The best places for expats to live in Jakarta

Finding the best places for expats to live in Jakarta starts with understanding the city’s geography. Jakarta is no longer Indonesia’s official capital; government functions are gradually being transferred to the new political capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan. Jakarta remains the country’s economic powerhouse, though, and its appeal for expats is unchanged. South and Central Jakarta are the most popular areas among expats, and newcomers are bound to find a neighbourhood that suits their lifestyle and budget.

Central business districts for expat professionals in Jakarta

These neighbourhoods are known for their high-end residences and proximity to major offices. They are ideal for expats who want a cosmopolitan lifestyle or who are averse to long commutes.

Sudirman

Sudirman is home to the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), the epicentre of Indonesian business. The area has no shortage of apartments, restaurants, bars, gyms, and other expat-tailored facilities. Its central location attracts expats who work in Jakarta’s corporate sector.

Kuningan

Mega Kuningan is a planned neighbourhood near the Central Business District that has a modern metropolis vibe that feels like you’ve just stepped into Singapore. It has walkable streets, a real rarity in Jakarta, and an active nightlife scene. It’s best suited to single expats or young couples without children. Its proximity to several embassies makes Kuningan particularly popular among diplomats and expats.

Residences mainly consist of condominiums in varying price ranges, although there are also older spacious housing developments on tree-lined streets. There are also plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area and many nearby shopping malls, including Kuningan City Mall and Ambassador Mall.

Renting Expat Accommodation in Jakarta
Lifestyle in Jakarta

Suburban retreats for expat families in Jakarta

These neighbourhoods offer a quieter pace of life while still being conveniently located for the city centre. They are ideal for expat families.

Pondok Indah

Pondok Indah is an upmarket neighbourhood of Jakarta that is popular with expat families thanks to its spacious living options and proximity to several good international schools. Large family homes sit along tree-lined streets. Commute times to the city’s commercial areas can be long, but there are plenty of entertainment opportunities to keep the family busy. Shopping malls, a water park, and a golf course are all nearby. Pondok Indah is also widely considered one of Jakarta’s safest residential areas.

Menteng

A historically affluent neighbourhood, Menteng has been home to Dutch colonial government officials and, over generations, to politicians and expats who prefer a less modern ambience. Although a bit distant from international schools, its position within Jakarta’s Golden Triangle of financial districts makes it best suited to senior professionals and diplomats.

Cilandak

Cilandak is a large district south of Cipete that is popular with local middle-class residents and some expat families. It has a quiet, local feel and cleaner, low-rise buildings. Some areas near Jalan TB Simatupang and Pondok Indah are expensive, but other parts of Cilandak are relatively affordable. It’s an attractive option for those working in South Jakarta.

Kebayoran Baru

Kebayoran Baru is a business-centric area in Jakarta that hosts many international company branches. The Dharmawangsa and Senopati areas within Kebayoran Baru are especially popular among expats. Senopati in particular has developed a boutique, upscale neighbourhood character that sets it apart from the corporate high rises of nearby SCBD.

Kids and Families in Jakarta 
International Schools in Jakarta

Trendy and expat-friendly areas and suburbs in Jakarta

These areas attract residents who enjoy local culture alongside an international community.

Kemang

A popular area for expat families, Kemang is close to several international schools and offers a range of housing options, from large family homes and villas to apartments. Kemang has wonderful entertainment options from restaurants to bars, and much of Jakarta’s art scene can be found here. A downside to Kemang is the heavy traffic congestion, which can be a source of frustration for many residents. Parts of Kemang are also prone to flooding during the rainy season, so it is wise to choose homes on higher ground or streets with good drainage.

Cipete

Adjacent to Kemang in South Jakarta, Cipete is known for its more local Jakartan vibe. It’s also a favourite among the French community due to its proximity to the Lycée Français. Although it offers fewer attractions and luxury villas compared to Kemang, Cipete has a more laid-back atmosphere and is generally more affordable.

Things to See and Do in Jakarta
Getting Around in Jakarta

Areas to avoid in Jakarta

Jakarta is generally safe for expats, and long-term residents frequently report feeling secure throughout most of the city. Petty crime (pickpocketing, phone snatching) is the most common concern rather than violent crime. That said, there are a few areas that warrant extra caution.

  • Parts of Kota Tua (Old Town) are safe and interesting during the day when other visitors are around, but the deserted streets after dark can feel isolated.
  • The Ancol Port area and Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta have higher crime rates than other parts of the city and are of little appeal to residents. The old port district in particular is not recommended for solo exploration, especially after dark.
  • Densely populated neighbourhoods in North Jakarta and parts of West Jakarta experience higher crime rates and infrastructure challenges, although these are primarily areas where expats are unlikely to settle in.

Flooding is arguably a more practical concern for expats in Jakarta than crime. During Jakarta’s rainy season, low-lying areas across the city can be badly affected. North Jakarta and parts of West Jakarta are the most vulnerable, but even popular expat areas like Kemang can flood during Jakarta’s heaviest downpours. When choosing a home, check the flood history of the specific street; it can vary dramatically even within a single neighbourhood.

Further reading

►For information about transport options to and from Jakarta's suburbs, see Getting Around in Jakarta

Image credits: Kuningan Bus Stop by Afif Ramdhasuma, Woman Sitting in Menteng by Rendy Novantino. Both sourced from Unsplash.

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