Jakarta - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There is no bilateral work agreement, so diplomatic spouses can work only in the embassy. There are many jobs; if you want to work you can find something. Starting to work in another story: it seems it can take six to nine months to get a job, even with a clearance. - Oct 2021
It's tough finding work on the local economy. Most spouses work from home, pursue volunteer opportunities, complete online degrees, or do other activities. Some jobs are available at embassies and local schools. - Feb 2018
No, there is no reciprocal trade agreement for working visas so none of the trailing spouses worked that I knew except at the Embassy. - Jan 2015
Dependent spouses often struggle over the long term as it is really tough to work. The spouses are dealing with the day-to-day hassles of running errands in the traffic and it does get exhausting. - Jan 2013
Not really. Indonesia won't grant visas to spouses of U.S. diplomats to work on the local economy (last I heard). - Jun 2012
No. - Jan 2012
I don't know about expats in general. As for people affiliated with the embassy, I think it is limited to teaching or working for international organizations. That is because despite efforts by the US, Indonesia is not interested in a bilateral work agreement or bilateral work arrangement with the US. There are - Jul 2011
No, I don't think so. - Jul 2011
I don't think so. Wages are low, so you'd be much better off if you came in with a job. The U.S. Embassy hires spouses, but there aren't enough interesting jobs for everyone. - Dec 2010
Salaries for locally employed staff are extremely low and most expatriate spouses do not go out to work. - Nov 2010
Yes, especially in the NGO fields. - Jul 2010
