Start by learning the local culture
The best way to make friends is to get to understand Jakarta's culture first. As a foreigner, you聽will be required to abide by many unspoken social rules.
In Indonesia, there are two basic rules to observe at all times: be polite and be friendly. Greet聽everyone you encounter with a smile and a slight nod, especially at your place of work.聽Moreover, hereafter are some common greetings and helpful expressions to use in your聽everyday life:
- Good morning - Selamat pagi
- Good afternoon - Selamat siang
- Good evening - Selamat sore / malam (Use "sore" from 5 p.m. and "malam" after 9 p.m.)
- Good night - Selamat malam
- Thank you - Terima Kasih
- Sorry ' Maaf
- Excuse me ' Permisi
- Please ' Tolong
It is also worth pointing out that social hierarchy is enshrined in Indonesian culture. As a result,聽everyone has a place in every situation, and it is important to recognize each person according聽to his or her status.
Spend time outdoors
Don't stay at home! As an expatriate, interaction with your new environment is critical.
Whether at work, in a restaurant, in a caf茅, or on the road, every occasion is good to further聽expand your social network in Jakarta. Visit the city's various museums, historical buildings and聽entertainment centers. Besides, as a city with a rich cultural and historical past, many parts of聽Jakarta are well worth a visit.
You will probably be surprised by the kindness of the Jakartans! They are very social and do not聽hesitate to talk to strangers. Don't be afraid if someone approaches you on the bus or in the聽street. Of course, keep your guard up; you never know.
Join online forums
Should you struggle to interact directly with other people, the Internet can be your ally. There is聽no shortage of discussion boards in Indonesia, and this includes Jakarta. Start by posting a聽polite message describing yourself and telling the audience that you are looking for new friends聽in Jakarta.
Use social media
In addition to online forums, use social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Join clubs and communities
Join clubs or associations that support your hobbies and passions and start sharing good times聽with other members.聽Jakarta is home to many communities. You can find almost anything for almost anyone, like聽groups for polyglots, artists, photographers, literature lovers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts, etc.聽In that sense, the Indonesian Heritage Society is a particularly popular community among聽expatriates and offers its members the opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture.
The clubs and communities you belong to may also host events. It is, therefore, worthwhile to聽keep up to date with any interesting announcements about these events.
Attending events and meetings in Jakarta
Jakarta is a vibrant city with events happening every now and then. From music and art festivals聽to socializing in local bars, you are bound to find something you like. Besides being the base of聽an active social life, these events are also a good way to network in Jakarta if you are looking聽for business contacts. Information on such happenings is usually available online.
Checking on foreign embassies' websites is also a good idea. They often organize cultural and聽social events for expatriates, which are, by the way, great opportunities to meet new people!
Useful links:
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