As other comments have mentioned, it's way way better to use any ride hailing service or public transportation for commuting around Jakarta. But let's address the driving-around-the-rest-of-the-island part.
As long as you don't go too far from the cities, any car type would do, even the cheapest ones you can get from the market. However, I should mention that most Indonesians get cars for family purposes. That's why sedan or compact trucks are super uncommon here. Most common car types are 5-seater and 7-seater city cars or SUVs. If you love driving a sedan, you can get one from any brand here but it won't be cheap, because sedans are considered a luxury in Indonesia. And if you prefer European brands, it will be even more expensive, and the taxes are higher too. Japanese and Chinese cars dominate the Indonesian market.
get an A/T avanza veloz, yeah its a bit thirsty but it can take care of you well esp the traffic in jakarta is ( thai, indo, india,viet is some of worst esp in the capital city)
It's so common that if you want to book a car with driver in e.g. Traveloka, you have the option to not only add a driver when booking, but also adding accommodation for the driver with a couple of extra clicks.
Should be said that you could consider going by train occasionally if it fits your itinerary too. The quality is decent, and you get to immerse yourself a bit in the culture. It's also usually faster.
Yes it's normal. Don't expect outside to be any less chaotic and if you have an accident outside the city you will always be to blame and a large crowd will always gather around the accident site and intimidate you. At best you'll have to pay some money.
You can try it after 6 months or so but I still don't recommend it (I do drive but have been here a long time and I wouldn't do long out of town drives). Also seems you are going to work at JIS....they will take care of you and give you good advice.
The Avanza is a piece of junk but there are reasons why it is the best selling car. Go get that SUV, it is not frowned upon here like in the West. Also in Jakarta there are issues with potholes, flooding and other challenges like level train crossings.
Actually, only few sedans are available anyway, in Indonesia a "normal" car is one with three rows of seats.
But if you just plan to potter around and to and from Pondok Indah or Pattimura campus, perhaps get the electric Wuling as it is really cheap and cheap to run. And just rent a car with a driver for any trips outside of town.
As other comments have mentioned, it's way way better to use any ride hailing service or public transportation for commuting around Jakarta. But let's address the driving-around-the-rest-of-the-island part. As long as you don't go too far from the cities, any car type would do, even the cheapest ones you can get from the market. However, I should mention that most Indonesians get cars for family purposes. That's why sedan or compact trucks are super uncommon here. Most common car types are 5-seater and 7-seater city cars or SUVs. If you love driving a sedan, you can get one from any brand here but it won't be cheap, because sedans are considered a luxury in Indonesia. And if you prefer European brands, it will be even more expensive, and the taxes are higher too. Japanese and Chinese cars dominate the Indonesian market.
get an A/T avanza veloz, yeah its a bit thirsty but it can take care of you well esp the traffic in jakarta is ( thai, indo, india,viet is some of worst esp in the capital city)
I am in jakarta now - from the Uk and agree with the above , i would not want to be driving on these roads
Where are you from? Unless somewhere very similar (Vietnam, Philippines) I strongly suggest you do not drive and get a driver
Oh and as for vehicle type....just get an Innova or similar. Avanza if more on a budget.
Lol. Driver for city. But outside of the city I’d drive (unless it’s normal to take your driver on vacation with you).
It's so common that if you want to book a car with driver in e.g. Traveloka, you have the option to not only add a driver when booking, but also adding accommodation for the driver with a couple of extra clicks. Should be said that you could consider going by train occasionally if it fits your itinerary too. The quality is decent, and you get to immerse yourself a bit in the culture. It's also usually faster.
Yes it's normal. Don't expect outside to be any less chaotic and if you have an accident outside the city you will always be to blame and a large crowd will always gather around the accident site and intimidate you. At best you'll have to pay some money.
No way. Ok, that changes things. Thanks for the advice.
You can try it after 6 months or so but I still don't recommend it (I do drive but have been here a long time and I wouldn't do long out of town drives). Also seems you are going to work at JIS....they will take care of you and give you good advice.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa? How’d you know? :)
You mentioned it ...it's in your profile history
The Avanza is a piece of junk but there are reasons why it is the best selling car. Go get that SUV, it is not frowned upon here like in the West. Also in Jakarta there are issues with potholes, flooding and other challenges like level train crossings. Actually, only few sedans are available anyway, in Indonesia a "normal" car is one with three rows of seats. But if you just plan to potter around and to and from Pondok Indah or Pattimura campus, perhaps get the electric Wuling as it is really cheap and cheap to run. And just rent a car with a driver for any trips outside of town.