Natural disaster

Hi, we are currently living in Sydney and have just been informed by my Husband's company that they are moving us to Jakarta in 6 weeks time. I don't know much about Indonesia but always think of natural disasters when I think of it!! Are the disasters very commonplace in Jakarta? Is it a dangerous city to live? Hope to hear from u soon.
Regards, Dee


Hi Dee
Well natural disasters seem to be happening all over the world at the moment
and in Indonesia, no more than any other country that has volcanoes in the
ring of fire. It is a big country and there are often small earthquakes
reported in parts of Indonesia. Generally they do not effect Jakarta so
much, but I guess you can never say never in this day and age. I am a New
Zealander so the big earthquake in Christchurch effected many friends but my
family are not effected on the opposite coast. Indonesia is quite like
this.

As far as is it a dangerous city to live in I would say no. As a woman I
feel very safe going out with my friends at night, getting a taxi home at
night. Walking around my neighborhood is busy but safe. The people in
Indonesia are lovely and once you get to know them will do anything to help.
Of course there is petty theft etc but that is probably far less than other
big cities around the world.

The media has a lot to answer for when reporting on Indonesia as usually
they give it a bad wrap. To be honest I feel much safer here than at home
now and one reason I think the crime like random rapes, muggings and
beatings are much less (almost non-existent amoung the expat community) is
being a Muslim country there are not the drunk people on the streets who
will pick a fight for no reason like at home.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised when you arrive. Common sense when
it comes to looking after your valuables but overall I personally feel very
safe in Jakarta.

Kelly & lara

Good Salon

My girlfriend is moving to Jakarta to live with me. She dyes her hair blonde and has been worrying about finding a Salon in town that would do a good job with blonde highlights. Do you have any recommendations for her? Perhaps something priced on the high end and something in the moderate end.

Many thanks!


Dear Robert,

Jakarta has so many good salon and she shouldn't be worry about it ;-)
You can try my regular in Alfoons in jalan Barrito. Ask for roberto oor you may call indro at +628179144282 who will give you directions. Lara

Looking for Brazilian Model

Dear WNJ,

I worked in a cosmetic packaging company who ships a good portion of our export to Brazil and other Latin American countries. We are looking for a native Brazilian or Latin American expat who is based in Jakarta who is interested and can help us in liaison with our Brazilian and other LATAM customers and to further explore the market potential in that region. Is there any venue or job posting program where we can look for assistance?


Dear Nata,

We can try to post it in WNJ and maybe you can try also in www.internations.org and contact recruitment agency.
You can find the list in here http://askmiree-whatsnewjakarta.blogspot.com/2008/06/finding-work-in-jakarta.html

Cheers,
Kelly & Lara

New restaurant in Jakarta?

Hi,
I am Grace, and I live in Jakarta.
I want to know the new restaurant in Jakarta?

Can you give me the information about that.

Thank you for your attention


Hi Grace,

You can get a copy of Jakarta Entertainment Guide Book edition 2011 - 2012 by WNJ which listed more than 900 places in Jakarta in bookstores such like PERIPLUS, KINOKUNOYA, AKSARA - please check out this link HERE

Or see the What's Hot section in WNJ LINK HERE

Cheers,

Kelly & Lara

Immigration at Airport

Hi, Whenever I am at the immigration counter there are always people
zipping through the "express lane" on the right side. How can I be one
of those people and how much will it cost? Harry


Dear Harry,

That line is for diplomats or APEC card holder.

But if you want to have VIP pick up service - Santa Fe Relocations can provide the service. You can find their complete contact at here http://www.santaferelo.com/jakarta

or suggest you look at joining the Saphire Club which you can fast tract thru immigration without documents and an iris scan.

To qualify you need to meet the following;
What requirement do you need to apply Saphire Program?
Minimum age : 17 year old or has married.
Indonesian citizens with:
• A valid ordinary passport with minimum validity of 18 months.
• Page passport at least 4 pieces empty.
• Fill in an application form.
• Not included in the list of Immigration prevent-desist.
• Pay the fees as required.

Foreigners with:
• A valid ordinary passport with minimum validity of 18 months.
• Page passport at least 6 pieces empty.
• Fill in an application form.
• Not included in the list of Immigration prevent-desist.
• Pay the fees as required.
• Sponsor letter (download sponsor letter).
• A visa:
• A valid permanent stay permit (KITAP), or a valid temporary stay permit (KITAS) together with a multiple re-entry permit (MREP)
See their website for more details; www.saphire.co.id

Cost is approx Rp3 million pa and I have several friends use this service which they think is great. It can be used outbound or inbound through immigration.

Hope this helps.

Kelly & Lara

Transfer old videos

Hello Ladies, Can anyone tell me where about in Jakarta I can get old vhs video's transfered on to cd's, I know another person who is looking for somewhere to get this done as vhs don't last long in this climate.
Thanks Helen

Sorry for the delay in replying Helen. Ratu Plaza is the place to go. I was there yesterday and many of the gaming outlets will do it but the place we buy the kids playstation games called “Blessed Games” definitely does it. They’ll convert almost all formats eg. vhs, mini video, video 8 etc to VCD or DVD.
Cost is Rp100,000 per DVD which can take up to 2 hours of video. (if you have several shorter VHS’ the an fit onto 1 DVD for you at same cost.) Takes about days for them to convert. Maybe longer if you have many to convert.
Good luck.
Kelly & Lara

Looking for a date

(Georgina) Hi Kelly and Lara, Glad to find your website. I'm 46 yrs old, single and I'm definitely
looking for a date. I prefer to date western guy, so could you advise
me on how to find a good guy? I guess if you put my question in your
website then I could also advertise myself as well.
I'm working to foreign company and as we start establishing it, I sort
of getting involved in various things. I dont have kids and as i also
don't go clubbing, it's hard to find a date. So any advise? Thanks before.


Hi Georgina, Sorry we haven’t replied to this as was a bit of a tricky one.
I guess my advice to find a date here would be the same as home but with a bit more competition from the local ladies.
Bars, restaurants, hanging out with your friends, business networking meetings, sporting events are all very good ways to meet interesting people. It’s really up to you being confident and getting out there and meeting new people.
Hope that helps.
Kelly & Lara