Expat News
Social Expat News
Indonesia Guide
Business
- Natalia
- 5 days ago
President Prabowo Subianto has announced a sweeping policy shift allowing foreign nationals (WNA) to serve as top executives in state-owned enterprises (BUMN). The new regulation, revealed during the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, is part of a broader strategy to modernise the management of state corporations and align them with international […]
- Imelda R
- 6 days ago
The National Economic Council (DEN), led by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, has put forward a plan to develop a Family Office and Financial Centre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bali. The project aims to attract foreign investment and position Indonesia as a gateway for global capital to flow into the country’s real sectors. According to Luhut, […]
- Imelda R
- 1 week ago
The Indonesian government has enacted BKPM Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on 1 October 2025, which came into force on 2 October 2025. Based on a report by CNBC Indonesia in July 2025, the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry/BKPM had already announced revisions to three implementing regulations under Government Regulation No. 5 of 2021. […]
- Natalia
- 1 week ago
The world’s top business leaders, investors, and policymakers have arrived in Indonesia’s capital as the 23rd Forbes Global CEO Conference officially opens in Jakarta, marking the country’s debut as host of one of the world’s most influential corporate gatherings. The two-day event, running from 14–15 October 2025, brings together over 380 global executives, entrepreneurs, and […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
President Prabowo Subianto has officially launched a comprehensive economic stimulus plan, known as the ‘8+4+5 Economic Stimulus Package’, as part of the government’s strategy to maintain growth and create jobs for the remainder of 2025. The programme was announced by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto following a meeting with President Prabowo at the […]
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Travel
- Imelda R
- 22 hours ago
Pasar Baru Jakarta, established in 1820, is one of the city’s oldest shopping districts. Situated in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, this commercial hub offers more than just retail options. It combines history, culinary traditions, cultural diversity, and religious landmarks, making it a fascinating place to spend a day. Pasar Baru Jakarta: A Historic Entrance […]
- Natalia
- 6 days ago
Indonesia’s tourism sector is surging back with ferocious momentum, recording a milestone 10.04 million foreign arrivals between January and August 2025, the highest such tally since the COVID-19 era, the Ministry of Tourism announced Friday. That figure marks a 10.38% year-on-year increase over the same period in 2024, when Indonesia saw 9.09 million international visitors. […]
- Fidyanita S
- 2 weeks ago
Networking is one of major thing we do in daily routine, especially if you are someone who like to meet and talk with people in person. The social networking events is the right place for you to build strong connection and to explore potential insight in Indonesia. Attending social networking events will improve you professional […]
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Starting Saturday, 11 October 2025, Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta will welcome visitors after dark. The programme, called Night at the Ragunan Zoo, will run every Saturday from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Governor Pramono Anung explained the move was designed to give Jakartans and tourists more choices for leisure and exercise. “I asked for […]
- Imelda R
- 3 weeks ago
In the hills of Magelang, Central Java, stands one of Indonesia’s most unusual structures. Known as the Chicken Church Indonesia (Gereja Ayam), it attracts curious travellers on their way to Borobudur and Yogyakarta. The Chicken Church is located in the hills of Bukit Rhema, approximately 3 km from Borobudur Temple. It spans two villages, Karangrejo […]
Popular News
Immigration Corner
Food & Drink
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Indonesia’s culinary scene is rich with flavour and diversity, and its traditional snacks are no exception. Often called jajanan pasar or market snacks, these treats are found in traditional markets across the archipelago. They are made from everyday ingredients such as rice flour, glutinous rice, coconut milk, banana leaf, and tapioca, forming a key part […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
Seblak, a Sundanese speciality from Bandung, West Java, has quietly travelled beyond Indonesian borders and is now making waves in Thailand. Known for its spicy and savoury kick with the distinctive aroma of galangal (kencur), seblak has long been a comfort food in Indonesia. Traditionally made from crackers boiled with garlic, cayenne pepper and galangal, […]
- Fidyanita S
- 1 month ago
Wait, a theatre show… while you eat? Yes, that’s exactly what “Tanda Tanya?” offers. Social Expat team was delighted to be invited and experienced Tanda Tanya? the Jakarta’s first Theatrical Dining Experience. And honestly, it’s one of the most mind-blowing dining experiences in Jakarta right now. It all set inside Copper.30, a sleek restaurant space […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
A recently resurfaced video of British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay tasting authentic rendang in West Sumatra has gone viral on social media, reigniting pride among Indonesian viewers. On Monday (8 September 2025), the TikTok account @natgeotv posted a flashback clip from the programme Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, showing the renowned chef sampling an array of traditional […]
- Imelda R
- 2 months ago
American content creator Sonny, better known by his YouTube channel Best Ever Food Review Show, turned heads during his recent visit to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. The Minnesota-born host, whose real name is Will Sonbuchner, spent the day exploring Banjar culinary traditions, and one dish in particular caught everyone’s attention: Ketupat Kandangan. Rather than just tasting […]
Meet The Enterpreneur
- Natalia
- 5 days ago
President Prabowo Subianto has announced a sweeping policy shift allowing foreign nationals (WNA) to serve as top executives in state-owned enterprises (BUMN). The new regulation, revealed during the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Jakarta on Wednesday evening, is part of a broader strategy to modernise the management of state corporations and align them with international […]
- Imelda R
- 2 hours ago
A Russian citizen identified as Sergei Domogatskii, known online as @mr.terimakasih, has reported being kidnapped and assaulted while in Bali. The case gained wide attention after a video and posts detailing the alleged incident went viral on Instagram, prompting an official response from the Bali Regional Police (Polda Bali). According to Sergei’s post, the incident […]
- Imelda R
- 3 hours ago
Mount Batur just received a lively dose of pop culture. A group of tourists transformed the hiking trail into a dance floor, showing off playful dancing moves that caught attention online. The viral clip, posted by TikTok user @kusukamathcalatte, features the tourists dancing enthusiastically at Post 1 of Mount Batur, one of Bali’s most famous […]
- Imelda R
- 22 hours ago
Camel racing has officially been added as a sport at the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain. The decision was warmly received by countries in the Middle East, where the tradition of racing camels is deeply rooted in cultural life. Camel racing began centuries ago when camels were valued as desert transport. Today, the […]
- Imelda R
- 22 hours ago
Pasar Baru Jakarta, established in 1820, is one of the city’s oldest shopping districts. Situated in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, this commercial hub offers more than just retail options. It combines history, culinary traditions, cultural diversity, and religious landmarks, making it a fascinating place to spend a day. Pasar Baru Jakarta: A Historic Entrance […]
Popular News
Health & Wellness
- Natalia
- 6 days ago
Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s more affordable destinations for medical care, but quality, cost, and access can vary greatly depending on your location. In 2025, the country faces a medical inflation rate of 19.4%, one of the highest in the region. A major driver is the ongoing investment by private healthcare providers, who are […]
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Padel in Bali: Where Sports Meet Lifestyle in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud The island of Bali, already known for its beaches, yoga retreats, and surf culture, has welcomed a new sporting trend, padel. This racket sport, combining elements of tennis and squash, is now one of the most talked-about activities among residents and visitors alike. […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
Indonesia has entered the global top ten for World Wellness Weekend 2025, securing ninth place among participating countries. With 307 activities hosted across Jakarta and Bali, the country stood out as one of the leading destinations for health and wellness tourism. Jakarta itself was ranked sixth among the world’s top 20 cities, thanks to its […]
- Natalia
- 1 month ago
Recommended Dental Clinics near me – Looking for a recommended dental clinic in Jakarta may not be the first goal for you. But keeping this list of dental clinics that we have prepared might be a consideration because you don’t want a toothache to ruin your important moment, do you? Here are the Best Dental Clinics […]
- Natalia
- 1 month ago
Whether your child spikes a fever in the middle of the night or it’s time for a routine checkup, knowing where to turn for trusted care is essential. For expat families in Bali’s tropical paradise, finding reliable, high-quality healthcare when it matters most is often a top concern. This comprehensive guide will provide you with […]
Popular News
Popular News
Hotel & Restaurant Reviews
- Fidyanita S
- 4 days ago
When you hear the word Bali, maybe the beach comes to mind. Of course, the cuisine that is suitable to be enjoyed on the beach is seafood. However, eating seafood in Bali doesn’t have to be to Jimbaran or Kuta, or just places near the beach. Seafood culinary tours in Bali are now available in […]
- Imelda R
- 5 days ago
Bali Hotel Airport Options Near Ngurah Rai International Airport For many international tourists visiting Bali, staying close to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Indonesia is a practical choice. Roads in Bali are often congested, especially during the rainy season when flooding can occur. Staying near the airport means avoiding stress before a flight and […]
- Fidyanita S
- 3 weeks ago
If you find yourself wandering through the lively streets of Jakarta, particularly in the trendy neighbourhood of Kemang, you’re in for a treat! This area is one of the famous nightlife but also offers a unique rich coffee culture that attracts coffee lover. Especially, if you’re a casual coffee drinker or a self-proclaimed coffee snob, […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
Bali has long been known as one of the world’s top destinations for both cultural exploration and luxury hospitality. The island offers a wide range of five-star hotels, from beachfront resorts on the Indian Ocean to secluded villas in the lush hills of Ubud. The Best Bali 5 Star Hotels and Resorts for Luxury Stays […]
- Fidyanita S
- 4 weeks ago
Looking for a hotel in Jakarta that offers both comfort and convenience? Look no further. Our curated list of hotels in Jakarta provides easy access to the mall, ensuring ultimate convenience for you. Located in the heart of Jakarta, they offer direct access to a shopping haven, allowing you to have best shopping experience. You […]