Once the long search for a home or apartment has been successfully completed, your next challenge is furnishing your new home. You may have shipped your entire household from your previous posting, arrived with only a small airfreight shipment, or perhaps moved with nothing more than a few suitcases.
Many expatriates discover that their home in Indonesia is significantly larger than their previous residence. Business entertaining may also require additional seating, dining furniture, or guest accommodations. Fortunately, Indonesia is one of the world’s major furniture-producing countries and offers an enormous range of options to suit almost every style and budget.
Indonesia produces furniture that is exported worldwide. Well-known American, European, Australian, and Asian brands source furniture from Indonesian manufacturers because of the country’s skilled craftsmanship, abundant natural materials, and competitive pricing. As a result, local manufacturers often meet international quality standards while offering prices that are substantially lower than similar imported products.
From handcrafted teakwood furniture and luxury upholstered sofas to contemporary minimalist designs and custom-made pieces, Indonesia offers one of the widest furniture selections in Southeast Asia.
Shopping for Furniture Today
In addition to traditional furniture showrooms, today’s buyers can also purchase furniture through online marketplaces and specialty retailers. Many furniture manufacturers now maintain websites and social media accounts where customers can view catalogs, customize designs, and arrange delivery.
Popular options include large furniture chains, designer showrooms, independent workshops, and online marketplaces. Many manufacturers can produce custom pieces based on photographs, sketches, or dimensions supplied by the customer.
Because delivery times can vary greatly, especially for custom-built items, always confirm the expected production schedule before placing a deposit.
Teakwood Furniture
Indonesia has long been one of the world’s leading producers of teak furniture. Much of the beautiful teak furniture sold internationally is manufactured in Indonesia.
When purchasing teak furniture, ask whether the wood originates from sustainably managed plantations. Legally sourced plantation teak is widely available and helps support responsible forestry practices.
Teak remains one of the most popular choices for both indoor and outdoor furniture because of its durability, resistance to insects, and ability to withstand tropical weather conditions. Properly maintained teak furniture can last for decades and is often included in household shipments when expatriates relocate to another country.
Rattan Furniture
Many expatriates appreciate the versatility and lightweight nature of rattan furniture. It works equally well on patios, terraces, sunrooms, and indoor living spaces.
Modern rattan furniture is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Synthetic rattan has become increasingly popular because it requires less maintenance and is more resistant to weather exposure.
When purchasing natural rattan furniture, inspect it carefully for signs of insect infestation. Small piles of sawdust can indicate the presence of wood-boring insects. Ask manufacturers about their treatment processes and whether they provide any guarantee against insect damage.
As with most furniture categories in Indonesia, quality varies significantly. A manufacturer’s claim that a product is “export quality” should not automatically be accepted as proof of superior workmanship. Examine construction quality carefully and seek recommendations whenever possible.
Bamboo Furniture
Bamboo furniture has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once associated primarily with rustic or oversized designs, bamboo is now used in sophisticated contemporary furniture and interior design.
Bamboo is environmentally sustainable because it grows much faster than traditional hardwoods. It is strong, durable, and naturally resistant to moisture and insects when properly treated.
Today bamboo is commonly used in furniture, flooring, wall coverings, lighting fixtures, and decorative accessories. Modern bamboo designs can complement both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Upholstered Furniture
Good quality upholstered furniture is readily available in Indonesia’s major cities. Many local manufacturers now produce sofas and sectionals using international sizing standards, making them more comfortable for taller expatriates.
A wide variety of upholstery options are available, including:
- Imported fabrics
- Performance fabrics
- Leather
- Batik textiles
- Ikat fabrics
- Synthetic fabrics designed for tropical climates
Many manufacturers will allow customers to select cushion density, fabric type, and dimensions to create furniture that matches their personal preferences.
When choosing upholstered furniture, consider humidity levels in Indonesia. Breathable fabrics often perform better in tropical climates than some heavier materials.
Antique Furniture and Reproductions
Indonesia offers an abundance of antique-style furniture, although true antiques can be difficult to authenticate.
Many beautiful pieces sold as antiques are actually high-quality reproductions that have been artificially aged. In many cases these reproductions are every bit as attractive as the originals while being more structurally sound.
Furniture made from reclaimed wood has become increasingly popular. Recycled teak and other reclaimed hardwoods often provide excellent stability because the wood has already endured decades of environmental changes.
If purchasing an item advertised as an antique, especially one that you intend to export later, request documentation regarding its age and origin.
Custom-Built Furniture
One of Indonesia’s greatest furniture advantages is access to highly skilled craftsmen who can build furniture according to your exact specifications.
Many workshops can produce custom dining tables, entertainment units, wardrobes, bookshelves, desks, and bedroom furniture based on photographs, drawings, or dimensions provided by the customer.
Popular hardwoods include:
- Teak
- Mahogany
- Suar wood
- Sonokeling (Indonesian rosewood)
- Ebony
- Trembesi
- Reclaimed hardwoods
Before commissioning custom furniture, ensure that all dimensions and specifications are documented clearly. Request detailed drawings whenever possible.
One of the most important factors to verify is whether the wood has been properly kiln dried. Wood that contains excessive moisture may crack, warp, or split when moved to a different climate, particularly when exported to countries with lower humidity levels.
If possible, inspect completed pieces before final payment or delivery.
Exporting Furniture and Decorative Items
Many expatriates purchase furniture specifically because they intend to take it home when their assignment ends. Most furniture can be exported without difficulty, provided appropriate shipping arrangements are made.
However, certain items may require additional documentation or may be restricted from export, including:
- Genuine antiques
- Archaeological artifacts
- Temple relics
- Cultural heritage objects
- Antique religious statues
- Historic carvings
- Traditional weapons such as antique kris collections
Modern decorative Buddha statues, Hindu carvings, and commercially produced religious artwork can generally be exported. However, older pieces may fall under Indonesian cultural heritage regulations.
If purchasing any item represented as antique, ceremonial, or culturally significant, ask the seller whether export permits or supporting documentation are required. Failure to obtain proper documentation may result in customs delays or confiscation.
Knock-Down Furniture
Many manufacturers now offer knock-down or modular furniture that can be disassembled for easier shipping and moving.
This option is particularly attractive for expatriates who expect to relocate in the future, as shipping costs are often based on volume. Furniture that can be dismantled may significantly reduce container space requirements.
Other Furniture Options
Indonesia offers virtually every furniture category available internationally, including:
- Wrought iron furniture
- Contemporary minimalist furniture
- Scandinavian-inspired furniture
- Leather furniture
- Imported European brands
- American recliners
- Children’s furniture
- Outdoor furniture
- Home office furniture
International furniture retailers have expanded significantly throughout Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Bandung, and other major cities.
Closets and Wardrobes (Lemari)
One distinctive feature of many Indonesian homes is the limited amount of built-in storage space.
Bedrooms often require freestanding wardrobes, known locally as lemari. Many expatriates choose to have custom wardrobes, shelving units, and entertainment centers built to maximize storage and improve functionality.
When viewing rental properties, ask whether existing wardrobes and storage units are included in the lease.
Bedroom Furniture
Indonesia offers a wide selection of mattresses ranging from budget products to premium international brands.
Popular brands include:
- King Koil
- Serta
- Sealy
- Tempur
- Simmons
- Lady Americana
Memory foam, latex, hybrid, and traditional spring mattresses are widely available.
One important consideration is mattress sizing. Indonesian manufacturers do not always follow North American, European, or Australian mattress standards exactly. If you plan to use imported bedding, verify dimensions before purchasing.
Tall individuals should test mattresses carefully, as some locally produced beds may be shorter than standard international sizes.
Sustainability and Responsible Purchasing
Many consumers today prefer furniture produced from sustainable sources. Look for manufacturers that use certified plantation-grown timber, reclaimed wood, or environmentally responsible production methods.
Responsible manufacturers should be willing to explain the origin of their materials and their sustainability practices.
Second-Hand Furniture
Used furniture remains one of the best bargains available to newcomers. Expatriates leaving Indonesia often sell high-quality furniture at substantial discounts rather than shipping it abroad.
Today, second-hand furniture can be found through:
- Expatriate Facebook groups
- WhatsApp community groups
- Online marketplaces
- Relocation companies
- Furniture rental companies
- International school community networks
For families on a limited budget, purchasing quality second-hand furniture can significantly reduce setup costs while still providing excellent furnishings for the duration of an assignment.
