Benefits of Coming to Jakarta for Student Exchange Program

By: Lidya, Septiani Arumsari

Student exchange is one of the most exciting programs that you can take during your time as a student. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a new place, learn about new cultures, languages, people, and grow as a person. The prospect can be exciting and terrifying. However, there are a lot of benefits to this program that can have a lifetime impact.

First of all, the benefit to yourself is immense. You will learn how to adapt to a new situation and new culture quickly. You can learn so much about the country and place where you go, building long-lasting connections with the people and institution. Listing student exchange experience in your resume is beneficial because it is  a sign that you’re adaptable, open, with in-depth knowledge about the country you’ve visited. In this globalized world, it’s important to show that you have a global mindset and knowledge about a country and culture that have an immense impact on the global economy.  Also, during your stay, you can enjoy the local food and various unique activities and attractions in the area.


Indonesia is the largest and most populous country in South East Asia and the fourth largest populous country in the world. Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands that lies across the Equator and span from the Indian ocean, South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Indonesia has one of the largest markets and economies in the world and is a member of the G20.

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and is the center of finance, trade, economy, politic, and culture of Indonesia. It’s the largest and most populous city in Indonesia, particularly if we include the area around the city itself, which we called the Greater Jakarta Area. It is also the location of the ASEAN Secretariat, the Association of South East Asian Nations.


Indonesia consists of hundreds of indigenous tribes and immigrants from various of countries around the world. Almost every major religion is represented in Indonesia, from Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hindu, Buddhism, Confucianism, and indigenous religions. Our motto is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “Unity in Diversity”.  Jakarta is the first place to get introduced to Indonesian people and society from all backgrounds and cultures.

Indonesia is growing rapidly in development and economy. It is the 10th largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. As the home for over 200 million people with a growing middle class population, it’s a lucrative market for various businesses and products. Indonesia is also the producer and exporter of various resources and commodities such as timber, coffee, cacao, minerals, energy, and textiles. Indonesia also has seen rapid growth in finance, real estate, digital start-up, transportation, telecommunication, construction, and tourism sectors.

Jakarta, as the center for the economy in Indonesia, is the place to be to take learn and take advantage of the Indonesian market and economy. Jakarta is the home for most of the multinational companies that have business interests in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, and the place for Jakarta Stock Exchange and Indonesian Reserve Bank.

Familiarity and experience in Jakarta are huge assets for various international companies who want to do business in Indonesia or with Indonesian companies. By coming to Jakarta in a student exchange program, you have the chance to immerse yourself in this metropolitan city that has a tremendous impact on the economy and politics of South East Asia, and even in the world.


Jakarta has a cheap living cost compared to other metropolitan cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, New York, or Paris. A meal can cost as low as 1 USD in “warung” or street food vendors. You can also order meals from Grab or Gojek app, the transportation and food delivery applications in Indonesia, and receive your meal for as fast as 15 minutes.

Jakarta has a bad rap when it comes to traffic jams. However, the city has improved its public transportation through Transjakarta and new MRT that cost as low as 0.30 USD per ride. You can also easily use on-demand motorcycle ride or car-sharing services with Gojek and Grab to go anywhere in the city.


Jakarta has the largest amount of shopping malls in the world. You will find a shopping mall on every corner of the street and sometimes side by side. Shopping malls in Indonesia are huge, air-conditioned, and very comfortable. Indonesians go to malls to eat out, hang out with friends, shopping, and entertainment.

You can enjoy world-class entertainment in Jakarta. We have cinemas, concert halls, art galleries, museums, and many international cultural events. Jakarta also has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs, and places where you can enjoy live music and concerts.


Indonesia is called the “Emerald of the Tropic” due to its beauty. Bali is a tropical paradise that is known worldwide and it’s even more famous than the country itself. However, Bali is only one small part of Indonesia with stunning natural beauty. Due to its unique geography, Indonesia is home to the second biggest biodiversity in the world after Brazil. Bali, Raja Ampat, Bunaken, Komodo Island, and Alor are some of the most popular diving sites in the world. To visit these places, you only need to take local flights from Jakarta to your destination.

Jakarta is the gateway to visit various stunning tropical beaches and forest around Indonesia. However, around Jakarta you can also find many beautiful destinations and things to do, from snorkeling in Thousand Island, hiking in spectacular tea plantations, trekking to waterfalls, enjoying hot water springs, and visiting volcanic crater.


Indonesia is one of the friendliest people in the world. Everywhere you go, people are eager to help you. Although most Indonesian still can’t speak English, in Jakarta you will find more people who can speak English fluently and assist you in any way they can. You will soon fall in love with our hospitality.

We also have a saying of “mangan ora mangan sing penting kumpul” which is translated to “whether we are eating or not, the most important thing is we are together”. This saying illustrates how important friendship and familiar relationship is for most Indonesian, including in Jakarta. We love to meet new people and build long-lasting relationships with them.  Indonesian people in general are very tolerant and open to build relationship with anyone. You will soon find many friends and even treated as a family member.

These are some reasons why you should consider coming to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the student exchange program. You will find Jakarta is a very modern and convenient city to live, which will make you welcomed and at home in no time.



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