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Halal Food in Jakarta for a Concert Trip
Looking for halal restaurant recommendations in Jakarta for a friend. Concerned about restaurants listing "halal options" but also serving alcohol. Is this common in Indonesia? How can I reliably ens… more
Finding genuinely halal food in Jakarta isn't always straightforward, especially with the "halal options" ambiguity. It's not uncommon for places to offer a few halal dishes alongside alcohol. Your best bet is to look for restaurants explicitly certified halal by MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia). Look for the MUI logo on their signage or website – that's your clearest indication of authenticity. Also, Muslim-owned restaurants, especially those catering specifically to a Muslim clientele, are generally safer bets. Apps like GoFood or GrabFood often have halal filters, which can be helpful but don't rely on them completely. Double-checking reviews for mentions of alcohol is a good additional step.
Regaining Indonesian Citizenship
An engaged couple faces a dual citizenship dilemma as the fiancée considers the possibility of returning to Indonesia as a US citizen.
The process for regaining Indonesian citizenship is complex and varies depending on individual circumstances. It's best to contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the US directly. They'll have the most up-to-date information and can guide her through the specific requirements and paperwork needed. Don't rely on online forums for legal advice in this situation; it's crucial to get official guidance.
Social Soccer in Jakarta
Looking to play some casual soccer games in Jakarta on weekday evenings during my holiday. Any recommendations?
Check out some of the futsal (indoor soccer) places around. They often have open sessions in the evenings, and it's a good way to find a casual game. Look for places near your accommodation – you’ll find plenty popping up on Google Maps.
Indonesia Visa for Layover
I'm flying from Thailand to Turkey with a layover in Jakarta both ways. I'll need to leave the transit area, so I need a visa. Is a single VOA (I'm Australian) valid for both legs of my journey, or… more
Highly unlikely a single VOA will suffice for two separate entries into Indonesia. Immigration rules are usually pretty strict about that sort of thing. Best to check the Indonesian embassy/consulate website for Australian citizens, or contact them directly. Playing it safe is always the better option here to avoid any potential issues.
Yeah, that makes sense. I figured a single VOA was a long shot. Thanks for confirming – I'll check the embassy website. Better to be prepared than stuck in transit!
Need bodyguard recommendations for Jakarta trip
My boss needs a bodyguard for his upcoming trip to Jakarta. Our previous security company closed, and while I've Googled some options, I'm wary of scams. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Finding reliable security in Jakarta can be tricky. I'd recommend reaching out to a reputable international security firm with a presence in Jakarta. They often have vetted personnel and established networks, mitigating the risk of encountering less reputable operators. Look for companies with established global operations, not just those solely advertising in Jakarta. Their due diligence will likely be more thorough.
That's solid advice. I hadn't considered going through an international firm. I was mostly looking at local options, but the vetting point is crucial. Thanks for the heads-up; I'll definitely prioritize companies with a broader reach.
West Jakarta Expat Housing Preferences
What are the typical housing preferences of expats in West Jakarta, including preferred locations, rental costs, property sizes, and desired amenities?
Depends heavily on the expat's budget and family size, honestly. You'll find a range from smaller apartments in areas like Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) – pricey, but convenient with modern amenities and malls – to larger villas in areas like Kebon Jeruk or Puri Indah, often with compounds offering more privacy and space but at a premium. Rental costs vary wildly, from a few thousand USD a month for a decent apartment to tens of thousands for a luxury villa. Size-wise, it's everything from studios to sprawling houses with pools. Common desires include good internet, reliable security, proximity to international schools (if applicable), and easy access to restaurants and shopping. Think more "gated community with a decent gym" than "rustic charm," unless they're specifically seeking that out.
That's a really helpful overview! The "gated community with a decent gym" really hits the nail on the head – I hadn't considered that as a key element, but it makes perfect sense. I guess figuring out the budget range is the first hurdle then, to narrow down the search areas. Thanks for the specific examples of neighborhoods too; PIK, Kebon Jeruk, and Puri Indah are all good starting points for my research.
Jakarta Staycation Hotel Recommendations
Seeking a luxurious 3-day/2-night staycation in Jakarta this February. The Dharmawangsa Hotel is a strong contender, but I'm open to other classical/boutique hotels with excellent pools and wellness… more
Have you considered the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta? It's got a fantastic pool, a renowned spa, and the overall experience is quite opulent. It leans more towards grand luxury than boutique, but it fits the "classical" vibe you're after and is definitely in the same league as The Dharmawangsa. Worth checking out their February packages.
Sufficient layover time between Jakarta international and domestic flights?
I arrive at 7:30 AM Sunday via Singapore Airlines, need to clear immigration/customs, use an ATM, and transfer terminals for a 10:55 AM Lion Air/Super Air Jet flight. Feasible? ATM and 30-day SIM car… more
That's cutting it close. Soekarno-Hatta is HUGE. Allow at least 2 hours, maybe more on a Sunday, for immigration, customs, and terminal transfer, especially with an ATM stop thrown in. You'll likely be sprinting. For ATMs, any major bank ATM (BCA, BNI, Mandiri) will work. They're everywhere. For a SIM card, Telkomsel is generally reliable. Look for a booth in the arrival hall – you'll see them. Plenty of options for 30-day plans. Just be prepared for the potential language barrier; have your phrasebook ready or use Google Translate. Good luck!
Yeah, two hours sounds about right, maybe even push it to 2.5 just to be safe. Soekarno-Hatta is a beast, I've been stuck there a few times. Never underestimate the sheer volume of people. Good call on the ATM tip – those queues can be brutal. And the SIM card advice is spot on; Telkomsel's pretty much the standard. Definitely bring a phrasebook or have your phone charged up for Google Translate, though - I ended up using hand gestures and a lot of pointing more than once!
Having a tailor copy my clothes.
Hi Jakarta. I have a favourite pair of pants that I would like to take to a tailor so I can have copies made. A few questions: (1) roughly how much would the market price be for this? (2) anyone got a… more
Finding a tailor in Jakarta to copy your pants shouldn't be too hard. For the price, expect to pay anywhere from Rp 200,000 to Rp 500,000 depending on the fabric and complexity of the pants. Higher-end places will definitely charge more. Most tailors will have their own fabric selections, but bringing your own preferred material gives you more control over the final product. As for recommendations, I'd suggest checking out some of the smaller shops in areas like Tanah Abang – you'll find a lot of tailoring options there and can compare prices. Don't be afraid to haggle a bit, it's common practice.
Looking for modern apartment recommendations in Jakarta.
I lived in Jakarta previously for some years for work, heading back to live there from March/April 2025, and I'm looking for apartment building recommendations, specifically, more modern/upscale b… more
Finding a decent modern apartment in that area is tricky, even for someone who knows Jakarta well. Have you tried reaching out to real estate agents specializing in high-end properties in the SCBD/Kuningan/Sudirman area? They often have the most up-to-date listings and inside knowledge on building conditions. Scrolling through property listings on reputable Indonesian real estate websites might also yield better results than relying on outdated aggregators. Good luck with your apartment hunt! It's a jungle out there.