Selamat datang! Discover this mystical archipelago of over 18,000 tropical islands that spreds nearly 6,000 km from East to West along the equator and is home to more than 260 million people. If you just moved here or are thinking of moving, rest assured, you have decided to live in an amazing place! While we are pretty sure that you are going to like the new experience and possibilities, there are quite a few things that will take getting used to.
The German School Jakarta is the perfect starting point to make you and your family feel at home abroad. Our family-like community will be very happy to support you with information, tips, and a helping hand.
01
Metropolis of Contrasts
Call the
Big Durian
by some,
Jakarta is the second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, with over 30 million inhabitants. It's a melting pot of ethnics, cultures and ages, and one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. The mix of super modern, urban high-rise areas and village-like areas
(Kampung),
make Jakarta a very unique city.
02
Multicultural City
Indonesia’s capital is a home to over 100 embassies, a global business community and tens of thousands expatriates from pretty much anywhere in the world. With so many nationalities and varying interests, it’s impossible not to find your community in the heart of Indonesia. The DSJ, for example, is your gateway to a German-International community.
01
Long History
Indonesia possesses a millennia old and unique history, including the trauma of over 350 years of colonialism. Therefore Indonesians share one common national pride, the country’s independence on the 17th of August, 1945. This day of liberation is celebrated every year from
Sabang to Merauke (the east and westmost cities of the country).
02
Paradise to Discover
Blessed with a year-long tropical climate, amazing landscapes, like romantic beaches and breathtking volcanos, and an abundant fauna and flora, Indonesia waits to be discovered. If you are willing to immerse yourself in this rich and versatile country and its people, you will not be disappointed.
03
Language Variety
Over 740 languages are spoken throughout Indonesia. Everyone, however, shares one common language – Bahasa Indonesia. As small talk and chit chat are a big part of the Indonesian mindset, a few bumpy Indonesian words spoken by a foreigner will instantly help brake the ice. But don’t worry; among educated Indonesians, English is widely spoken.
04
Ethnic Diversity
With 633 recognised ethnic groups, Indonesia is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world. Indonesians are highly social and welcoming people always ready to share smiles and stories. Loving life and laughter, Indonesians embrace the future and consistently score high on global happiness rankings.
05
Religions
Indonesia is the largest majority Muslim country in the world, but traditionally very tolerant of every religion which was established by the founding fathers philosophical theory of Indonesia called Pancasila. “Unity in Diversity”, as the country’s motto says. The largest mosque in South-East-Asia, the Istiqlal mosque, for example was purposely built opposite of the Jakarta Cathedral.
