Looking for a job in Indonesia

LawrenceD · 2013-01-26 01:00:20

Hi, my name is Lawrence, I am 33 years and currently still living in Roeselare, Belgium. I am looking forward to moving to Indonesia to live and work, together with my future wife and son, who both are from Bandung, Indonesia. I have worked here the last years in administration and commerce. I speak Dutch, French, English and some German and I have a good knowledge about computers and software. If possible I would like to find a job in the administrative sector but if an other type of job would present itself I would not let it pass me as well. I am social, openminded and motivated. Many thanks! Lawrence Debrauwer

I can speak Dutch, English, French and some German

My birthday is on 6 June, I was born in 1979

Any help or advice is much appreciated.

Best regards,

Lawrence

LawrenceD · 2013-01-26 01:03:47

I would like to add that I'm looking to work and live in the area of Bandung, Yogyakarta or in Bali.

Thank you!

Harmonie · 2013-01-28 08:42:17

Hello Lawrence!

Have you tried to post an advert in the section Jobs in Bali? It may help. wink

Harmonie.

LawrenceD · 2013-01-28 18:26:15

Thank you for the advice. I really hope I can find something in the next two months. My girlfriend is already going back to Bandung in april. She misses her family very much and wants to go back. The fact that she's going already in April doesn't give me much time to get results in my jobhunt. I also don't want to be apart for a long time. Hope I can get it by then.

Anyway thanks again for your advice friend.

Greatings!

Deborah van den berg · 2013-04-09 21:51:19

Hi Lawrence,

I am also looking for a job in Bali, and already quite a while searching the Internet for possibilities. From a friend who lives and works in Bali, I've heard that the Indonesian companies are using LinkedIn more often nowadays. So if you don't have a profile, you should consider creating one.

Do you weekly check the digital local papers? I know Bali has a paper called BaliAdvertiser and publish every two weeks their newspaper on their website.

Good luck with your job search!

Kind regards,

Deborah van den Berg

Ubudian · 2013-04-10 01:25:59

Hi Lawrence,

Having an Indonesian spouse and child puts you in a slightly better position as a foreigner to find employment than if you were on your own.

Jobs in Indonesia are first for Indonesians and only for foreigners when they have specific skills or job experience vital to the position, and when it’s not possible to find qualified or experienced Indonesian candidates for that position. Businesses looking for labor understand also that employing foreigners requires the approval of the Manpower department as well as a fee of $100 a month for each foreigner employed and issued a work permit.

Hi Deborah,

In your position, looking for employment in the hospitality business on Bali (as you state in your profile), I have to be honest and say your chances are next to impossible. There are very few positions on Bali in that sector that either are not currently filled, or could easily be filled by qualified Indonesians. That’s particularly true when you consider that Nusa Dua is home to one of the best hospitality/hotel management colleges in Indonesia regularly graduating a large crop of graduates each year, all of whom are looking for that exact job you are looking for.

And don’t let yourself get caught up by supposed “job finders” or free agents that operate here with promises of finding you employment. It’s a nasty scam perpetrated on folks who are in your exact position…in love with Bali and desperate for a job here.

Deborah van den berg · 2013-04-10 11:59:26

Hi Ubudian,

You are absolutely right, it is almost impossible to find a job in Bali. I have lived there for quite a while and experienced that already.
For some vacancies the hoteliers are especially looking for expatriots. My motto is: when there is a chance, there is also a possibility for you. I am not a naive person, but realistic. If it doesn't work out, I'll have to find another way to get a permit which allows me to work and earn a living.

Lawrence makes a much better chance than I. It just takes time. But I won't give up yet.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Kind regards,

Deborah van den Berg

aussiehj · 2013-04-10 13:48:00

Hello,
I think you need to follow your dreams But I don't know how you can expect great results here unless you are here in Bali And knock on doors and build a network lower your expat-ion leave; and prove your worth you will go upwards.

Many people come here to Bali & think they can show us how to do it, but don't always have much or any experience And are generally unsuccessful Bali is one of the Five International Holiday Destinations in the world . So it dos not come cheap

Bali has been very successful its growth maybe the time for new blood ya
Great luck in you search

Ubudian · 2013-04-11 02:19:09

“For some vacancies the hoteliers are especially looking for expatriates.”

These days it’s rare to find hotels or resorts on Bali where the GM isn’t Indonesian…let alone the entire staff. Notable exceptions are the foreign “chain” resorts like Four Seasons and Aman Resorts. Even the Executive Chef positions at most top hotels on Bali are “manned” by Indonesians these days.

The manpower office is particularly picky about what positions in this industry on Bali are truly in need of expatriate “expertise” and the move over the past 10 years has been undeniably towards having those positions filled by qualified Indonesians.

This is a matter of national pride as much as it’s a matter of economic necessity to assure job opportunities for Indonesians. The issue of national pride comes from the understandable point of view of thinking about who is best capable of being the host…an Indonesian if equally trained and experienced as the foreigner, or the foreigner? Of course, that’s a rhetorical question.

The vast majority of expats on Bali who are working today in this industry are in business with an Indonesian partner, and thus they are freely allowed to work that business. Indonesia wants, and solicits foreign investors…however, it neither wants, or needs, foreign employees in most cases.

This whole issue of job opportunities for foreigners is further complicated by the ASEAN agreement which comes into effect in the year 2015. Under that agreement, citizens of ASEAN member countries will be able to “free flow” for jobs with other ASEAN member nations. The inevitable consequences of that agreement are obvious…there will be almost no need to employ foreigners outside of other ASEAN member nations.

“Bali has been very successful its growth maybe the time for new blood ya”

No, just the opposite. What it is time for is for the blood that’s already here to take the helm and steer its own destiny. It is precisely this ideology that is being taught in all Indonesian schools, and IMHO, so should it be.

lukereg · 2013-04-11 06:39:48

Ubudian, If Lawrence was sponsored by his wife then he could get a long stay permit and go from there, should he find suitable employment which is legal, can't he change his visa to a working one? At least he will be able to get into the country and be with his family.

Ubudian · 2013-04-11 11:12:29

Yes Luke, his wife can easily sponsor him for a KITAS residency visa, but that would not effect his work eligibility status. There is no “working visa” per se, rather a work permit (which is issued to his employer) is required and if necessary a KITAS visa sponsored by his employer. Therein lies the rub, as that work permit is not issued by immigration, but rather by the manpower office.

aussiehj · 2013-04-11 12:58:13

Yes Ubudian & Lukereg

Great stuff and informative too But don't forget Lawrence stated his Future Wife & son
Aussie

Ubudian · 2013-04-12 04:40:46

I think Lawrence understands that the responses he got were in anticipation of his life here in Indonesia, post marriage.

lius · 2013-04-20 12:59:32

Hi Deborah, what kind of job do you looking for in bali, i have some friend from holand as well, maybe they could help you , just let me know the specific job that you are looking for,

regard, Lius

lukereg · 2013-04-20 14:42:07

This forum is a wonder. All the expats who are here legally advise westerners how hard it is to get work in Indonesia because they know how difficult it can be to get work, visas etc and then some locals come along and say 'sure no problem, just let me know' without reading the thread above and clearly not aware of the impact their message has to people who do need strong and correct advice by suggesting false hope.

Why is that?

Cyio · 2013-04-20 21:13:14

hy all...why not try looking for job in another town at indonesia ?? i think many job in this country who needed people like you..

best regrads, cyio

Deborah van den berg · 2013-04-20 23:55:02

Dear Lius,

Thanks for your message. I'm seeking a job in Hospitality Industry as a supervisor. Love to work with people and and pursuing quality.
When there isn't a chance in that industry, I also have experience in property management as a coordinator and consultant.

Where do your friends live in Bali? And what do they do there in daily life?

Thanks again and looking forward to your reply.

Kind regards,

Deborah van den Berg

Ubudian · 2013-04-21 01:42:50

Good point Luke!

I suspect the answer to your questions “why is that” can be found within the usual Indonesian personality trait which has a deep reluctance to say “no” or to convey any sort of bad news.

As you surely know, Indonesians tend to be “polite to a fault” and while I’d hate to see this change, it often does lead to communication issues.

It’s funny how your comment was followed by yet another of the same ilk that you were addressing, thus giving your post a rather ironic positioning.

JAGfx · 2013-04-21 05:43:41

Pretty new to this forum, which is an excellent source of information I might add, and one thing that seems to create a fair bit of interest, is the enquiry regarding employment in Bali. I'm pretty sure that Ubudian and others have clearly stated several times, that it is just downright difficult for an expat to get a job over a local unless that expat is doing a job that a local cannot do. This pretty much covers all jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry. Buying or setting up your own business is one way of getting around this, but that too has its difficulties and hurdles to overcome. Other options include an online type business, either e commerce or something similar. Here all you need is Internet access and you can work from anywhere in the world. Obviously taxes etc have to be sorted out, usually back to your home country where you can maintain your bank accounts. It is not for everyone, but it may just give others some ideas on potential business ideas. You just have to be a little creative and think out of the box. My thinking is that I don't want to be limited the number of hours in a day, nor do I want to be tied to a particular location because of a job, therefore I looked for passive sources of income or use the ever expanding Internet to pursue something I love. It is trading Forex for me, but it could be anything you choose. And before you think this is pie in the sky stuff, there are plenty of people already successfully doing this and living in all the hot spots around Asia. Just throwing out a few ideas for some that maybe interested. Cheers. Jim

mas fred · 2013-04-21 08:18:28

I have yet to visit Bali but, from what I've been reading over the last six years, dreams can easily turn into nightmares.
I keep reading reports of imigrasi sting ops, nabbing foreigners who are working illegally and the odd argument about who really owns that villa the expat bought under an ownership 'scheme'.

I have managed to work out the law regarding work and what may be slightly unofficial law.
To work legally, you must have a work permit (US$1,200/year) along with a KITAS. To get the work permit, you must have a skill that are unavailable locally.

I have been assured (Directly from immigration), you may work odd jobs without contract or regular salary if you have a wife sponsored KITAP.
To get the KITAP, you must have been legally married for two years or more.
To remain in Indonesia, the OP can apply for a wife sponsored KITAS and should be able to get it without too much trouble but will NOT allow legal work.
When I had a KITAS, immigration told me they would turn a blind eye to the odd school visit (paid or otherwise) as long as it was just the odd one from time to time.
Schools in Java were seriously keen to get a foreign visitor but I have no idea how that translates to Bali.
I was doing about one per week with 'transport' money of between Rp500,000 and a million at schools and universities spread out all over central Java.
I'm a native English speaker so that may not apply to non natives.

In a tiny village, a non drinker can easily live on that and be well off by local standards but don't expect to go to the bars.

Ubudian · 2013-04-22 00:55:54

Hi Jim,

If I may say, a great first post on this forum.

A number of expats here in Bali do exactly what you suggest in your post…cyber business of one sort or another. Luckily, internet access and sophistication has grown considerably here on Bali in recent years allowing for this practical application of the internet. When I first moved to Bali 15 years ago, that would have been impossible.

Fred, the reports that you read about are true as there is an ongoing clamp down on illegal foreign workers here on Bali that has been ongoing for quite some time. Having a brother in law in the Bali Provincial DPRD I regularly hear all sorts of “plans” or changes to strengthen these endeavors, the latest one being discussed is to implement a cash reward program for those who turn in or “whistle blow” on foreigners working here illegally. The unemployment situation in Bali is that serious.

The mood around Bali is unquestionably perceptible…jobs first for Indonesians. IMHO, I couldn’t agree more.

Also, as you surely must know, the punishment for illegally working in Indonesia was modified a couple of years ago to include up to 5 years imprisonment and a very hefty fine of up to 50k US.

Also, Jakarta has given the Provincial government on Bali a green light to add its own Manpower fees of an additional $1,200.00 a year on the issuance of work permits for foreigners. That would double the annual work permit fees to $2,400.00 which will obviously make employers think twice about hiring foreign labor.

Another aspect in this whole discussion to consider is that some government cognoscenti are coming to believe that by clamping down on illegal foreign employment, a side benefit is resulting…namely an increase in foreign investment in Indonesia. This is the one area where Indonesia is most concentrating its efforts, that is to increase foreign investment in business here in Indonesia. So, even if unemployment numbers for Indonesians became more tolerable, or “acceptable” I personally doubt that there will be any relaxation of the labor laws and regulations for foreigners anytime in the near future.

Deborah, I’m sorry to keep “raining on your parade” but jobs for foreigners on Bali in the field of property management are no more available or possible to find than in the hospitality sector. Once again there are plenty of good colleges here offering business management courses, and the number of Indonesians, including Balinese who study abroad each year increases year after year. As I’ve mentioned before, unemployment in Bali among college graduates is of particular concern as it exceeds 10%, so the Manpower office is zeroed in on these positions requiring college degrees.

Last edited by Ubudian (2013-04-22 01:09:25)

Deborah van den berg · 2013-04-22 12:23:32

Ubudian wrote:
Deborah, I’m sorry to keep “raining on your parade” but jobs for foreigners on Bali in the field of property management are no more available or possible to find than in the hospitality sector. Once again there are plenty of good colleges here offering business management courses, and the number of Indonesians, including Balinese who study abroad each year increases year after year. As I’ve mentioned before, unemployment in Bali among college graduates is of particular concern as it exceeds 10%, so the Manpower office is zeroed in on these positions requiring college degrees.

Dear Ubudian,

Thanks for your comment "your rain on my parade" and information about the disciplines were my qualities are lying. I understand your explanation how it is like at the moment on the job market in Bali.

There is a question that rises in me immediately while reading your comment and that would be: In what field there IS a good possibility for an expat? On the internet I regularly see new vacancies for expats, that means there is a chance because there is a demand. In every forum I read continuously how difficult it is, almost impossible to find a job, that foreigners should go elsewhere, Bali is full of expats, no possibilties, only when you invest en start your own business. Still there are many people who are able to find a job there, legal with work permit.
What I also try to say is, that someone, me in this case, would love to get a possibility to work in Indonesia, and therefore wish to read some positive tips and tricks besides the warnings we read everywhere everyday.

Let's try to turn it around: thinking in possibilities not in restrictions. Thanks again for your comment.

Kind regards,

Deborah van den Berg

Ubudian · 2013-04-22 13:07:36

I don’t know where you get the idea that there are lots of expats on Bali who have legal jobs here unless of course you mean those who have a business interest in their place of work.

I’ve been here 15 years and I don’t know any expats who are here on a work permit aside from at their own business, or they are not on a work permit and survive in the manner that Jim mentioned in his earlier post, viz the internet. A few expats I know have even become Indonesian citizens and once having their KTP in hand, they can work anywhere they want.

Native born English speakers can occasionally find a job teaching English at any of the various private schools here, but aside from that I have to question all these advertisements for expat employment in Bali that you reference. You might also keep in mind the all too common scam used by too many so-called job placement consultants who promise the moon and never deliver, but get paid none the less. That’s a nasty scam because it feeds on the dream that you as well as many others have…to live and work in Bali.

If I could “turn it around for you” I’d do it in a New York second, but the facts are the facts…there is no demand for expat employment here in Bali.

Moreover, this is only going to get worse when in 2015 the new ASEAN agreement goes into effect which will mean that any citizen of any ASEAN member country can seek employment here without the current restrictions regarding employment of foreigners.

Take Jim’s advice and start thinking “outside of the box.” Perhaps you know some folks back in Holland that would invest in a business you’d like to start here in Bali with an Indonesian partner, or perhaps there is a job which can you can perform solely by the internet and “work” at home here in Bali.

I wish I had better news for you, but I hope you can appreciate that I’m not one who is going to mislead you into false hopes.

mas fred · 2013-04-22 15:13:19

Ubudian wrote:
I don’t know where you get the idea that there are lots of expats on Bali who have legal jobs here unless of course you mean those who have a business interest in their place of work.

I would imagine English native speakers may be able to get jobs in schools (assuming they have the qualifications as stipulated in immigration law).

There are other jobs available.

http://id.jobsdb.com/id/job-location/bali/1

http://job-search.jobstreet.co.id/indon … estaurant/

http://www.facebook.com/BaliJobs

This one post salaries for many of the jobs.

http://www.concordservices-bali.com/jobs_available.php

You can live on 2 million/month if you're in a village, don't eat out a lot and don't drink.

Try a few to see how many offer work permit and visa to foreigners and are willing to pay the massive chunk of tax they must cough up to hire you.
You'll notice, many ask for bahasa indonesia dan bahasa inggris.

Have a read at this while you're at it.

http://balipod.com/content/124-foreign- … beach.html

mas fred · 2013-04-22 15:20:06

http://www.1stopbali.com/travel_tips/living_here

Bali is a popular haven for long term residents from Europe with large communities of French, Scandinavian, Dutch and British, however the lion’s share comes from Australia, which is just a three hour flight away. Indonesia is a difficult country to find work on spec but there are many self employment opportunities in tourism for people with a little capital to spend.

Many Westerners have set up bars, restaurants and villa resorts and exporting authentic Balinese art and crafts is another popular choice. The easiest route to a regular fixed income is to become an English teacher at one of the language schools.

mas fred · 2013-04-22 15:22:35

Deborah van den berg wrote:
On the internet I regularly see new vacancies for expats, that means there is a chance because there is a demand. In every forum I read continuously how difficult it is, almost impossible to find a job, that foreigners should go elsewhere,

If you have seen jobs, make sure they offer work permit and visa. I know some places don't.

As for the forums, perhaps you should consider this; if so many long term expats say there's a problem, perhaps there is.

Ubudian · 2013-04-22 15:44:54

"Try a few to see how many offer work permit and visa to foreigners and are willing to pay the massive chunk of tax they must cough up to hire you. You'll notice, many ask for bahasa indonesia dan bahasa inggris."

Precisely. I seriously doubt that many, if any of the job offerings listed on those web sites are eligible for foreigners.

Deborah van den berg · 2013-04-22 17:58:48

Dear Ubudian,

As I said I have lived in Bali before and met expatriots who work there legally. Not having their own business or something like that. Just a proper job with a salary and with KITAS.
We just differ in our experiences and have another point of view and maybe therefore I see a higher percentage of succeeding finding a job and you don't see any possibilities in the fields I am seeking.

But I would thank you for sharing your opinion and your experience. Every view is a view extra and helps me in achieving my goal.

Kind regards,

Deborah van den Berg

Ubudian · 2013-04-23 03:57:53

All the best of luck to you Deborah. Your persistence is most admirable.

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Looking for a job in Indonesia

#1 2013-01-26 01:00:20

Looking for a job in Indonesia

#2 2013-01-26 01:03:47

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#3 2013-01-28 08:42:17

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#4 2013-01-28 18:26:15

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#5 2013-04-09 21:51:19

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#6 2013-04-10 01:25:59

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#7 2013-04-10 11:59:26

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#8 2013-04-10 13:48:00

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#9 2013-04-11 02:19:09

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#10 2013-04-11 06:39:48

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#11 2013-04-11 11:12:29

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#12 2013-04-11 12:58:13

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#13 2013-04-12 04:40:46

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#14 2013-04-20 12:59:32

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#15 2013-04-20 14:42:07

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#16 2013-04-20 21:13:14

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#17 2013-04-20 23:55:02

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Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#21 2013-04-22 00:55:54

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#22 2013-04-22 12:23:32

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

Ubudian wrote:

#23 2013-04-22 13:07:36

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#24 2013-04-22 15:13:19

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

Ubudian wrote:

#25 2013-04-22 15:20:06

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#26 2013-04-22 15:22:35

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

Deborah van den berg wrote:

#27 2013-04-22 15:44:54

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#28 2013-04-22 17:58:48

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

#29 2013-04-23 03:57:53

Re: Looking for a job in Indonesia

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