Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is a city of vibrant culture, opportunities, and a unique set of challenges – particularly when it comes to navigating its traffic. The congestion on the roads, the disorderly layout of the streets, and the chaotic driving conditions make transportation in this city a real test of patience. But don’t worry! There are some tips and situations that can ease the pain of the daily commute. Whether you’re new to the city or have been living here for a while, you will eventually get to your destination.

Jakarta’s Traffic Chaos and Commuting Challenges

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in traffic during rush hour in Jakarta, you know just how frustrating it can be. With nearly 11 million people living in the city and millions more commuting in from surrounding areas, the streets of Jakarta are constantly clogged with vehicles. The roadways are filled with cars, motorcycles, buses, and pedestrians, all fighting for their space on the crowded streets.

The chaotic nature of Jakarta’s traffic is legendary. It’s not uncommon for drivers to spend an hour or more just to travel a few kilometers during peak times. As frustrating as this may sound, it’s important to understand that traffic here is a way of life – a challenge that most residents learn to cope with. As much as we complain about it, the situation does not improve, so it is best to find something to occupy you during your travel time or perhaps arrange the times in which you are traveling to reduce the amount of time in transit. Here are a few things you should know before taking on Jakarta’s roads.

Driving Licenses, Car Rentals, and Hiring Drivers

One of the first things that expatriates notice when they arrive in Jakarta is the sheer number of people who hire personal drivers. While it may seem like an extravagant choice, hiring a driver in Jakarta can actually make a lot of sense. The traffic is so unpredictable, and navigating the city can be so confusing that having a local driver who knows the ins and outs of the city can save you a tremendous amount of stress and time. Once you arrive at your destination, the next problem is where to park. Most locations do not have adequate parking for the number of people that will be visiting the building. By using a driver, this allows you to concentrate on other things during the ride, and once you arrive, you can disembark without worrying about parking availability. Many people use the time to read, catch up on emails, or make phone calls while the driver deals with the chaos en route.

If you plan to drive yourself, it’s essential to understand that, like many other countries, Indonesia requires foreign residents to obtain a local driver’s license. The process to obtain a local driver’s license can be done through the Department of Motor Vehicles. You will be asked for a number of documents, but if you are already holding a foreign driver’s license, you may forgo the requirement of taking a practical test. There are specific lockers for foreigners at the department, and since there are usually not many expats being processed, the processing time is typically quite fast.

For those who choose to rent or lease a car, be advised that most rental companies offer the option of hiring a driver along with the car. Sometimes the employing company will lease the car and driver on your behalf. If this is the case, the driver is not considered an employee of the company but rather will receive his salary from the car rental company.

The advantage of having a leased vehicle is that when it needs service, an alternative car will be supplied for you. All the maintenance costs of the car are also included in the lease rate, such as oil changes, tire upgrades, and any parts of the car that need to be replaced, like mirrors and headlights. A leased car allows the company to have a fixed cost regardless of how much maintenance is needed on the car.

Why Local Expertise Saves Time and Frustration

Even seasoned drivers can find getting around in Jakarta frustrating. Many areas of the city are not laid out in an organized manner, which makes navigation particularly tricky. Street names change at different sections of the road, and numbers on houses or buildings are not always in a logical sequence. This means that Google Maps and other navigation apps can sometimes be wrong or misguide you into very narrow streets, leading you in circles instead of getting you to your destination.

While navigating the city, you’ll grow to understand that sometimes signs are missing or are only partially visible. If you’re not from the area, this can lead to a lot of confusion. Having a local driver who is familiar with the city is a huge benefit. They know the shortcuts (jalan tikus), the traffic hotspots, and, perhaps most importantly, how to navigate Jakarta’s streets to your advantage.

Indonesia’s roads face a number of unique challenges. The roads can be of poor quality, and some are so narrow that there’s barely enough room to fit a car. Some roads are poorly lit, and obstacles (such as potholes, large cracks, children, or even animals) can appear out of nowhere, causing sudden stops or evasive maneuvers. Local drivers are accustomed to dealing with these kinds of road conditions, and their ability to anticipate and react quickly can keep you safe in such a chaotic environment.

Tips for Interacting with Drivers

When you’re using a driver in Jakarta, it’s helpful to know a few key things that can make the experience smoother for both of you.

1. Be Patient: Jakarta’s traffic is not a quick-moving affair. Whether you’re going across town or to the next street, manage your expectations. Allow enough time to arrive without the extra stress of being short on time or late.
2. Share your schedule: If you know you will be at a particular location for a specific duration, inform your driver. This allows them to plan their own time—whether for prayers, a quick meal, a cigarette break, or a restroom stop. Knowing how long they have at each stop helps them be ready when you are ready to leave.
   • Stay Calm and Respectful: Jakarta drivers are used to chaotic traffic conditions. They’re typically very skilled at maneuvering through the mess, but it’s still important for you to stay calm and respectful while in the car. If you need to change your destination or make a stop, communicate clearly with your driver.
     

Although some drivers have a high level of English, this is not common. They may have picked up their English from previous employers, but do not expect them to understand English 100%. If you suspect they do not understand you or your pronunciation, write the address down on a piece of paper or share the location via your phone to make sure they know exactly where you want to go.

4. Learn a Few Local Phrases: Knowing a few words in Bahasa Indonesia can go a long way in making your experience more enjoyable. Simple phrases like “Terima kasih” (Thank you) or “Tolong pelan-pelan” (Please drive slowly) can help build rapport with your driver.

Insurance is Not Mandatory

Under Indonesian law, vehicle insurance is not mandatory for private vehicles, which means many drivers may not have coverage. This is one of the reasons why some multinational corporations (MNCs) do not allow their expatriate employees to drive. The risk of accidents is much higher in such unpredictable conditions, and if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance, you could be left dealing with serious financial, medical, and legal issues.

Indonesian traffic law states that the party found to have breached traffic laws or failed to exercise due caution is typically held responsible for the accident. However, in practice, the larger vehicle is often considered at fault. If the people involved see that an expat is in the car or, worse, driving the car, they may feel that they can extort the expat for a large sum of money to cover damages, even if the accident was not their fault. It is advised that you let your driver deal with the situation. If the parties involved become hostile, instruct the driver to provide your office details, never your home address, and the expat should leave the scene to avoid further escalation.

Conclusion

Jakarta’s roads can be a nightmare without help. By hiring a local driver, obtaining the necessary licenses, and having patience, you can make your time in Jakarta much more manageable and far less stressful.