4 Types of Housing in Indonesia, Which One Screams You?

Housing in Indonesia is highly diverse thanks to the different landscapes of each island and province. You can opt for buying houses in Bali, renowned for its proximity to beautiful beaches. Contemporary urban houses in Jakarta are also great alternatives. If you prefer the suburban or rural lifestyle, traditional house Indonesia will suit your needs. So, how do these types of housing in Indonesia differ from each other? Find the answer before you decide to reside in Indonesia.   

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4 Types of Housing in Indonesia 

Depending on your chosen location, Indonesia offers different types of housing that you can choose based on your needs and preferences. 

Modern Houses 

Most houses in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, or any other densely populated city, are of the modern type. Modern homes adopt a western construction technique and come in various sizes. You can easily find these houses in an area owned and managed by real estate developers or the government. Modern housing in Indonesia offers numerous advantages, chiefly ease of access to public transport, shopping centers, business districts, and many more. 

Modern Apartments 

Building houses requires a significant plot of land, and the land shortage is becoming more prominent in Indonesia’s central areas. To circumvent this issue, many real estate developers have started constructing residential buildings that expand vertically instead of horizontally. Modern apartment housing in Indonesia consists of multiple residential units and complexes. Usually, a communal area connects several different towers. Residents can mingle at the apartment’s gym, around the swimming pool, or even on the open-air terrace. 

Floating Houses 

Housing in Indonesia also consists of floating houses. The construction method calls for planting the platform bases beneath the water surface to create a floating look. The house will remain stable for the residents inside. Floating houses in Jakarta are challenging to find. However, you may find this housing type when buying houses in Bali or any other area with a rich body of water. More unique is that nowadays, you can find floating homes that resemble sustainable holiday villas in Bali. 

Traditional Houses 

The indigenous people across the archipelago use bamboo, timber, and palm leaves to build sturdy houses, just like their ancestors did. Housing in Indonesia reflects the richness and heritage of the nation’s cultures, as seen from the traditional Batak housing in North Sumatra. Although there are a lot of modern residential areas, traditional house Indonesia is ubiquitous in the rural areas of Indonesia. Almost all houses in Jakarta no longer employ traditional architecture. When buying houses in Bali, you can still see traditional-styled houses in tourist villages.   

How to Reside in Indonesia? 

KITAS 

KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas) is a limited-stay permit card for foreigners who only wish to live in Indonesia temporarily. Businesspersons, art performers, and researchers will receive permission to choose temporary housing in Indonesia and stay there for 90 to 180 days. However, the government doesn’t grant KITAS to businesspersons only. If you’re a student, an elderly tourist, an investor, or a family member of an Indonesian citizen, you can also remain in Indonesia for 1 to 2 years with a KITAS. 

KITAP 

In contrast to KITAS, KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) allows its holders to reside in Indonesia for five years. Former Indonesian citizens, Indonesians of mixed nationality, and foreigners whose family members hold this permit can receive a KITAP. 

Skilled foreign workers can also upgrade their KITAS to a KITAP by submitting a list of documents and paying some fees. Aside from buying houses in Bali, foreigners with a KITAP can purchase houses in Jakarta or other areas as Indonesian residents do. 

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No matter the type of housing in Indonesia you choose, you still need to pay the necessary utilities and receive money to fulfill your needs. Managing your necessities in Indonesia doesn't have to be difficult because digital transformation has made everything easy. 

For instance, Flip offers many helpful services, such as topping up e-wallet accounts, paying electricity bills, and even transferring money overseas. Click here to download Flip on your smartphone!