Proofreaders, Copy Editors & Marketing Gurus

Hi Darryll,

Reading between the lines, what I gather is that what you are asking is…can this be done without setting up a business, per se?

You probably don't need to hear from anyone (including myself) what the legal requirements are concerning work for foreingers…including work as a self employed foreign expat in Indonesia.  The law is pretty clear…albeit, the enforcement of the law and execution of regulations written to administer those laws is rife with ambiguity and uncertainty.

The letter of those laws are written with the primary goal of preserving jobs for Indonesians.  I think we can all embrace that noble ideology (I certainly do).

However, in your case, that expertise, which most certainly stems from an in-depth knowledge of English, is in fact a rare commodity here in Indonesia…so, from that point of view only, one can have some understanding when a foreign expat wishes to operate a bit “under the radar.”

With that in mind, there are numerous expats (here on Bali anyway) who in one degree or another are operating within the “arts” and do so without the same adherence to the laws and regulations that say a bartender, cook or shop keeper can operate.  It's always been that way…and for all the many years I've lived here.  Whether that continues or not is yet to be seen but I can without a doubt state that there is no current move to change that…not here in Bali anyway. 

Cheers, Roy

Hi Roy

Thanks once again for the thorough response to my questions. However I think perhaps I'm sounding a little ambiguous and I certainly don't intend to, so I'm going to try putting this a little clearer.

My intention is NOT to slip under the radar and do business in Bali covertly. I have full appreciation for the way they want to protect their own nationals and think it's the right thing to do.

What I'm trying to do is set up a part time business while I'm in Australia, which be can run while still working for a boss. The plan is to build up a clientele in AU, USA, and UK. This business will however not be able to earn a large income, but it WILL enable me to operate independent of location, which is my dream and goal.

I was hoping to operate from the Hubud coworking environment and get my cost of living down to a manageable level (Australia is not conducive to having a small business that's designed to take me into my old age without working 16 hour days).

At this stage in my life it's all about work/life balance and having time to stop and smell the roses, while still earning enough to live a comfortable existence.

I certainly do not want to take employment from anyone in Bali (or anywhere else) just so I can be happy. The income I intend generating will be from countries outside Indonesia. I simply want to work from that particular location, and hopefully also have the opportunity to give back by employing domestic help and through whatever other possible means I am permitted.

Please also keep in mind that I am very aware of the laws of this universe, and I would not expect to be rewarded if I tried to take from others just to make it better for me.

Thanks again for your help and advice

Warm Regards
Darryll

Hi again Darryll,

OK, you're asking for my opinion on a public forum, so please expect as direct a response as I feel comfortable making (in public).

Firstly, while Hubud operates in general as an internet café, the fact of the matter is that this facility is under scrutiny.  I know this for a fact.

Working in Indonesia, even work which is not generating local revenue, is not allowed without the proper visas, and/or business ownership.  At the very least, operating within the Hubud environment legally would require a business visa at minimum.  The vast majority of the folks at Hubud (and I've known, and still know some) are transient and not what one would consider domiciled expatriates.   

There is no reason why you can't accomplish what you wish to accomplish with your own IT set up in your own leased villa and with a less defined visa than either a business visa, or a work permit and KITAS. 

A general rule of thumb has applied here in Bali for all my 17+ years…one goes up the visa chain…not down.  Once you have taken on a business visa you are on “record” with immigration that your primary function here in Bali is business, (ergo, making money).  There is a limit to how many times immigration will issue the same person a business visa as they fully expect that your continued presence here should logically develop into your needing a KITAS and work permit. 

Unless your intention is to set up a legal company, either a PT or PMA, and obtain a KITAS and work permit then let me be very clear…that being, that indeed you want to be “under the radar.” 

Lots of expats who are artists and writers, day traders or otherwise working 100% via the internet pass by the attention of immigration (although they are well aware of them) for the simple reason that they aren't violating the letter of the laws designed to protect jobs for Indonesians, and it's not “in their face.” 

Over a drink or two, I could, and would be a whole lot more specific, but I think you are getting the gist of what I'm telling you.

Cheers, Roy

Listen to Roy, and take up his offer of a drink.
As he says, if you aren't doing anything that's going to upset anyone, you aren't going to have problems.
Immigration are far from daft, so they have a very good idea of what foreigners are doing, but they also have common sense and know what will work best for all concerned.

Several years ago, I found a website that specialises on freelancing jobs. Some focus on programming and web design. Some focus on writing and proofreading. Others are translation. You can build a reputation and scorecard with reviews upon your achievements.

The world becoming a global village, it is becoming possible working anywhere in the world (you only need an internet connection and a device such as phablet, tablet, smartphone etc), and still having steady streams of revenues. In fact, some people dedicate blocks of time in a week, and flexible work hours with the leftover time enjoying their hobby/pursuits.

Some even have income from rents in their own homecountry, and enable them to live a life elsewhere with good standards of living in Asean countries.

It is just the alternative lifestyle. Some while travelling and earn google advertising from bloggings.
However, interestingly most people who do this, do not have young kids. Kids disrupt any plans you might have for such a time that need stability.

And so?...

Oops! I only saw the post right above me, thus for the question.

And so... what is the question again myjak?
Are you referring to my post? I am abit confused....

Apology.  Yes, I'm referring to your post right above mine having not seen the previous ones but now, question is mute.  Thanks eduringword.

No worries...
Thanks for the clarification.