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On Monday, 7 July 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of import tariffs on 14 countries, including Indonesia, declaring that Indonesian products would face a tariff rate of 32%. According to Mr Trump, these tariffs were scheduled to come into effect on 1 August 2025. “The tariff imposed for Indonesia is 32%, which […]

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed the imposition of a 32% import tariff on all Indonesian products entering the US market, with the new rate coming into effect on 1 August 2025. The announcement was made through a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Monday, 7 July (US time), […]

As inflation bites and market uncertainty persists, more investors are turning to gold—a long-standing safe haven asset, to preserve wealth and hedge against volatility. But while gold has a reputation for stability, many still perceive it as requiring high upfront capital and complex logistics. Despite that, the perception is slowly changing along with the banking […]

Modern society is always captivated by the latest in technology. Recently, the World App, part of the Worldcoin ecosystem, gained widespread attention across social media platforms and began appearing in public areas throughout Jakarta and nearby regions. The app sparked national conversation after Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital […]

In this article, Social Expat is joined with Givenia, a professional legal associate from LMI Consultancy, to answer your most common questions in regard to registering a company in Indonesia in 2025. You may have noticed a lot of conflicting information on the internet and in social media groups about registering a new business in […]

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Travel

Solo Travel in Bali: The Complete Travel Guide for Independent Travellers Travelling alone offers freedom, flexibility, and a unique sense of adventure. Solo travel in Bali, Indonesia’s most visited island, is not only popular but also considered one of the best options for solo travellers, including women travelling alone. With its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, […]

If you’re seeking a quiet, lesser-known natural retreat in Indonesia, Paisupok Lake in Central Sulawesi should be high on your list. Nestled in the Banggai Islands, this hidden gem offers crystal clear water surrounded by dense forest and unspoiled nature. Known locally as Danau Paisupok or Danau Paisu Pok Luk Panenteng, it stands out as one of […]

Ultimate Bali Packing List for Foreign Tourists Planning your Bali holiday goes beyond securing flights and hotels. Understanding visa regulations, preparing for the dry season tropical climate, and knowing exactly what to wear in Bali can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. As the number of international visitors to Bali reached over 6.3 million […]

Located in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Bukit Lawang is a renowned ecotourism destination and one of the primary gateways to the Gunung Leuser National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra. Known for its dense rainforest, flowing rivers, and rich biodiversity, Bukit Lawang is especially famous for its […]

Jakarta Murugan Temple (Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam): A New Landmark for Hindu Worship in Indonesia Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is widely recognised for its urban sprawl and bustling activity. However, beneath its metropolitan surface lies a rich tapestry of religious and cultural expressions. One of the latest additions to this diverse landscape is the […]

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Food & Drink

Eating by Hand: The Art of Eating Without Cutlery in Indonesian Culture In many parts of Indonesia, eating with your hands is not only common but is also a respected cultural tradition. Despite the presence of spoons, forks, chopsticks, and other modern utensils, many Indonesians still prefer to use their hands when dining. This practice […]

When Jakarta’s heat calls for something indulgent yet refreshing, Osteria Gia answers with sunshine on a plate. This August and September, the much-loved Italian restaurant at Plaza Indonesia is serving up something special: a limited-time seasonal menu titled “Italian Summer Feast”, and it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. Tapping into the soul of […]

A group of British Royal Navy soldiers recently found themselves in a new kind of challenge, taking on the bold flavours of nasi kapau, a traditional West Sumatran dish, during a visit to a Padang restaurant in Jakarta. The moment, shared by content creator Laurence Benson, captured the soldiers’ enthusiastic (and occasionally fiery) reactions to […]

The Blok M area in South Jakarta is widely known as “Little Tokyo” for its strong Japanese cultural influence and wide selection of Japanese restaurants. Authentic Japanese Restaurant Blok M: Little Tokyo Neighbourhood This neighbourhood has become a go-to destination for those in search of authentic Japanese cuisine in Indonesia. From ramen and sushi to yakitori and […]

In today’s restaurant review, Social Expat team visited High Table Restaurant that becomes a spotlight in middle of SCBD Park area in Jakarta. High Table Restaurant Jakarta offers a remarkable culinary journey that blends contemporary fine dining with the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine and their best selections of Steak menu. It is you go-to […]

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On Monday, 7 July 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of import tariffs on 14 countries, including Indonesia, declaring that Indonesian products would face a tariff rate of 32%. According to Mr Trump, these tariffs were scheduled to come into effect on 1 August 2025. “The tariff imposed for Indonesia is 32%, which […]

Thinking about moving to Indonesia? With over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, Indonesia is a perfect destination to live in whilst embracing the slow, deliberate pace of island life while staying connected to your global career. As a remote worker or digital nomad, you can trade your office walls for the soft sand of […]

The 80th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence is being marked with a variety of Independence Day promo offers from hotels, restaurants, and leisure destinations. Independence Day Promo 2025: Hotels, Dining, and Attractions Join to Celebrate Independence Across Indonesia From Jakarta to Bali and Solo, these promotions aim to encourage residents and visitors to […]

The Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights has officially established a dedicated Immigration Patrol Task Force in Bali to address violations committed by foreign visitors. The move comes amid a rise in immigration offences and criminal acts involving tourists. The unit, made up of 100 immigration officers, will patrol ten popular tourist areas, including […]

Sarmi Regency, Papua, has been experiencing a series of earthquakes since early 2025, culminating in a strong tremor on Tuesday, 12 August 2025. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the main shock, initially measured at magnitude 6.4, was later updated to magnitude 6.3. The earthquake struck at 15:24 WIB, with its epicentre located […]

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Health & Wellness

Indonesia draws expats with its high quality of life, growing business opportunities, and low cost of living. Whether you’re a professional working in Jakarta’s financial district or a family seeking new experiences in Bali, the country offers compelling advantages for international residents. However, one critical aspect requires attention: Understanding how to access quality healthcare when […]

14 July 2025 – There are few places around Jakarta that live up to the promise of peace. In a compound of cities driven by motion and noise, stillness is rare. On the last weekend of 12–13 July, the Social Expat team was introduced to an excellent selection of experiences rooted in serenity, tranquillity, and […]

Indonesia is home to a rich tradition of natural healing practices that have been passed down through generations. Rooted in local wisdom and shaped by centuries of cultural heritage, Indonesian traditional medicine employs an array of natural ingredients, ranging from medicinal plants to kitchen spices, to address a wide variety of health concerns. This long-standing […]

The beach has long been a favourite destination for those looking to unwind and distance themselves from the noise of urban life. More than simply a place for leisure, the beach offers a variety of benefits for physical and mental well-being. Spending time at the beach has been linked to improved mood and a greater […]

Bali Belly has once again become a popular topic of conversation among tourists who have visited Bali and enjoyed the local cuisine. Many tourists experience stomach cramps due to a lack of attention to the cleanliness of the food and drinks consumed. In addition to enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery, one of the things that […]

Hotel & Restaurant Reviews

14 July 2025 – There are few places around Jakarta that live up to the promise of peace. In a compound of cities driven by motion and noise, stillness is rare. On the last weekend of 12–13 July, the Social Expat team was introduced to an excellent selection of experiences rooted in serenity, tranquillity, and […]

Plataran Bromo, GH Universal Bandung, and Resinda Hotel Karawang Highlighted in 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Three Indonesian hotels have been recognised among the world’s most family-friendly accommodations in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, announced in April. Each hotel, located in a different region of Java, offers a distinct experience for family holidays during the […]

The Blok M area in South Jakarta is widely known as “Little Tokyo” for its strong Japanese cultural influence and wide selection of Japanese restaurants. Authentic Japanese Restaurant Blok M: Little Tokyo Neighbourhood This neighbourhood has become a go-to destination for those in search of authentic Japanese cuisine in Indonesia. From ramen and sushi to yakitori and […]

Jakarta , July 2025 – Tucked away in the leafy corner of Menteng, Naaga Bar has always been more than just a place to drink. Last Friday, Naaga bar elevated its philosophy once again, hosting an intimate and immersive launch event for its latest collection: “Every Sip Tells a Story.” It was a perfect rendition […]

Sunday, 29 June 2025 | Semaja, Menteng, Jakarta Jakarta’s food scene is no stranger to innovation, but few experiences blend nostalgia, creativity, and heart as seamlessly as what we experienced at the Indonesian Sunday Brunch by Semaja x Kayu Manis, last Sunday, 29 June 2025. The moment stepped into Semaja’s warm and inviting space, we […]