In this episode of Worldschooling Q&A, we dive into one of our favorite topics: worldschooling in Indonesia.

Worldschooling Q&A Podcast - Episode 32

Hosts: Astrid and Clint, creators of The Wandering Daughter

Title: Episode 32: How Do We Do Worldschooling in Indonesia?

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Worldschooling podcast episode summary

Indonesia and Mexico are the two countries we have returned to more than any other, and this episode is part one of a two-part deep dive. We break down logistics, culture, religion, safety, and our favorite highlights beyond Bali to help families plan their own worldschooling in Indonesia experience.

Indonesia and Mexico are the two countries we have returned to more than anywhere else, and as a family that has spent significant time traveling with kids in Indonesia, we wanted to give this country the deep dive it deserves. From navigating Jakarta's notorious traffic to learning a few key Indonesian phrases, understanding the country's religious culture, and deciding which islands to explore, there is a lot to cover. Indonesia is one of those places that gets under your skin, and we believe most families who visit only scratch the surface by sticking to Bali.

In this episode, we break down the practical side of family travel in Indonesia: getting around, managing cash and currency, understanding cultural norms and safety, and the highlights that make this country such a meaningful destination for worldschooling families. We also share what makes Jakarta and Jogjakarta two of the most rewarding stops for families looking for educational travel in Asia, with rich opportunities for cultural learning that you simply cannot find in a classroom.

Whether you are planning your first trip or considering a longer stay, this episode is packed with tips to help you travel responsibly and make the most of your experience. This is also part one of a two-part series: next episode, we go deep on Bali.

Our favorite places to stay for worldschooling in Indonesia

We’ve done worldschooling in Indonesia quite extensively, so we know all the best places to stay for a family trip to Indonesia. Here’s a quick list of recommended lodging the places we mention in this worldschooling podcast episode.

• Hotel Kristal (Jakarta, Java)
• Duta Garden Hotel (Yogyakarta, Java)
• Jayakarta Hotel (Senggigi, Lombok)
• Jungle Inn (Bukit Lawang, Sumatra)

Getting to Indonesia and navigating the logistics

Worldschooling in Indonesia starts with understanding how big and spread out the country really is. With over 13,000 islands, getting from place to place takes some planning. Here is what to know before you go.

Flying in and getting around Jakarta

Most international flights land in Jakarta, one of the largest cities in the world with over 20 million people. Traffic is notoriously intense, so build extra time into any airport-to-hotel journey. The MRT helps with north-south travel through central Jakarta, and ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek are essential tools for getting around. Bluebird taxis are the most reliable cab option across Indonesia, including Bali.

Language, currency, and cash

Indonesian is the official language, and the good news is that it uses the same alphabet as English, making it one of the more accessible languages for Western families to pick up basic phrases. We encourage learning a few key Indonesian words before you go. Check out our Indonesian phrase book to get started.

Cash is essential throughout the country, as many vendors and smaller towns rely on it. The currency is the rupiah, and the exchange rate means you will be dealing with large numbers, so a conversion app is useful to help you keep track of your Indonesia travel budget. ATMs can run out of cash in smaller areas, so plan ahead.

Understanding religion, culture, and safety

One of the most important things to understand when worldschooling in Indonesia is the role of religion in daily life. Over 80% of Indonesia is Muslim, and that shapes the rhythm, tone, and culture of the country in meaningful ways.

Islam and the call to prayer

The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting around 5am. Rather than seeing it as an interruption, we have come to love it as part of the texture of life in Indonesia. Clint, who did not grow up in a Muslim culture, has never felt unsafe or unwelcome in Indonesia.

The culture is giving and warm, and the religion itself is a beautiful part of the country to learn about with kids. That said, families should know that this may be a new experience, and it is worth having conversations with kids ahead of time about religious diversity and cultural respect.

Safety considerations and cultural norms

For families who are LGBTQ+, it is important to research current laws in Indonesia before traveling, as the legal landscape can present real safety concerns. Drug laws are also extremely strict. For most families, though, the safety concerns are more practical: limited sidewalks mean kids need to be kept close in cities, street crossings require confidence and commitment, and water is not drinkable from the tap.

Air quality in Jakarta can be poor on some days. Street food is one of the great joys of worldschooling in Indonesia, and we love it, but take care with younger kids and choose vendors carefully. Modest dress is respectful and practical in most parts of the country.

Highlights for worldschooling families in Indonesia

Beyond Bali, Indonesia holds some of the most rewarding worldschooling destinations we have found anywhere in the world. Here are the places we recommend prioritizing.

Jakarta: colonial history and cultural pride

Jakarta deserves more credit than it typically gets from travelers who only pass through on their way to Bali. The city has a fascinating Dutch colonial history, and you can still see Dutch architecture in the older parts of the city. Indonesian history is layered with stories of resistance, activism, and independence, and the museums and cultural sites in Jakarta bring that history to life.

The city has a large and growing middle class, a strong sense of national pride, and a youth culture that is deeply engaged in civic life. For families interested in learning about colonialism and the long arc of a country's independence, Jakarta is a remarkable classroom.

Yogyakarta: arts, culture, and Borobudur

Yogyakarta, or Yogya, is often described as the cultural heart of Indonesia, and for good reason. The Sultan of Yogyakarta still holds a ceremonial role, and the city's arts scene includes traditional court dances, wayang kulit shadow puppet performances, and gamelan music.

Families can take a batik-making class (we did, and loved it) and explore a city that is walkable, creative, and full of cafes. Just outside the city sits Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most remarkable places we have visited for worldschooling in Indonesia, and a strong reason to make Yogya part of any family's itinerary.

Nature, wildlife, and getting between islands

Indonesia's natural diversity is staggering. Sumatra has wild orangutan sanctuaries. The island of Flores is a launching point for seeing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Raja Ampat is considered one of the world's top snorkeling destinations. While Lombok also has some nice snorkeling too.

The volcanic soil and tropical climate mean the agricultural richness of the country is also visible everywhere: rice fields, cacao, coffee, tempeh, durian, jackfruit, and coconuts. Agricultural tours and nature experiences are woven into the experience of worldschooling in Indonesia in a way that is hard to match anywhere else. Between islands, regional airlines, ferries, and the excellent train system on Java give families flexible options for getting around.

Submit your worldschooling questions here!

Key topics covered in this episode

Logistics and transportation

• Jakarta is one of the largest cities in the world; plan for significant traffic delays
• Grab and Gojek are the main ride-sharing apps; Bluebird is the recommended taxi company
• The MRT provides some north-south coverage through central Jakarta
• Inter-island travel options include regional flights, ferries, and trains on Java
• Flight times on domestic routes can change unexpectedly; check often

Language and currency

• Indonesian uses the Western alphabet and basic phrases are accessible for families
• The currency is the rupiah; large denominations are common
• Cash is essential throughout most of Indonesia, especially outside cities
• ATMs can be scarce or empty in smaller towns; plan accordingly
• A water filter bottle is recommended, as tap water is not drinkable

Religion and cultural respect

• Over 80% of Indonesia is Muslim; the call to prayer is five times daily
• The culture is warm, accepting, and welcoming to international families
• Modest dress is respectful and recommended for both adults and children
• LGBTQ+ families should research current laws carefully before traveling
• Drug laws are extremely strict and carry serious legal consequences

Safety and practical considerations

• Limited sidewalks mean families need to stay close and be confident when crossing streets
• Petty theft can occur; standard travel awareness applies
• Street food is wonderful but selective choices are wise, especially for young kids
• Jakarta has air quality concerns; check conditions on the days you plan to be outdoors
• Clinics catering to international families exist in major cities

Jakarta highlights

• Dutch colonial architecture is visible in older districts of the city
• Museums and cultural sites cover Indonesia's history of colonization and independence
• A strong civic and activist culture among young Indonesians
• A growing middle class and urban energy that challenges common misconceptions

Yogyakarta and Central Java

• Traditional court dances, shadow puppetry, and gamelan music performances
• Batik-making workshops are a hands-on worldschooling in Indonesia highlight
• Borobudur, the largest Buddhist structure in the world, is a short drive from the city
• The city is walkable, artsy, and lower humidity than Jakarta
• Scooter rental is a popular way to get around; pedicabs (becak) also available

Nature and wildlife

• Sumatra has national parks with wild orangutan populations
• Komodo Island is accessible from Flores and is home to Komodo dragons
• Snorkeling all around the archipelago, with Raja Ampat among the best in the world
• Agricultural tours showcase rice farming, cacao, coffee, tempeh, and tropical fruit
• Incredible biodiversity driven by volcanic soil and tropical climate

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:23 - Welcome to Worldschooling Q&A
00:01:24 - Today's Question: How Do We Do Worldschooling in Indonesia?
00:01:58 - Getting to Indonesia and Around Jakarta: Airports, Traffic and Ride-Sharing
00:05:51 - Language, Currency and Cash
00:09:18 - Religion: Islam, the Call to Prayer and a Welcoming Culture
00:12:54 - Safety: LGBTQ+, Drug Laws, Conservatism and Dress
00:17:07 - No Sidewalks, Street Crossings and Street Food
00:20:40 - Jakarta Highlights: Dutch Colonial History and Cultural Pride
00:25:14 - Nature and Wildlife: Orangutans, Komodo Dragons and Island Gems
00:27:16 - Jogjakarta: Borobudur, the Arts, Batik and Getting Between Islands
00:35:54 - Outro and How to Support the Show

Further worldschooling resources

• Family Trip To Indonesia: 10 Best Travel Tips For Kids In Indonesia
• 20 Amazing Family-Friendly Attractions In Jakarta
• 20 Best Things To Do In Yogyakarta With Kids: Yogyakarta Itinerary
• Why You’ll Love Making Batik Art In Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• 6 Awesome Things You’ll Love About A Komodo Tour
• 9 Amazing Things To Do In Lombok With Kids
• 21 Useful Basic Indonesian Phrases For Travel
• Indonesia Trip Cost for a Family: 1 Month in Indonesia Budget

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