Indonesia is well known for its delectable cuisine and intriguing traditions, the country is most well-known for its landscapes. Every year, more than 20 million people travel to Indonesia, primarily to see its renowned beaches, (active) volcanoes, and breathtaking scenery. While Indonesia does have some stunning temples, the best places to visit are the natural landscapes. Some go to Indonesia for better career opportunities.
Indonesia and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in 1949. Both countries enjoy a cordial bilateral relationship in a spirit of kinship. The two countries are considered one of the most important bilateral relationships in ASEAN. High-rank stately visits have been conducted for years.
OFWs in Indonesia, unlike many other Filipino communities abroad, are primarily skilled professionals, particularly in the advertising sector and as teachers in international schools where their English language proficiency is most in demand. Filipinos also work as fishermen on Indonesian waters.
Given this information, we can say that Indonesia has good opportunities to offer Filipino workers. In addition, Indonesia is a neighboring country to the Philippines, which is an advantage when it comes to time since you can contact your family at the same hours as theirs.
So, if you are an aspiring OFW willing to work in Indonesia, then, this one is for you!
Table of Contents
Requirements
To collect the documents you need for applying for jobs in Indonesia, you may click this link to find out the list of requirements.
Qualifications
A candidate needs to have completed high school and be at least 23 years old. He or she must be in a sound physical and mental condition to perform the job.
Important Steps
A job hunt in Indonesia can be daunting, especially if you need to find a job with an Indonesian company. That is usually the case for ex-pats and long-term visitors who want to secure a long-term position. It is not impossible to land a job in Jakarta. There are several Filipinos who have landed jobs in Indonesia. But practically speaking, it helps to have an employment agency as your advocate and point person throughout the whole process. There are just too many things you’ll need to do and figure out on your own, such as job searching, arranging your visa and work permit issues, what kind of salary to ask for, and many more.
But let’s get started.
I. Job Search
Due to the influx of job opportunities in Indonesia, employment is fast becoming one of the tops of the list of priorities for most Filipinos who are now finding themselves in a foreign land. Because there are many Filipinos who aren’t satisfied with their current employer and/or job, it’s no wonder why we see a growing number of Pinoys looking for work in Indonesia.
These are some of the most popular websites in Indonesia when it comes to talent sourcing so you’ll get an idea of where to start searching for jobs and how to do it.
Careerjet
Philippine job seekers looking for jobs in Indonesia just found a reliable partner. Job-hunting site Careerjet has partnered with Jobstreet.com, Indonesia’s number one job site and top employer, making it easier than ever to search for jobs and connect with great employers in Indonesia.
Follow the steps below to search for jobs in Indonesia.
1. Click the link above to view the website
2. In the what, enter ‘Indonesia’. And click ‘Search’.
3. Job offers will appear in a list. Click each job to find what’s best suited for you.
Jooble
Job boards and labor recruiters often require a work permit or visa letter from the client company in Indonesia. Jooble.org is a job aggregator that allows users to search and apply for jobs in Indonesia.
To search for jobs in Indonesia, you may follow the steps below.
1. Click the link above to open the website.
2. In the right search bar, enter ‘Indonesia’. Click ‘Find Jobs’.
3. List of job results will be shown to you.
DMW
https://www.dmw.gov.ph/approved-job-orders
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was created to bring all of the agencies and inter-agencies with a responsibility to protect and promote OFWs together, increase the amount of support they should receive, hasten the delivery of services to them, and for other purposes.
To start searching for jobs in Indonesia for Filipinos, you may refer to the steps below.
1. Click the link above to view the website’s homepage.
2. In the search bar, enter ‘Indonesia’.
3. The list of job offers will pop up including the agencies names and the job positions available.
Note: To view the job postings and contact the hiring company on these websites, you must register for an account before or after looking for a job in Indonesia. Make sure your resume, cover letter, high school diploma, and birth certificate are prepared before you apply. These must be provided as soon as possible to the employer. Up until you get a job, keep applying for jobs. After providing the organization or employer with any additional documentation they request, you must obtain a work permit.
II. Getting a Work Permit
The application process for a work visa and work permit, which is often called KITAS, is long and can take up to several months. If you don’t have a sponsor (employer) in Indonesia who can help you get a work permit, you can’t apply for an Indonesia work visa.
Requirements for an Indonesian Work Visa
You and your employer must submit several documents for an Indonesian work visa. The RPTKA, IMTA, and residence permit are included (ITAS). There are standard Indonesian visa documents and application-specific documents.
RPTKA application documents
- RPTKA application
- A letter from your employer explaining why they hired you and your role in the company.
- Business licenses, incorporation documents, and tax numbers
- Company organization
- The annual report lists local and international employees (Wajib Lapor)
- If your employer is in oil and gas, mining, or transportation, a recommendation from another institution or organization is required.
IMTA application documents
- RPTKA passport copy
- Proof of education and experience in your field and position
- A five-year job-related work experience certificate.
- If you’re being transferred to the Indonesian branch, a letter from you stating that you agree to work there
- If you’ll work in Indonesia for more than six months, you’ll need a national social security policy and tax identification number (NPWP).
- DPKK (Skill & Development Fund) fee receipt ($1,200/year).
- Two passport-sized color selfies
You (Indonesia work visa applicant):
- Colored passport copy. Valid passport for at least 18 months
- Colored CV (resume). A company director’s signature and stamp are required.
- A colour copy of your university degree or higher. If not already, it must be translated into English or Bahasa Indonesia, stamped, and signed by a company director.
- A five-year job-related work experience certificate.
- Indonesian insurance policy.
- Two passport-sized colour photos
Process for Work Visa Application
The steps for obtaining an Indonesia work visa are as follows, presuming you already have a job lined up:
1. The Indonesian government must approve your employment. They must justify hiring you over an Indonesian citizen.
“Expatriate Placement Plan” is RPTKA.
The Indonesian Ministry of Manpower issues your employer the RPTKA.
2. Your employer obtains your Indonesia work permit (IMTA, “Permission to Employ Foreign Workers”). Manpower Ministry receives this application. Before applying, you must send your employer work and education certificates, passport copies, etc. Only the IMTA permits legal work in Indonesia.
3. Your employer requests a Limited/Temporary Stay Work Visa (VITAS) from the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM). Temporary Stay Permit Visas are called VITAS.
4. Indonesian Immigration receives a BKPM Recommendation Letter.
5. An Indonesian Embassy/Consulate near you must issue a VITAS work visa. RPTKA and IMTA photocopies are needed.
6. The Immigration Department will issue your ITAS after you arrive in Indonesia with your VITAS (Temporary Stay Permit). The ITAS lets you live and work in Indonesia for a year (it can be extended). Indonesian visas are VITAS.
7. After receiving your temporary stay permit, you must apply for your KITAS at an Immigration Office.
Misconception: KITAS is the card that shows you have a Temporary Stay Permit, not an Indonesia Work Visa. Temporary Stay Permit Card. KITAS can be obtained without work authorization.
8. Get the police department’s Police Report Letter (STM).
9. Register at the population office of your city or town to get a Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident (SKPPS).
10. Apply for the “Foreign Workers Work Permit” at the Ministry of Manpower.
Your employer must pay the Skill and Development Fund before the Ministry of Manpower issues the IKTA (DPKK).
Your employer must pay a $100 monthly DPKK ($1,200/year) for hiring a non-Indonesian.
III. Preparation for Going to Indonesia
When going to Indonesia for the first time, it’s good to bring some information about things you should know and politics in Indonesia. You don’t want to go there with no idea about this country and regret later because of what you should or shouldn’t have done.
DO’S
- Try to keep the conversation peaceful and fair. Take a roundabout way of responding to any criticism.
- It’s important to ask questions in different ways to figure out what a vague answer means.
- Show an Indonesian that you enjoy being with them and like them in a clear way. Even though they communicate indirectly, they usually look for clear signs of approval and friendship.
- Give face by giving compliments when they are due. But always be sincere. If you give a blatantly “fake” compliment, an Indonesian can lose face instead.
- Respect Indonesians who are older. Give them a lot of credit for what they say.
- Try to keep a low profile and keep your private life quiet around people you don’t know well.
- Respect the modesty of an Indonesian and stay away from people of the opposite gender unless you know them well.
DON’TS
- Don’t criticize someone directly or point out their mistakes, because doing so can make an Indonesian lose face. Most of the time, they don’t show how they feel in public, so it can be hard to tell when they are upset. But if an Indonesian is cold to you or tries to avoid you, you can be sure that you have done something very wrong.
- Try not to raise your voice, yell, or lose your cool in public. Indonesians can feel uncomfortable when they see someone crying or losing their cool in public. If you do that, you will likely lose face and respect in their eyes.
- Try not to talk over people or fill the silence when they are talking.
- Don’t talk about corruption in the government or military in Indonesia. Talking about such sensitive topics can make an Indonesian feel uncomfortable. They might not know what to say so that they don’t lose face.
- Do not laugh at someone else’s mistake or make jokes that make fun of their bad luck.
Facts about Indonesia
Here are some facts you need to know about Indonesia.
People: Indonesia is one of the best places for us to live as ex-pats. The capital, Jakarta, is the second most crowded city in the world after Tokyo. Indonesia is known for its warm hospitality, and Indonesians are known as some of the friendliest people in the world.
Languages: People speak more than 700 different languages. More than 40% of the population speaks Javanese, which is the most common language.
Safety for Expats: With a safety score of 56.4 out of 100, Jakarta is near the bottom of the list on the Economist’s 2021 Safe Cities Index. Every single metric was low for Jakarta, but personal safety and digital security were the worst.
Average Expected Salary: The average pay for ex-pats working in Indonesia is about $28,000/£21,000. The cost of living index puts Jakarta at number 404, making it one of the cheapest big cities in the world. If you want a permanent job, Bali might be the place for you.
Indonesian healthcare: Indonesian healthcare is the worst in the developed world. In 2014, a universal healthcare system was implemented, and government healthcare spending has increased significantly. Many Indonesians still use private health insurance, especially for mental health services not covered by the government. Expats need international health insurance to get a work visa and to access the most medical services.
Opening a Bank Account in Indonesia: ITAS is required to open a bank account in Indonesia. Your bank branch will require a copy of your passport and immigration documents. You may also need an employer letter and a boss reference letter. Some banks require recent pay stubs.
Banks often require minimum deposits. High-value accounts pay $35,000/£25,000.
IV. Arrival in Indonesia
What to do after Arrival in Indonesia for work as a Filipino
When you arrive at the airport, you should have documents that prove your identity and nationality. The following are some of the documents that are accepted:
• Passport with a valid visa
• Certificate of employment
• Certificate of employment (CV) is a document that includes information about your details, education, professional experience and special skills. It is written in English or Bahasa Indonesia and must be signed by your employer. The CV should also include a photo of you. The employer will use this document to apply for your work permit. The application process can take up to 3 weeks if there are no issues with your documents. Once approved, you will receive your work permit card in the mail within 14 days.
Once you receive your work permit card, you must present it when applying for an ID card at the local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi). You will also need this card to open a bank account and register at a health clinic or hospital.
Video: Tips kung paano mag apply sa Indonesia-Teacher
Derick shares tips for aspiring OFWs on how to apply as a teacher in Indonesia. Watch the video for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is the FAQ section where you can read the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about searching for jobs in Indonesia for Filipinos.
1. Is Indonesia a good country to work?
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian economic powerhouse, attracts foreign professionals seeking work. In return, it offers Southeast Asia’s highest standard of living.
2. What is the basic salary Indonesia?
In Indonesia, the minimum wage has been changed, and it will take effect on January 1, 2023. Jakarta’s minimum wage has gone up from IDR4,641,854 per month. In Philippine currency, it is equivalent to 16,502.49 PHP.
3. How Long Is the Indonesia Work Visa Valid?
Your completed Indonesian work visa will be valid for three to twelve months.
KITAS is the “Temporary Stay Permit Card” for employment. The KITAS can be renewed for up to one year depending on your contract, the type of work you’ll do, and the Immigration Officers’ decision.
KITAS holders can apply for a KITAP, or “Permanent Stay Permit,” after three years in Indonesia. Renewable KITAPs last five years.
4. Can I Extend an Indonesia Work Visa?
Yes. You will receive a 3-month to 1-year Indonesia work visa (KITAS). You can prolong this period. After three years in Indonesia, you can apply for a five-year, renewable permanent residence permit (KITAP).
5. Can I Bring My Family Members Along With an Indonesian Work Visa?
You and your dependents can apply for Indonesian visas and receive KITAS together. Your employer must apply for both your and their Indonesian visas at the Immigration Department in Indonesia.
Your dependent spouse cannot work. They need a sponsor and a work permit to work.
Summary
At the end of the day, getting a job in Indonesia is not easy, especially for foreigners looking for work. But if you’re determined and willing to put up with the rough spots, you’ll likely find it to be a worthwhile experience. And who knows – this job might just be the stepping stone towards your dream career.