Indonesia - Business Travel Indonesia - Business Travel
The best time for an initial business trip is September through June, as school holidays and vacation time in the summer months can impact the availability of many business people. Visitors should check the local holiday schedule before traveling to Indonesia, and in particular should try to avoid the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, during which appointments are often difficult to schedule, as well as the two weeks after Ramadan when Indonesians typically travel home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families. The normal business attire is a lightweight business suit or white shirt, tie and slacks for men, and a business suit or dress for women, or batik.
Indonesia is a very diverse country, with more than 300 different ethnic groups. While some Indonesians are traditional, others may be considerably "Westernized." Many Indonesians do not conduct business transactions or make decisions in the same direct fashion Americans do, so U.S. business people should be prepared to spend a good deal of time with clients before getting down to the business transaction. Traditional Javanese culture emphasizes harmony and the word "no" is rarely used. This can make it difficult for a Westerner to ascertain exactly how a business proposal is being received. Patience and the development of personal relations is the key. Because Indonesians do business with "friends," people who they know, developing a rapport is crucial. While quality and price are important, they are often secondary to the personal interaction of the business partners.
During business meetings, sweet tea or coffee is almost always served and should be accepted. It should not be consumed until the host invites you to do so, which may not occur until the end of the meeting. Generally speaking, it is best to use the right hand in receiving or eating. Although hand shaking is a common practice, avoid hearty handshakes and other physical contact. Do not show the soles of your shoes when seated. Business travelers to Indonesia seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Jakarta officials should contact the U.S. Commercial Service in advance. The U.S. Commercial Service can be reached by telephone at (62-21) 526-2850, fax at (62-21) 526-2855 or by e-mail: office.jakarta@trade.gov.
Travel Advisory
Travelers visiting Indonesia may wish to review the State Department Country Specific Information for Indonesia at:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Indonesia.html
Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens traveling to Indonesia for business purposes are required to have a valid visa. Visas can be obtained by applying at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington or at their Consulates in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Visas on arrival (30-day visa) are available at the airport in Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Denpasar and several other large cities for a fee of $35, extendable for another 30 days stay without leaving Indonesia. All travelers to Indonesia must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Indonesia, at least two blank visa pages, as well as an onward/return ticket. Indonesian authorities regularly deny entry to Americans who arrive with less than six months validity on their passports. U.S. citizens travelling for tourism only may qualify for a visa exemption for no fee-non-extendable. Travelers are strongly urged to check with their airline and with the Indonesian Embassy or the Directorate General of Immigration at the following links, as requirements can change on short notice.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Indonesia.htmlU.S companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Applicants for visas to the United States should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html or http://www.ustraveldocs.com/id/
Currency
The local currency is the Rupiah.
Telecommunications/Electronics
Many homes and offices in large urban areas already have landlines installed. Some of the areas are served by fiber optic lines. However, most homes in rural areas rely only on cell phones. Indonesia has slightly more than 10 million landlines in total across the nation. Public pay phones are no longer available. Landline telephone numbers have between five and eight digits. Seven digit numbers are the most common, while newer numbers have eight digits. Smaller towns outside Jakarta still maintain five to six digit numbers. International direct dial (IDD) lines are served by two operators PT Indosat (001) and PT Telkom (007). To make an international direct call from landline numbers, dial operator’s prefix number either 001 or 008, follow by country code + area code + phone number.
At 320 million subscribers Indonesians primarily use cell phones, commonly referred to as “hand phones”. If you have an unlocked smartphone, SIM cards are easily purchased at many stores and kiosks. There is a wide range of GSM-based cell phone operators in Indonesia, including Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat, Axis, and Hutchison 3, and Smartfren (CDMA), many having a 4G network coverage in limited areas. The first three operators are the market leaders. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service offers a very efficient cost for international calls compared to placing calls from landline numbers. All of the operators offer pre-paid service with voice and data packages. Wi-fi access is widely available in restaurants and cafes in the major metropolitan and tourist areas in Indonesia.Transportation
Airlines flying into Jakarta include Garuda (the national airline), Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and a number of other regional carriers. Connections can be made to all major airlines, including U.S. carriers, in Singapore, Japan or Hong Kong. No U.S. airlines currently fly to Indonesia. Internal flights are readily available, but connections outside Jakarta are often problematic. There is a rail network, but it is generally not appropriate for business travel. Caution must be taken when traveling by car, as traffic conditions are significantly worse than in the US. Taxis in Jakarta are plentiful, but it is suggested to use only taxi services available at your hotel: Silver Bird, Blue Bird, and Express are the most reliable and safest taxi services. Uber and Grab are often used in Jakarta via their mobile applications. Golden Bird cars and drivers can be hired by the day, and cost around $100 per day.
Language
The national language spoken across Indonesia is called Bahasa Indonesia, though there are also many local languages. English is widely spoken and understood in Jakarta by most business people, although much less so in other cities. Most hotels have English-speaking staff, as do the shopping centers that cater to expatriates and tourists. International telephone operators also speak English. The level of English can vary widely in all situations. Indonesian firms hoping to conduct business with foreigners generally try to employ some English speakers, but it is not expected within every company.
Health
Short-term visitors to Indonesia are advised to be up-to-date on their Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid vaccinations, in addition to all routine childhood immunizations before arrival. The hepatitis vaccination series takes six months to complete. Those considering travel outside the major cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, southern Bali, etc.) should take anti-malaria medication; mefloquine or doxycycline is considered adequate prevention measures against malaria. Physicians in the United States should be able to answer questions pertaining to immunizations and other health concerns.
https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.global_summary#Indonesia
Dehydration as a result of intestinal illnesses can be a serious, even life-threatening, condition if not treated. Persons suffering from severe diarrhea may obtain an oral re-hydration solution from a local pharmacy. If vomiting makes it impossible to adequately re-hydrate, visit a clinic immediately.
Avian Influenza – Indonesia has experienced several outbreaks of Avian Influenza (AI). Economic hardship and ignorance of modern disease control methods have combined to make Indonesia’s AI control efforts somewhat ineffective. Of the 196 cases confirmed from 2003 to date in Indonesia, 164 have been fatal. Americans who travel to Indonesia should obtain up to date health information before departing the U.S.
Zika - Zika virus is a risk in Indonesia. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Indonesia. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip.
The websites of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/travel) and the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int) have up to date information on outbreaks of contagious and tropical diseases.
There are a few modern, well-equipped clinics and hospitals in Jakarta that are considered adequate for minor illnesses, but expatriates generally prefer to fly to Singapore or their home countries for treatment of serious illnesses and/or operations. An adequate pre-hospital emergency system, similar to the "911" system in the U.S., does not exist in any Indonesian cities. Many local hospitals operate their own ambulances, with no common standards. Response time can be prolonged. In the event of illness or emergency, the following clinics and hospitals are among those frequented by expatriates in Jakarta:
SOS Medika Klinik Cipete, South Jakarta
Jl. Puri Sakti No. 10, Cipete
Jakarta 12410
Admin and Office Telephone: (62-21) 750-5973
Fax: (62-21) 750-6002
Clinic Appointment: (62-21) 750-5980
24 Hour Emergencies: (62-21) 750-6001
Email: DL.IDN.Clinic.CustomerFeedback@internationalsos.com
Medika Klinik Kuningan, Central Jakarta
Menara Prima, 2nd Floor
Jl. DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Blok 6.2
Kawasan Mega Kuningan
Jakarta 12950
Telephone: (62-21) 5794-8600
Fax: (62-21) 5794-8686
Global Doctor Indonesia
Jl. Kemang Raya No. 87
Jakarta 12730
Tel: (62-21) 719-4565
Fax:(62-21)719-8969
http://www.globaldoctor.co.id/Home.html
Food: Exercise reasonable care in food preparation at home and menu selection while eating out because of questionable sanitation practices. Imported meats, vegetables, and packaged foods are readily available from most stores in the Carrefour, Giant, Hypermart and Hero grocery stores chain (locations throughout Jakarta), at all Sogo department stores, at Kem Chicks, and Ranch Market grocery stores.
Drinking tap water anywhere in Indonesia is not advised. Use commercial bottled water from your hotel or purchase from a supermarket. "Aqua" is one of the more common brands used by expatriates. Avoid buying bottled water from street vendors if possible.
Short-term visitors to Indonesia are well advised to eat only in hotels and restaurants that cater to international tourists. Caution, however, should also be exercised in such "5-star" establishments. Do not eat from street stalls. Avoid raw, unpeeled fruits and uncooked vegetables, food that is prepared in advance and then left to stand, raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and shellfish in questionable eating venues.
Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays
Indonesia has three time zones:
Central Indonesia time is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time).
Western Indonesian time (including Jakarta) is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (11 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time).
Business hours are generally:
Commerce
0900 -1700 Monday - Friday (note Friday prayers at 1200-1300)
Government
0730 – 1600 Monday – Friday
Banks
0900 – 1500 Monday – Friday
Shops
1000 – 2200 Monday – Sunday
Monday, January 01, 2018 New Year's Day
Monday, January 15, 2018 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, February 16, 2018 Chinese New Year 2569
Monday, February 19, 2018 Washington’s Birthday
Friday, March 30, 2018 Good Friday
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 International Labor Day
Thursday, May 10, 2018 Ascension of Christ
Thursday, May 29, 2018 Waicak Day
Monday, May 28, 2018 Memorial Day
Friday, June 15, 2018 Idul Fitri 1438 H
Wednesday, July 04, 2018 Independence Day (U.S.)
Friday, August 17, 2018 Independence Day
Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Idul Adha 1439 H
Monday, September 03, 2018 Labor Day
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Islamic New Year
Monday, October 8, 2018 Columbus Day
Monday, November 12, 2018 Veterans Day
Thursday, November 22, 2018 Thanksgiving Day
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 Birthday of Prophet Muhammad SAW
Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Christmas Day
Holiday schedule: https://id.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ Temporary
Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings
The GOI encourages foreign investors who export to locate their operations in bonded or export processing zones (EPZ). There are a number of EPZs in Indonesia, the most well-known being Batam Island, located 20 kilometers south of Singapore. Indonesia also has several bonded zones or areas that are designated as entry ports for export destined production (EPTE). Companies are encouraged to locate in bonded zones or industrial estates whenever possible. Other free trade zones include a facility near Tanjung Priok, Jakarta's main port, and a bonded warehouse in Cakung, also near Jakarta.
Travel Related Web Resources
Department of Trade - http://www.kemendag.go.id/
Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board - http://www.bkpm.go.id/
Indonesiatourism.com - http://www.indonesiatourism.com
Indo.com - http://www.indo.com
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.