Expat News
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Indonesia Guide
Business
- Imelda R
- 4 days ago
Live music across the Asia-Pacific region has evolved from occasional weekend entertainment into a powerful economic engine. According to the APAC Concert Goers Report 2026, over 60% of consumers across key regional markets, including Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, have attended a live concert or music festival. However, for businesses in Indonesia, live […]
- Natalia
- 5 days ago
At Social Expat, we believe settling into Indonesia is about more than visas, paperwork and business registration. It is also about meeting people, building connections and finding your community. That is why we have partnered with Lets Move Indonesia and LMI Consultancy to give their eligible clients a little more to enjoy. After more than […]
- Imelda R
- 1 week ago
TransJakarta fares will be adjusted from 1 January 2027 after remaining at Rp3,500 for more than two decades, the Jakarta administration has confirmed. The new fare has not yet been announced. While Rp5,000 has been widely discussed as a possible new rate, the figure is currently only a proposal from the Jakarta City Transportation Council […]
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Gubernur DKI Jakarta Pramono Anung said the recent staging of Pestapora and The Weeknd’s concerts generated nearly Rp250 billion in economic activity in Jakarta. Pramono made the statement on Monday, 28 September, after receiving a report on the economic activity associated with the two music events. According to him, the events contributed to economic movement […]
- Imelda R
- 3 weeks ago
Indonesia’s digital payment activity continued to grow in August 2026, with foreign tourists also contributing to the increasing use of QRIS for transactions across the country. Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Destry Damayanti said the volume of digital payment transactions reached 6.11 billion transactions in August, representing growth of 40.36 per cent year on year. The […]
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Travel
- Imelda R
- 2 days ago
Bali has long been one of Indonesia’s biggest tourist magnets, but could 2027 be the year travellers start looking elsewhere? According to a travel forecast from European news outlet Euronews, Indonesia’s lesser-explored destinations could attract more attention as visitors seek quieter, more authentic experiences beyond the island’s familiar hotspots. In its travel predictions for 2027, […]
- Imelda R
- 6 days ago
What actually makes something alive? Beyond basic biological markers, humanity’s defining trait has always been the drive to create. Since ancient times, we have crafted objects, drawings, dolls, and machines that mirror living beings, constantly testing the limits of our own creative agency. Opening in November 2026 and running through April 2027, Museum MACAN in […]
- Imelda R
- 1 week ago
Looking for something different to do in Jakarta this weekend? Art Jakarta 2026 is bringing together 75 galleries from across Asia for three days of contemporary art, creative projects and cultural experiences at JIExpo Kemayoran. The annual art fair returns to Jakarta with its public days running on 3 and 4 October 2026, from 11am […]
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Bali, Indonesia, is well known for its beaches, temples and creative communities, but shopping is another part of the island experience worth exploring. Beyond modern boutiques and shopping centres, visitors can find everything from handmade jewellery and woven bags to batik, beachwear, artwork and locally made souvenirs at its markets. A Bali flea market can […]
- Imelda R
- 3 weeks ago
Traveling to Indonesia with kids is one of the most rewarding family trips in Southeast Asia. Planning an Indonesia with kids can be easier than it first appears. The country is made up of thousands of islands, but families do not need to visit several destinations to experience its beaches, wildlife, culture and outdoor activities. A […]
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Immigration Corner
Food & Drink
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
For a taste of northern Spain without leaving Jakarta, Erre & Urrechu at Gran Melia Jakarta offers an elegant introduction to Basque-inspired dining. Led by renowned Basque chef Íñigo Urrechu, the restaurant combines traditional Spanish cooking with a contemporary approach, placing quality ingredients and the art of the grill at the heart of its menu. […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
Indonesia’s young pastry talents have made their mark at one of Asia’s regional pastry competitions, bringing home two notable achievements from the 4th Asian Pastry Young Chefs Challenge 2026 in Guangzhou, China. The Indonesian team, selected, prepared and sent to the competition by Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts (APCA) Indonesia, won The Best Showpiece […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
There are many cafes in Gading Serpong, but which one is suitable for Work From Cafe, aka WFC? Gading Serpong, which is close to Jakarta, has recently become a choice for expats to work and do business. The increasing economic growth in the Gading Serpong area has created many business centers and places to hang […]
- Natalia
- 1 month ago
Jakarta Dessert Week (JDW) returns to the capital from 1–20 September 2026, bringing together pastry chefs, restaurants, emerging dessert makers and creative brands across the city. This year, however, the festival is looking beyond the dessert plate. Its chosen theme: Dangdut, turns one of Indonesia’s most recognisable musical traditions into a broader conversation about culture, […]
- Imelda R
- 2 months ago
As the radiant full moon lights up the sky, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives as a timeless celebration of reunion, deep gratitude, and family togetherness. Stemming from ancient harvest rituals and moon-worship traditions, this cherished occasion brings loved ones together across generations. Mooncakes remain at the heart of the festivities, their round shape symbolizing completeness, family […]
Meet The Enterpreneur
- Imelda R
- 4 days ago
Live music across the Asia-Pacific region has evolved from occasional weekend entertainment into a powerful economic engine. According to the APAC Concert Goers Report 2026, over 60% of consumers across key regional markets, including Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, have attended a live concert or music festival. However, for businesses in Indonesia, live […]
- Imelda R
- 4 hours ago
Navigating life abroad is infinitely more rewarding when you have a strong, vibrant community by your side. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to pitch your next big venture, a sports enthusiast eager to hit the padel court, or simply looking to expand your social circle over great food and drinks, Indonesia’s international community offers […]
- Imelda R
- 4 hours ago
International DJ and music producer Diplo has shared his appreciation for a koplo music performance by DJ Habib Gunjat, a keyboardist from Southeast Sulawesi, following their collaboration at an event in Bali on Thursday, 8 October. Diplo, whose real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, shared videos of the performance on his social media accounts, showing […]
- Imelda R
- 2 days ago
Bali has long been one of Indonesia’s biggest tourist magnets, but could 2027 be the year travellers start looking elsewhere? According to a travel forecast from European news outlet Euronews, Indonesia’s lesser-explored destinations could attract more attention as visitors seek quieter, more authentic experiences beyond the island’s familiar hotspots. In its travel predictions for 2027, […]
- Imelda R
- 3 days ago
Indonesian influencer Jennifer Coppen has seen her Instagram following rise to 8.8 million after Indonesia won the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The increase came amid heightened public attention towards the national football team and its players’ families, including Coppen, who is married to Indonesian defender Justin Hubner. Coppen shared her excitement over the milestone on […]
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Health & Wellness
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Forest and land fires across Indonesia have raised concerns over air quality and respiratory health, with several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan affected by fires and haze during the 2026 dry season. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) identified West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Riau, Jambi and South Sumatra as priority provinces for forest […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
Finding the right gym in Canggu, Pererenan, Seminyak and Ubud is easier than ever. From large fitness centres with extensive weight-training equipment to boutique wellness spaces combining workouts with recovery, the island has options for different fitness goals and budgets. The strongest concentration of gyms can be found around Canggu, Pererenan and Seminyak, while Ubud […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
Bali is one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of international visitors every year. From its beaches and mountains to cultural attractions and vibrant cafés, the island offers something for every traveller. However, like many tropical destinations, Bali is also home to mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever. Understanding dengue in Bali is essential for […]
- Imelda R
- 2 months ago
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice over the risk of Zika virus in Bali, advising travellers to take precautions against mosquito bites. Indonesian authorities, meanwhile, have confirmed that no Zika cases have been reported in Bali to date. The advisory, issued on August 7, […]
- Natalia
- 2 months ago
Moving to a new city such as Jakarta involves many adjustments, including navigating the healthcare system. For expatriates, dental care is often one of the first services they seek, whether for routine check-ups, preventive care or urgent treatment. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make the experience smoother, safer and more reassuring. […]
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Popular News
Hotel & Restaurant Reviews
- Imelda R
- 2 weeks ago
Wellness has become an increasingly important part of everyday life. Beyond simply exercising or following a healthy diet, wellbeing can involve getting enough quality sleep, staying active, eating mindfully and making time to recharge. For many people, maintaining this balance can be challenging, particularly in a busy city like Jakarta. Finding simple ways to rest, […]
- Imelda R
- 4 weeks ago
For expats living in Indonesia, shopping malls can be a useful part of everyday life. Jakarta’s malls are not only places to shop. Jakarta has a shopping mall for almost every need, from luxury shopping and international brands to family entertainment, dining and everyday essentials. Some of the city’s most popular malls are concentrated in […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
Indonesia is often associated with Bali’s beaches and Jakarta’s busy city life, but there is much more to discover across the country’s thousands of islands. From quiet coastal escapes and lush landscapes to creative cities and historic neighbourhoods, Indonesia offers plenty of experiences for travellers looking to explore beyond the usual routes. For those planning […]
- Imelda R
- 1 month ago
Jakarta is no stranger to sophisticated dining destinations, but the newly opened Club Italiano at Grand Hyatt Jakarta brings a fresh and distinctive energy to the city’s culinary scene. With its bold and vibrant aesthetic, the restaurant effortlessly combines authentic Italian culinary traditions with the cosmopolitan social spirit of the capital. Step inside and you […]
- Imelda R
- 2 months ago
From 18 August to 18 September 2026, guests at Sana Sini Restaurant at Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Thamrin can enjoy a special collaboration with The People’s Café, one of the restaurant brands under ISMAYA Group. For one month, Rempah Raya, one of Sana Sini’s five Destination Dining areas, is serving three signature dishes inspired by familiar […]
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