Settling In

Indonesia Post-Arrival Guide: Your First 72 Hours

Welcome to Indonesia! This guide provides essential steps and resources for international students arriving in 2024-2025, ensuring a smooth transition into your new academic and cultural environment.

Welcome • Indonesia

Follow this curated checklist to get settled in Indonesia quickly.

Indonesia Post-Arrival Guide: Your First 72 Hours

Start Checklist

Your Immediate Priorities Upon Arrival

Navigating your first few days in Indonesia is crucial. Focus on these key areas to establish a strong foundation for your stay.

Immigration & Customs Clearance

Successfully clear immigration with your visa and passport. Collect your luggage and pass through customs. Have your university acceptance letter and accommodation details ready.

Transportation & Accommodation Check-in

Utilize pre-arranged university pick-up or reliable ride-hailing apps (e.g., Gojek, Grab) to reach your accommodation. Check in and familiarize yourself with your living space.

Essential Communication & Connectivity

Obtain a local SIM card (e.g., Telkomsel, XL Axiata) for immediate communication. Inform family/friends of your safe arrival. Access university Wi-Fi if available.

Initial Orientation & University Registration

Attend any mandatory university orientation sessions. Understand the next steps for formal university registration, student ID card issuance, and academic advising for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Indonesia.

Arrival Plan

First 24 hours to first week

Structured action plan for your early days in Indonesia, from airport arrival to your first week of adjusting.

Learn More

University Enrollment

Registration & orientation

Complete your formal registration, attend orientation sessions, and access essential campus resources.

Learn More

Residence Permit & Immigration

Legal requirements & reporting

Understand and fulfill your legal obligations for residence, including immigration reporting and maintaining student status (KITAS/KITAP).

Learn More

Banking & Communication

Essential services

Set up a local bank account (Rupiah) and acquire an Indonesian SIM card for seamless communication and financial transactions.

Learn More

Healthcare & Safety

Medical access & well-being

Navigate the Indonesian healthcare system, utilize your student insurance, and understand local safety protocols and emergency contacts.

Learn More

Local Adaptation & Culture

Integration & daily life

Gain insights into Indonesian customs, etiquette, public transport, and practical tips for daily living and cultural immersion.

Learn More

Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Indonesia during your first few months.

First Few Days

Days 1-7

Initial adjustment, essential setup, and immediate university tasks.

Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation.

Check-in at accommodation and familiarize with immediate surroundings.

Inform university/host family of safe arrival.

Attend initial university welcome/orientation sessions.

Purchase local SIM card and activate.

Exchange currency or withdraw local cash (Rupiah).

Locate nearest essential services (grocery, pharmacy, ATM).

First Month

Weeks 2-4

Formalizing legal status, financial setup, and deeper campus integration.

Complete university registration and obtain student ID.

Begin KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) application/reporting process with university assistance.

Open a local Indonesian bank account.

Attend comprehensive university orientation for international students.

Explore campus facilities (library, health center, sports).

Familiarize with local public transportation options.

Start basic Indonesian language learning (if not already).

Connect with student support services and international student office.

First Semester

Months 2-4

Academic integration, cultural immersion, and establishing routines.

Ensure KITAS/immigration status is fully processed and valid.

Understand academic expectations, grading system, and course load.

Join student organizations, clubs, or community groups.

Explore local markets, cultural sites, and regional attractions.

Establish a study routine and utilize academic support resources.

Learn more about Indonesian customs, social etiquette, and local norms.

Develop a network of local and international friends.

Understand emergency procedures and health insurance coverage in detail.

Support Services

Support Resources

Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Indonesia.

International Student Office (ISO)

Your primary resource for visa extensions, residency permits (KITAS), cultural adjustment, academic integration, and general guidance. They can connect you with university and external resources.

Contact

Available during business hours, walk-in or appointment.

Hours

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (GMT+7)

University Counseling Center

Professional mental health support for adjusting to your new environment, stress management, and personal well-being. Services are confidential and often free for enrolled students.

Contact

Schedule appointments online or via phone. Emergency psychological support available.

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT+7)

Academic Advisors / Program Coordinators

Help with course selection, understanding Indonesian academic expectations, degree requirements, and navigating university policies. Essential for staying on track with your studies.

Contact

Schedule appointments via faculty administration or directly with your assigned advisor.

Hours

Varies by faculty/department, typically Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (GMT+7)

Student Health Center / Polyclinic

On-campus medical care for common illnesses, first aid, basic health screenings, and referrals to specialists. Crucial for managing health in a new climate.

Contact

Walk-in or appointment. Emergency services for immediate care.

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (GMT+7), some offer limited weekend hours.

Emergency Services (Local)

Contact numbers for police, fire, or medical emergencies in Indonesia. It's vital to know these numbers and how to communicate your location.

Contact

Police: 110, Ambulance: 118/119, Fire Department: 113. Call immediately for critical situations.

Hours

24/7 availability

Your Country's Embassy/Consulate

Your national representatives in Indonesia for critical situations, passport issues, emergency travel documents, or legal assistance. Register your presence upon arrival.

Contact

Check their official website for specific contact details and emergency hotlines.

Hours

Typically Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (GMT+7) for consular services, 24/7 for emergencies.

Student Buddy Program / Mentorship

Many universities offer programs pairing new international students with local students to help with initial adjustment, language practice, and cultural immersion.

Contact

Inquire with the International Student Office or student affairs department upon arrival.

Hours

Varies based on program structure.

Language Exchange Programs

Opportunities to practice Bahasa Indonesia with native speakers and help local students with your native language. Excellent for cultural integration and practical communication.

Contact

Check with the university's language center or student organizations.

Hours

Varies based on program schedule.

Cultural Adjustment

Understanding and adapting to the cultural nuances of Indonesia.

Social Norms & Etiquette

Understanding local social customs and respectful behavior is key to a smooth integration in Indonesia.

Always use your right hand for giving, receiving, and eating, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or formal occasions. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered.

Remove your shoes before entering a home or certain places of worship (e.g., mosques). Look for shoe racks or follow local cues.

Bargaining is common in traditional markets, but generally not in modern supermarkets or malls.

Politeness (sopan santun) is highly valued. Use polite greetings like 'Selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam' (Good morning/day/afternoon/evening).

Avoid public displays of affection. Physical contact in public is generally minimal.

When pointing, use your thumb or an open hand rather than your index finger, which can be considered rude.

Academic Culture

Navigating the educational environment in Indonesia, which may differ significantly from your home country.

Hierarchy is often more pronounced; show respect to professors and senior students. Address professors formally (e.g., 'Pak' for Mister, 'Ibu' for Madam, followed by their name or title).

Class participation is encouraged, but avoid overly challenging or interrupting the lecturer directly in front of the class.

Group work is very common. Be prepared for collaborative projects and understand the dynamics of teamwork.

Punctuality for classes is expected, though 'Jam Karet' (rubber time) can sometimes apply to social gatherings, not usually academic ones.

Academic integrity is taken seriously. Plagiarism and cheating have severe consequences. Understand citation styles and university policies.

Exams often involve rote learning and memorization, alongside critical thinking, depending on the subject and level.

Daily Life & Practicalities

Practical tips for everyday living, transportation, and managing finances in Indonesia.

Transportation: Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are ubiquitous for motorbikes (ojek) and cars, offering convenience and fixed prices. Public transport varies by city.

Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available, but inform your bank of your travel plans. Cash is still king for many small transactions.

Food & Drink: Tap water is generally not safe to drink; always consume bottled or filtered water. Be adventurous with local cuisine, but start with well-cooked food from reputable places.

Climate: Indonesia is tropical. Be prepared for heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall during the wet season (roughly Oct-Apr). Carry an umbrella or raincoat.

Internet & SIM Cards: Local SIM cards (e.g., Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat Ooredoo) are affordable and easy to obtain with your passport. Wi-Fi is common in cafes and campuses.

Health & Safety: Be aware of common tropical diseases (e.g., dengue fever). Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations before arrival. Keep valuables secure.

Communication & Language

Effective communication strategies and the importance of Bahasa Indonesia.

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. Learning basic phrases will greatly enhance your experience and is highly appreciated by locals.

English proficiency varies. In major cities and tourist areas, many people speak some English, but outside these areas, it's less common.

Non-verbal communication: A slight nod or smile is often used as a greeting. Avoid direct eye contact for prolonged periods with elders or superiors, as it can be seen as challenging.

Indirect communication is common. People may avoid saying 'no' directly to save face (muka). Learn to read between the lines.

Be patient and polite when language barriers arise. Use translation apps if needed, but try to learn key phrases.

Humor is often used in social interactions; a good-natured laugh can bridge gaps.