared accommodation with 15 to 50 other people living in the same building or house. As a rule, the kitchen and bathroom are shared. But one can find exceptions, where the room is equipped with an indoor bathroom.

Finding accommodation in Jakarta

Finding accommodation in Jakarta is easy, especially thanks to the internet, which is never short of forums, specialized networks and local housing websites. Don't forget to network with other expats already in Jakarta! If you are already in Jakarta, get in touch with real estate agencies.

They will help you find the ideal accommodation.

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