Relocating internationally is about far more than obtaining visas, shipping household goods, and finding a place to live. Behind every successful international assignment is a family that has settled into its new environment, built relationships, and developed confidence in their new surroundings.
Whether you are an HR professional, relocation consultant, employer, colleague, or friend, there are many practical ways you can help a newly arrived expatriate family adjust successfully to life in Indonesia.
1. Help Build a Social Network Early
One of the greatest challenges for newly arrived families—particularly accompanying spouses or partners—is isolation. A strong social network can significantly reduce culture shock and help families feel at home much more quickly.
Before or shortly after arrival, encourage newcomers to connect with:
- Expat community organizations
- International school parent associations
- Sports clubs and hobby groups
- International churches and faith communities
- Volunteer organizations
- Professional networking groups
- Community organizations such as the Indonesian Heritage Society, ANZA, AWA and other international associations
While online Facebook and WhatsApp groups can also be useful sources of information, encourage newcomers to verify important advice through reliable sources.
2. Help Set Realistic Expectations
Families who adapt most successfully are usually those who arrive with realistic expectations.
Indonesia will be different from home—not better or worse, simply different.
Encourage families to:
- keep an open mind
- avoid constantly comparing Indonesia with their home country
- accept that daily routines may take time to establish
- view differences as learning opportunities rather than frustrations
It is also important to remember that every family member adjusts at a different pace. Children may adapt more quickly socially while parents may take longer to feel settled. Some accompanying partners may experience the loss of professional identity or independence after leaving a career behind.
Remind families that culture shock is a normal part of the adjustment process—not a sign that the move has failed.
3. Choose Schools Before Choosing a Home
For families with children, schooling is often the single most important decision.
Rather than selecting a house first, encourage families to choose the most appropriate school before deciding where to live.
In cities such as Jakarta, traffic conditions can dramatically affect daily life. Living closer to school often provides a better quality of life than having a larger house located much farther away.
Parents should also consider:
- their child’s personality and learning style
- curriculum options (IB, British, American, Australian and others)
- language support
- counselling services
- extracurricular activities
- opportunities to make friends
Many international schools offer orientation programmes and buddy systems that help new students settle in more quickly.
4. Create a 90-Day Adjustment Plan
The first few months overseas often feel overwhelming. Breaking the transition into manageable stages gives families clear goals and helps them celebrate small successes.
First Week
- Register mobile phone services.
- Learn how to use Grab or Gojek.
- Locate nearby supermarkets, pharmacies and hospitals.
- Meet neighbours and building management.
- Learn emergency contact numbers.
First Month
- Begin basic Bahasa Indonesia lessons.
- Join a club or community group.
- Explore different parts of the city.
- Establish household routines.
- Encourage children to participate in sports or extracurricular activities.
First Three Months
- Take weekend trips to explore Indonesia.
- Build friendships with both expatriates and Indonesians.
- Develop confidence using local services.
- Continue discovering Indonesian culture, food and traditions.
Having realistic goals helps families focus on progress instead of the inevitable frustrations that come with relocation.
5. Make Daily Life Easier
Many of the stresses of relocation come from simple everyday tasks.
Providing practical guidance during the first few weeks can make a tremendous difference.
Helpful topics include:
- opening bank accounts
- using digital payment systems such as QRIS
- arranging internet service
- understanding local transportation
- finding supermarkets and specialty food stores
- obtaining quality healthcare
- hiring and managing domestic staff where appropriate
- understanding rubbish collection, security procedures and household maintenance
Helping families quickly master these everyday routines builds confidence and independence.
6. Encourage Families to Learn About Indonesian Culture
Successful relocation involves much more than learning where to shop.
Families who invest time in understanding Indonesian customs usually experience fewer misunderstandings and develop stronger relationships.
Topics worth introducing include:
- indirect communication styles
- respect for hierarchy
- saving face
- religious diversity
- Ramadan etiquette
- family values
- hospitality
- basic Bahasa Indonesia greetings and everyday expressions
Even learning a few simple Indonesian phrases often creates positive interactions and demonstrates respect for local culture.
7. Watch for Signs of Culture Shock
Most expatriates experience an emotional adjustment cycle.
The initial excitement of arriving is often followed by a period of frustration or homesickness before confidence gradually returns.
Signs that additional support may be needed include:
- withdrawal from social activities
- ongoing frustration with local differences
- excessive comparison with home
- loneliness
- family conflict
- declining motivation
Simply reassuring families that these feelings are common can help reduce unnecessary anxiety.
8. The Value of Professional Relocation Support
Professional relocation services can greatly reduce the stress of international assignments.
Depending on the assignment, they may assist with:
- immigration and work permits
- home search
- school selection
- settling-in orientation
- cultural training
- healthcare referrals
- banking and utilities
- driver and transportation information
- ongoing support during the assignment
When selecting a relocation company, look beyond property search services. The best relocation providers combine practical local knowledge with cultural expertise and ongoing support throughout the assignment.
Final Thoughts
Relocation success is rarely determined by the employee alone. It depends on the adjustment of the entire family.
Helping newcomers build friendships, understand Indonesian culture, establish routines and feel confident in their new environment increases the likelihood that both the assignment and the family will thrive.
Sometimes the smallest gestures—introducing a neighbour, recommending a favourite restaurant, explaining local customs or simply checking in after the first few weeks—can make the biggest difference.
By Barbara Fitzgerald-TurnerUpdated and adapted for Living in Indonesia
This article has been adapted from an original contribution by Barbara Fitzgerald-Turner, SPHR, President of Human Resources Strategies, to reflect the realities of expatriate life in Indonesia today while retaining the core principles of her guidance.
