Need advice on bringing personal musical instruments to Jakarta

It's not exactly like that. The rule only applies to items that you are bringing into the country which you plan to sell or give to someone. If they are your own personal belongings and you intend to take them with you when you leave Indonesia then you don't need to declare them. If your musical instruments are clearly not new, then you have an even stronger reason not to be taxed.

By the way, I have brought lots of musical instruments into Jakarta from overseas, some in flight cases and some in semi-hard cases, both checked in and hand carried and never once got questioned about them.

Well thanks for the sweet response. I'm going to be there for a year or more but the Government gave me only a 9 month work permit, which my company says is to be renewed.

But then I was told by a moving company that since my work permit is for 9 months, items well be dutiable. So I dropped the idea of using them and am now considering using excess baggage. And that's where I've a doubt as to whether the import rules will apply here as well or not.

The problem these days is that many "locals" go to places like Hong Kong, Europe and Japan and are bringing back things to sell such as designer bags and clothes, either new or used, such as Louis Vuitton bags and accessories. Airport Customs are aware of this and keep an eye out for this kind of thing. Many locals are given the choice of either paying a ridiculously high tax or allow Customs to confiscate these products. Many give up their products to Customs...

But for you, bringing in personal belongings that you'd be taking out of the country when you leave, shouldn't be a problem. That's not what Customs are after.

With regards to customs and your personal belongings your fine as long as they are already in use ie mobile phone, laptop etc, if you was to have the above mentioned boxed as new and have just purchased them and receipts in hand you’ll probably either have them confiscated or a huge import tax as a rule of thumb if these are in your “checked” luggage and are not boxed etc your fine
The reason I say confiscated, some goods like alcoholic drinks is a maximum of one litre if you have more it’s confiscated and no option of import duty etc

Dear movingjack,

As long as it is your personal belongings, you don't need to declare it.

For example, you are a musician, and play flute, and you have 4 flute with you in baggage, 3 is being used and another 1 is new (as gift you want to give to someone). I would suggest you don't pack the brand new look like brand new. Just pack it like usual when you traveling. Then you will be ok.

And for electronics, is the same. As long as you have your personal reason why you bring more than 1. (For spare for example).

Good luck...