Working in Indonesia as an expat

[benjamin123]

To be able/ allowed to work in Indonesia as an expat is an ongoing discussion. I have read a large part of the many separate posts and responses on this forum (especially from forum member Marcus, much appreciated!), and I have been seeking external expert advise. The same conclusion all over; no work for expats without government approval + IMTA, where the LD is making it as difficult and unattractive as possible for companies to employ expats. Regardless of whether; the expat is the breadwinner for the family, has in his/ her possession all the legal paperwork to work, and the Indonesian law. Whether I or anyone for that matter believes that this is fair or not seems irrelevant.
I am afraid that as a result of the fallout of the pandemic the situation for us expats living in Indonesia is unlikely to improve for years to come.

[marcus]

From your private message :
... My situation; Dutch expat/ wife is Indonesian and my sponsor (not working) .. KITAP+KTP+KK/ .. I would like to ask for your .. opinion on the following
1) Chances of employment
2) Chances to work .. as a freelancer

1) From what I know up to now , you can be legally hired if you (basically) have a relevant education certificate + at least 5 years work experience related to the certificate (regarding requirements to be hired , you would not have any privilege by : being married with an Indonesian and/or holding a KITAP) .

2) By being married with an Indonesian + holding a KITAP (or KITAS) I think a similar solution may be possible : your Indonesian wife setting up a small business and you working in it informally (any company or individual would hire your wife's business services , not you) . But because this was an old (2015) Manpower Department's position , it suggest you to ask them about it again .


https://tka-online.kemnaker.go.id/kontak.asp (how to contact Manpower)

Note : TKA = foreigner worker . Although some foreigners thing that by being married with Indonesians they are not considered as being TKA , I think Manpower Department does not agree with that .

[benjamin123]

Would it be an option/ allowed to establish a company as an expat residing in Indonesia or through the Indonesian spouse? Then -through this company- offer services to other companies, for example for EFR (Emergency First Response training) and Diving instructor services?

[marcus]

(a) Would it be an option/ allowed to establish a company as an expat residing in Indonesia or through the Indonesian spouse?

(b) Then -through this company- offer services to other companies, for example for EFR (Emergency First Response training) and Diving instructor services?

(a) Only Indonesians can own small/medium companies . Foreigners can own only relatively big PT PMA (and in limited areas of activity) .

(b) You will need to : talk to the Manpower Department about the details of what your wife's small business can do and what you can do , or to talk to the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) regarding a PT PMA .

https://www.bkpm.go.id/ (BKPM : one roof gov. service for foreign investors)