How to Get a Job and Work in Indonesia

 

1. Research the Job Market

  • Industries in Demand: Focus on sectors where foreign expertise is needed. These include industries like:
    • Oil, gas, and mining
    • Information technology (IT)
    • Education (especially English teaching)
    • Hospitality and tourism
    • Manufacturing
    • Export/import businesses
  • Job Portals: Use Indonesian job search platforms like:
    • JobStreet Indonesia - https://id.jobstreet.com/en
    • LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
    • Karir.com - https://karir.com/home
    • JobsDB Indonesia - https://www.jobsdb.com/

Networking, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, can also be helpful to connect with companies and recruiters.

2. Qualifications and Language Skills

  • Required Qualifications: Most companies require specific qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree, technical expertise, and relevant work experience in the industry.
  • Language: While English may be used in multinational companies, learning Bahasa Indonesia can significantly improve your chances and daily life experience. Fluency in English is critical if you're applying for English teaching jobs.

3. Find an Employer and Secure a Job Offer

  • Sponsorship Requirement: To work in Indonesia, you’ll need a company to sponsor your work visa. Your prospective employer will need to be the one to apply for the necessary permits on your behalf.
  • Work Contract: Once you secure a job offer, ensure you have a signed contract that specifies your salary, job role, benefits, and working conditions.

4. Apply for a Work Visa (KITAS)

  • Visa Sponsorship: After the job offer, your employer must apply for a Work Visa and a Temporary Stay Permit (KITAS) for you. This is the visa that legally allows you to work in Indonesia.
  • Required Documents:
    • Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
    • Employment contract
    • Company documents (the employer will handle this part)
    • A recent photograph
    • Health and police clearance certificates (if required)

Important: You cannot apply for a work visa on your own; it must be handled by your employer.

5. Work Permit (IMTA)

  • After you receive your KITAS, your employer will also need to obtain an IMTA (Izin Mempekerjakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) or a work permit. This document officially allows you to work in Indonesia for a specific company and role.

6. Understand Indonesian Employment Law

  • Working Hours: The standard working week in Indonesia is 40 hours, typically 8 hours a day for 5 days.
  • Minimum Wage: The minimum wage varies by region, but in Jakarta (as of 2023), it is around IDR 4.9 million (~$315 USD) per month.
  • Taxation: Foreign workers in Indonesia are subject to Indonesian income tax, and you'll need a Tax ID Number (NPWP). The tax rate is progressive, ranging from 5% to 35%, depending on income.

7. Adapting to Indonesian Work Culture

  • Hierarchy and Respect: Indonesian workplaces often have a clear hierarchy. Showing respect, especially to senior colleagues, is important.
  • Politeness and Courtesy: Being polite and calm in the workplace is valued. Direct confrontation is generally avoided.
  • Punctuality: While punctuality is important, there can be flexibility in some offices, especially with traffic challenges in cities like Jakarta.

8. Settling in Indonesia

  • Cost of Living: Indonesia has a relatively low cost of living, though Jakarta can be more expensive compared to other cities.
  • Housing: Many expats live in areas like Kemang (Jakarta) or Seminyak (Bali). Housing options range from apartments to houses, and rent prices vary depending on the location.
  • Health Insurance: Make sure to have comprehensive health insurance. Employers often provide coverage, but you can also opt for private insurance if needed.

9. Renewing Your Work Permit and Visa

  • Work permits and KITAS are generally valid for 6 to 12 months and need to be renewed if you intend to continue working in Indonesia.
  • Your employer will typically handle the renewal process, but it’s important to keep track of the expiration dates.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How to Get a Job and Work in Saudi Arabia

How to Get a Job and Work in Russia