Dear Readers,
Regardless of where we are in Indonesia, there seems to be a rise in construction. It shows in Jabodetabek - Jakarta Bogor Depok Tangerang Bekasi – through the various housing estates, apartments, hotels, food and beverages outlets, shopping centres, office towers, and even mass public transportation developments. “Free land” is reducing, but the needs for shelter and hubs to gratify the basic necessities are inevitable.
The congestion in Jabodetabek over the last five years has gotten worse, to say the least. Getting to a meeting that’s only seven kilometres away can take about an hour, or even more depending on the time of the day. There’s even a saying in Indonesian that goes: “kebanyakan warga Jakarta bakal tua di jalan,” roughly translated as “most Jakarta residents will age on the road.” Construction is believed to be one of the many causes of the tedious congestion the capital is experiencing. But on the bright side, with more places to call our new home, to relax at, to work at, and even utilise to travel within the region, it will definitely be beneficial in the long run. We just have to stay positive that there will be a silver lining to it all.
Speaking of homes, what comes across your mind when someone asks you where your home is? Home is where we feel most secure. It’s a light-hearted, respected, and loved place where you can live, laugh, and learn. Beyond the physicality of the home we see and live in, after all, there is the saying “home is where the heart is.” Without doubt, a lot of memories have been created inside our home, in spite of having to relocate to a different city or country every now and then.
Indonesia Expat this time features one of the Philippine’s leading businessmen from Resident Holdings Group as the cover story. Vamp up your space if you’re leaning towards remodelling your new home with traditional designs and cultural traditions, or looking to add twists of modern flair. Also, don’t be fooled by sneaky realtors when searching for a new property.
On one more note, the Indonesia Expat Mixer on Wednesday, 19 February 2020 at McGettigan’s Jakarta was a big hit! Spot your face on Instagram @indonesiaexpat and @indonesiaexpatmixer as well as Facebook on Indonesia Expat for the full photos and video.
Happy reading!