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INDONESIA …for Expat Employers
Indonesia is undoubtedly a great place to live and is a common destination for expat employers and employees. This beautiful country is the world’s fourth most populous country. With an amalgamation of many nations, it results in a kaleidoscope of cultures, customs, art, and food. Just like its people, Indonesia offers the best of both worlds, from the bustling city in Jakarta to the scenic Bali.
Besides, Indonesia also has beaches and volcanoes. Expats can explore Sulawesi’s beautiful coastlines of white-sand beaches and diving spots, and Sumatera’s dark gray volcanoes. A beautiful country with adventures in all its corners, there’s several vital information to know when deciding to send employees on expat assignments.
Here’s a quick destination guide to Indonesia for expat employers.
Employment in Indonesia for Expats
The Indonesian government has strict guidelines when it comes to permitting expats to work in the country. Furthermore, the only way one can seek employment is through company sponsorship. Without a work permit for Indonesia, you cannot work in the country as an expat.
Additionally, the government also prohibits certain types of organizations from hiring foreign employees. Under its law, foreigners in certain professions will not receive permits to work in Indonesia. For example, jobs in construction, real estate, and education are open to foreigners.
Professions such as legal affairs, human resources, and health, safety, and environmental affairs are protected professions in oil and gas companies. Hence it is forbidden to hire foreign employees in these jobs.
Above all, expats may require a special visa to be work in Indonesia, plus their employers or employing companies must have a work permit to hire expats.
Living in Indonesia
Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, it is also the most diverse country with a plethora of customs. The biggest cities that most expats live in are Bali, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. As most are familiar with Bali for its island life that has a blend with traditions and modernity, Yogyakarta is a town with cultural heritage with a laidback ambiance.
While Jakarta is the country’s lifestyle and business hub, its weakness includes heavy traffic.
However, Surabaya is a smaller version of Jakarta but boasts the same energy as a business hub. Those looking for a mix of a quiet life on a hilltop and a vibrant city center, then Bandung is an ideal city to live. But that’s not it, there are over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, so there’s plenty of diving spots and unique locations to explore.
Healthcare in Indonesia for Expatriates
When it comes to healthcare, it’s important to note that expats won’t have access to government healthcare schemes. However, expats do have easy access to public and specialist hospitals in Indonesia. If you’re seeking treatment at a public hospital, you will either be paying out of pocket.
The ideal situation is to have international health insurance to cover your medical expenses. On the other hand, it is essential to visit your doctor before traveling to any country. The CDC has vital information on vaccinations to get before moving to Indonesia.
However, when it comes to working in Indonesia, there are several things to consider. Its healthcare systems can be deficient for foreigners living there. Jakarta is home to some of the best-equipped public medical facilities, though, but none of them have global accreditation.
On the positive side, the quality of services has improved over the last few years, and that’s the reason why most of the top hospitals in the major cities are overcrowded throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know on this destination guide to Indonesia.
How the Indonesian Healthcare System Works for Expats
Due to the variable quality of public healthcare in Indonesia, most expats and global citizens prefer to use private health insurance during their extended stay. Having an international medical insurance plan becomes a must because expats are not included in the Indonesian universal healthcare scheme.
Thankfully, working expats can obtain comprehensive health insurance through their employers. If you are moving to this country on an employment project, you should check with your employer to see if the medical policy is sufficient to cover the needs of your family as well.
Here are some quick tips for Expatriate Employers in Indonesia
- Severe illness or emergency will require medical evacuation out of the country.
- Most medical equipment is outdated
- Most foreign chains’ pharmacies are generally reliable
- Blood transfusions are not very reliable.
- The medical staff training is limited and can vary greatly.
- Levels of hygiene can vary greatly, especially outside major city centers.
Here are three good medical centers for expats:
- Jakarta (Cipete): SOS Medika Klinik
- Address: Jl. Puri Sakti No. 10, Cipete – Antasari, Jakarta 12410
- Tel: +62 21 7505980
- Jakarta (Kuningan): SOS Medika Klinik
- Address: Menara Prima, 2nd floor, Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan Blok 6.2, Jakarta 12950
- Tel: +62 21 5794 8600
- Bali: SOS Medika Klinik
- Address: Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 505 X, Denpasar, Bali 80221
- Tel: +62 3 61720 100
Indonesian Public Healthcare
One of the downfalls of Indonesia healthcare is its shortage of adequate public healthcare. The waiting time is so long that patients have to wait for weeks to get access to treatments. As an expat, you can seek treatments at local hospitals, but if you are not familiar with the local language, it will be challenging to communicate with the doctors. Additionally, you are also expected to pay upfront at public hospitals because foreigners are not eligible for the national health insurance scheme.
Indonesian Private Healthcare
Ideally, expats should opt for private medical care as it offers a better service. Going for private healthcare would mean that you have easy access to top-quality amenities is suitable for your needs. You can also be at ease, knowing doctors can communicate with you in English. These doctors and staff are also professionals.
Corporate Benefits Plans;
Employers with Expats in Indonesia & Elsewhere in the World
Most expat employers will want a global health plan that will cover private medical care.
Expat Financial, which is a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd., can discuss the requirements for your expatriate employees located around the world, including Indonesia.
You can view our global benefit plan service and contact us to learn more by contacting us at 01-604-628-0426 or via our website at https://expatfinancial.com/corporate-solutions/
Individual International Medical Insurance for Expats in Indonesia
If you are planning to purchase an international health insurance plan during your expatriate life in Indonesia, you should look for an insurance plan which is compliant with the local law.
The Allianz International Health Insurance plan is the best individual expat health plan we offer to expats in Indonesia. It can be an excellent option for any contractors or long term global nomads who want excellent comprehensive health coverage with a wide variety of options at a competitive price. An insurance plan that you choose to purchase should keep you and your family suitably protected irrespective of the number of years you intend to live in a particular Indonesian destination.
The above article has been written for GLOBAL HR BUSINESS NEWS by Nantanaa Mutharasu & David Tompkins of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. (TFG Global), which retains the rights to this content.
Expat Financial is a division of TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd. & is a registered trademark. The above content is not meant to provide any legal, insurance, or tax advice.
© Copyright – TFG Global Insurance Solutions Ltd.
