While the majority of expatriates living in Indonesia are based in the urban centers of Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan, thousands of others are based throughout the country. They are involved in exploration work, live in company camps near job site, serve in remote ministry or aid roles, teach in universities, and work in a wide variety of business ventures.
Expatriates that live in Jakarta have the best access to goods and services, both domestic and foreign. In Jakarta you can find a highly developed retail sector providing many goods and services, both domestic and imported. However, those expatriates living in company camps, small cities or remote locations still face a big challenge in acquiring the goods they need to provide for their families. While there may be company stores in the camps or shops open to the general public in provincial cities, their supply of goods may primarily cater to Indonesians. This may hold true even in a company camp because the majority of the people residing in the camp will be Indonesian. Imported goods may also be affected by changing customs rules, taxes, and product restrictions, so availability can vary more than newcomers expect.
One obvious option is to “go local” and eat as much of the local food, produce and cuisine as you can. However, there is always that craving for foods from home, the favorite chocolate bar, really effective deodorant, a can of peaches, a nice thick steak or your children’s favorite bubble gum.
If you are moving to a remote location, plan well to determine what goods you will need to bring with you to last your family until your next flight out. Some companies will still fly camp-bound expatriates out of remote locations for R & R on a periodic basis. Many expat families use this time for medical appointments, shopping, school-related errands, or simply a change of scene. Depending on the location and the type of medical care needed, they may choose Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali or Singapore. Indonesia now has more internationally accredited private hospital options than in earlier years, but many families still prefer Singapore for more complex specialist care. Ask your company, before you accept your assignment, how often you will have the opportunity to fly out of the remote location where you are posted.
If you are allowed 3 days in Jakarta once every 6 months, for example, these quick trips will take a high amount of planning to maximize your time for shopping. Ask your friends where to find items you’re seeking. What a shame to drive through heavy traffic across Jakarta to the one shop that you think carries something you’re looking for, just to find they are out of stock!
Today, many families also supplement their shopping trips with online orders. In larger cities and better-connected provincial areas, supermarket delivery, marketplace purchases, courier services, and WhatsApp ordering can help reduce the need for frequent shopping runs. That said, these options are still far better in urban areas than in remote postings, and refrigerated goods or specialty products may remain difficult or expensive to obtain reliably.
What this means for expats
If you are heading to a camp or isolated town, do not plan your family’s daily life as if Jakarta-style shopping will be available on demand. Build a realistic supply plan for toiletries, medicines you are permitted to carry, children’s school or birthday needs, favorite pantry items, and hobby or recreation supplies. In remote Indonesia, convenience often depends on planning, not impulse buying.
If you live in a remote location, you will soon learn the Indonesian custom of “nitip”. When you nitip, you ask someone else who is traveling to pick up something you need when they are on a medical or business trip to Jakarta or another big city. Then, when you travel, you return the favor. This inter-dependent supply chain still works very well and remains one of the most practical ways for camp families and provincial expatriates to help one another.
What are some of the things you may want to stock up on? Favorite brands of toiletries, recreational items, children’s birthday gifts, special items needed to celebrate upcoming holidays, ingredients for the family’s favorite dishes, and other personal necessities. Don’t skimp on recreational items as you may find your avenues for entertainment limited in remote locations. A posting like this is often a good opportunity to take up a new hobby, so think ahead and bring the items you need with you.
Expat Tip
When planning your supply list, think in cycles: daily use, monthly use, and “hard to replace in a hurry.” Families who do best in remote postings usually keep a running list on their phone and restock before supplies become urgent.
Services to help you
In the past, some Jakarta-based suppliers specifically catered to expatriates posted in remote locations and accepted orders by fax or email. Today, those arrangements change frequently, and older provider information may no longer be reliable. Before depending on any supplier, check whether they still operate, whether they ship to your location, and whether they can handle chilled or frozen items safely. Official supermarket delivery channels, marketplace sellers, or courier-linked shopping services may now be more practical in some areas than the older expat supply model.
Custom made clothing can still be ordered from Jakarta tailors who have taken your measurements during previous visits, though many tailors now also accept repeat orders through messaging apps and courier delivery.
If you have questions, or information you’d like us to add to this page, please contact us.
