Traffic in Indonesia is chaotic, and driving can be daunting for even the most experienced of city drivers. Luckily, private drivers are affordable and are a popular option among expats in Indonesia. There is also a relatively good public transport system in Indonesia and taxis are readily available in larger cities.
Public transport in Indonesia
Indonesia has a decent public transport system, although taxis are probably the better option for short distances and trains over long distances.
Trains
Indonesia’s railway system consists of four networks in Java and Sumatra. Indonesians mainly use trains for long-distance travel. There is a commuter train service in Jakarta called the KRL Commuterline. Expats can purchase tickets at train stations or buy them online.
Buses
Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Indonesia. There are frequent bus services on Sumatra, Java and Bali. In the more remote areas, there are minibuses that provide transport. Jakarta has its own bus rapid transit system known as TransJakarta.
Ferries
Because Indonesia is an archipelago, it is common for people to travel by boat or ferry. There are frequent ferries between the islands, particularly between Sumatra, Bali and Java. Expats can also use ferries to travel to nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
Taxis in Indonesia
Most large cities in Indonesia have numerous taxi companies to choose from. Expats should always request that the meter be turned on when getting into a taxi to avoid being overcharged. Expats who are not familiar with the local language can make use of ride-sharing services such as Grab to avoid miscommunications with drivers.
There are also ojeks, which are motorcycle taxis; bajaj, which are motorised rickshaws; and becaks, which are cycle rickshaws.
Driving in Indonesia
Road transport is the most common form of transport in Indonesia. There has been a massive growth in the number of motor vehicles in the country in the last decade, but the government has not been able to construct new roads fast enough to keep up with the demand. Traffic jams are therefore a problem, particularly in Jakarta and on Bali.
Many embassies advise their nationals against driving in Indonesia and many expats choose to hire a private driver or use taxis instead. Foreigners also often choose motorbikes as their primary means of transport, although this can be a dangerous option.
To drive in Indonesia, expats must apply for an Indonesian driving licence which is called a SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi). Those wanting to drive a motorcycle will need a separate licence called a SIM C. Expats will have to pass a written test to obtain a SIM.
Air travel in Indonesia
Travelling by plane can be one of the cheapest ways to get around Indonesia. There are many domestic airlines to choose from and all of Indonesia’s major cities have airports. The country’s main airport is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and the national air carrier is Garuda Indonesia.