Once you have settled in Jakarta, you will naturally want to seek to make friends and grow your professional network in order to adapt to your new environment. Luckily, Jakarta has a population of over 11 million, so there is a real possibility of making a lot of friends both inside and outside of work. As a foreigner, socializing may come with a bit of a challenge, especially when you've just moved in. Here's how to tackle the problem and develop your social and professional networks in Jakarta!
How to make friends in Jakarta
Start by learning the local culture
The best way to make friends is to understand Jakarta's culture first. As a foreigner, you will be required to abide by many unspoken social rules.
In Indonesia, there are two basic rules to observe at all times: be polite and be friendly. Greet everyone you encounter with a smile and a slight nod, especially at your place of work. Moreover, hereafter are some common greetings and helpful expressions to use in your everyday life:
- Good morning - Selamat pagi
- Good afternoon - Selamat siang
- Good evening - Selamat sore / malam (Use "sore" from 5 p.m. and "malam" after 9 p.m.)
- Good night - Selamat malam
- Thank you - Terima Kasih
- Sorry - Maaf
- Excuse me - Permisi
- Please - Tolong
It is also worth pointing out that social hierarchy is enshrined in Indonesian culture. As a result, everyone has a place in every situation, and it is important to recognize each person according to his or her status.
Spend time outdoors
Don't stay at home! As an expatriate, interaction with your new environment is critical.
Whether at work, in a restaurant, in a café, or on the road, every occasion is good to further expand your social network in Jakarta. Visit the city's various museums, historical buildings and entertainment centers. Besides, as a city with a rich cultural and historical past, many parts of Jakarta are well worth a visit.
You will probably be surprised by the kindness of the Jakartans! They are very social and do not hesitate to talk to strangers. Don't be afraid if someone approaches you on the bus or in the street. Of course, keep your guard up; you never know.
Join online forums and social media
Should you struggle to interact directly with other people, the Internet can be your ally. There is no shortage of discussion boards in Indonesia, and this includes Jakarta. Start by posting a polite message describing yourself and telling the audience that you are looking for new friends in Jakarta.
In addition to online forums, use social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and X.
Join clubs and communities
Join clubs or associations that support your hobbies and passions and start sharing good times with other members. Jakarta is home to many communities. You can find almost anything for almost anyone, like groups for polyglots, artists, photographers, literature lovers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts, etc. In that sense, the Indonesian Heritage Society is a particularly popular community among expatriates and offers its members the opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture.
The clubs and communities you belong to may also host events. It is, therefore, worthwhile to keep up to date with any interesting announcements about these events.
How to build your professional network in Jakarta
Attending events and meetings
Jakarta is a vibrant city with events happening every now and then. From music and art festivals to socializing in local bars, you are bound to find something you like. Besides being the base of an active social life, these events are also a good way to network in Jakarta if you are looking for business contacts. Information on such happenings is usually available online.
Checking on foreign embassies' websites is also a good idea. They often organize cultural and social events for expatriates, which are, by the way, great opportunities to meet new people!
Attend professional meetings
If you are planning to expand your professional network, you should meet new people during networking events in Jakarta. These meetings are particularly interesting for people who are just starting to extend their professional networks.
When you attend these meetings, keep your objective in mind: to create connections with other people without necessarily frantically handing out business cards. Don't force or rush conversations. Take the time to get acquainted, as you want to make sure to leave a good impression while taking the temperature.
Outside networking events, you can go to club nights, public lectures, fundraisers, and other interesting events in the city. For a strong and comprehensive network, don't just include professionals!
These events are an opportunity to meet people in a more relaxed setting, facilitating verbal exchanges and business card exchanges.
Attending chambers of commerce meetings
Indonesia has many foreign chambers of commerce whose main role is to ease the transition of their members into the Indonesian business scene, including helping them build strong professional networks. To this end, most chambers of commerce host regular meetings and events, which are attended not only by expatriates but also by locals who regularly deal with foreign companies.
Coworking spaces
Why not take out a subscription to a local coworking space? Jakarta has many such spaces, convenient for freelancers, small startups and neo-entrepreneurs. What's more, you will be rubbing shoulders with other ambitious and competent profiles (freelancers, software engineers, local entrepreneurs, consultants, etc.).
Social media
Don't underestimate the power of social media and its impact on your career. During this digital era, having an online presence is just as important as having one in real life. Enhance your LinkedIn profile and make it more appealing. Don't forget to connect with professionals on LinkedIn, especially after you attend a networking event. This way, you will enrich your professional network in Jakarta.
You might also be surprised to find that professionals in Jakarta don't just use LinkedIn to build their professional networks. Social networks are very important, so much so that younger professionals use Facebook, Instagram and X to create an appealing profile. Some even have multiple accounts to separate their personal and professional lives.
Networking do's and don'ts in Jakarta
Setting up a social or professional network can be relatively easy, in particular, if you have already found a job in Jakarta. But you will need to show respect for the Indonesian culture and way of life. You will need to be particularly attentive to the social hierarchy to take into account at all times when interacting with local professionals.
Social hierarchy
As in other Asian cultures, Indonesians place great importance on social hierarchy. Each person has their place in society based on age, status, seniority, and other factors. Although you should respect everyone you interact with, you will need to show even more respect to those at the top. As a rule of thumb, the older and more senior a person is, the higher their position in the hierarchy.
Be sure to give priority to greeting those at the highest level of the hierarchy by addressing them the proper way.
In business circles, address men as "Sir", "Bapak" or "Pak". Women should be addressed as "Madam", "Miss" (if you know she is not yet married), "Ibu" or "Bu".
Do not call people "Mas" or "Mbak" unless invited to do so. It is considered rude and disrespectful.
Body language
In Jakarta, humility and respect are valued. While self-confidence is welcome in a business context, it should not be mistaken for arrogance.
In that sense, body language is crucial:
- The left hand is considered impure! Therefore, do not use it to receive and give things, to shake hands, or to eat.
- Avoid pointing with your index finger, especially at other people. Use your whole palm or thumb instead.
- Do not cross your hands in front of your chest. It is regarded as a sign of arrogance.
- Don't put your hands on your hips when standing for the same reason.
- Avoid showing the soles of your feet when seated, especially to other people.
- Always return a smile to people who smile at you.
The dress code
For business meetings in Jakarta, the dress code adheres to international standards. For formal business events, men wear suits and ties, while women wear blouses, skirts, pants or dresses.
Some networking events may be less strict on dress codes while still encouraging elegance and casualness.
Don't wear revealing clothing, especially if you're meeting locals for business reasons. Avoid shorts, ripped jeans, sleeveless tops, etc., even for a very casual meeting. Wear modest, more conservative clothing as a sign of respect.
Business cards
Exchanging business cards is a great way to expand your network. As in other Asian countries, business cards are handled with care and respect in Jakarta. So, when you give or receive a business card, use your right hand or both hands. Avoid using your left hand. It is also important to place your received business cards with respect, for example, in your wallet or purse.
Business cards written in English are acceptable, but it is always better to have one side in English and the other in Indonesian. Also, make sure your titles and contact information are clearly displayed to avoid confusion.
Topics of conversation
In general, Indonesians like to talk about everything. However, some topics are taboo, especially at a business or networking event. Conversations about sex, material goods, ethnic or religious stereotypes, politics and religion are to be avoided. But if the topic is brought up by someone, be as polite as possible and keep control of the discussion, even diverting the conversation to topics such as families, local communities, food, interesting events and places, stories from your home country, etc.
Moreover, keep in mind that Jakartans will not hesitate to ask personal questions, such as marital status, age and religion. These topics are common, so don't be surprised!
Good to know:
If you are an atheist, it is recommended that you choose a religion and change the subject.
Business meals
You may be invited to have dinner with your business partners. In such a case, upon arriving, greet your host and all those present according to their position in the social hierarchy. Wait until you are invited by your host invites you before taking your seat. Likewise, do not start eating until your host has started eating or has invited the guests to eat.
It is worth noting that Indonesians seldom drink alcohol in general, even more so as a large part of the population is of the Muslim faith. While Indonesian culture does not condemn alcohol consumption, it does not encourage it either. Therefore, unless your host offers you a glass of wine, avoid ordering alcoholic beverages during business dinners in Jakarta.
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