To this day, Jakarta with all its challenges is still the number one destination for workers in Indonesia. Despite having to live with traffic jams and pollution, Jakarta remains attractive to the labor force. The rapid turnover of the economy and the spread of information make life in Jakarta look very tempting.
One of the biggest challenges for the new workforce if they want to pursue a career and settle in Jakarta is housing. Ideally, all workers should be able to find a comfortable and affordable place to live, which is a key asset for growth. However, the high cost of living in Jakarta makes housing options increasingly limited. In fact, housing is a basic need that determines the quality of one's life. Looking for an ideal place in all aspects, such as close proximity, good location and low cost is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Finally, like it or not, workers usually compromise on what kind of housing they can get.
Cheap and Close, but Not Comfortable
"Incidentally, I am not a native of Jakarta, aka an overseas child. I work in the Sudirman area and chose to live behind the office. Fortunately, apart from the office, my work requires me to do more activities outside, such as photoshoots from one location to another. So, even though it's small, my current boarding house is enough for me to just live and rest." - Furqon, 27, photographer.
Furqon's choice is shared by many new workers. With limited income and no urgent need for space, the best option is to rent a room in the city. Prices vary but are usually still affordable. In Jakarta, you can still find a room for Rp 400,000 per month, usually a cramped space with minimal lighting and other facilities located in a narrow alley or for Rp 1-2 million per month for a standard one-person room with an en suite bathroom in a nice neighborhood. These prices depend on the area chosen and the facilities provided. The amount is obviously significant when compared to the salaries of the new workforce of 20-24 year olds who are on average equal to or even below the regional minimum wage, which is currently IDR 3.9 million.
The advantage of this option is that it is close to the workplace so you can save on transportation costs and time. The disadvantage is that the place is cramped and limited, which is not a good choice when you are married.
Close and Convenient, but Not Cheap
"I live in the Tebet area and ride my motorbike to work every day in the Blok M area. Because monthly expenses are already expensive, in addition to saving money I try to maximize all the facilities in the apartment, such as the gym and swimming pool. Anyway, the money I spend on housing has to be worth it." - Cikal, 27 years old, private employee.
This is a principle commonly held by residents of apartments like Cikal. Obviously, the rental fee for middle and upper-middle class studio apartments can range from Rp 4 million to 10 million per month. Not to mention the cost of environmental management fees (IPL), electricity, and water that must be added. Cikal himself has to spend Rp 500,000 for IPL and around Rp 400,000 for electricity and water every month. This does not include the monthly parking rental fee.
Cikal is one of the few people who have the flexibility to spend more to choose a residence in the city center and close to his workplace. This kind of residence is actually ideal for new workers because they don't need a lot of space. Unfortunately, the price range is clearly more expensive and can only be enjoyed by the upper middle class. Apart from the already expensive rent, the lifestyle of the surrounding neighborhood is also expensive. Places like this are usually far from traditional markets and public transportation.
Convenient and Cheap, but Not Close
It's a different story for those who are willing to live far from the city center as long as they can still work in Jakarta. With lower costs, a comfortable home can be obtained. This is arguably the most popular choice nowadays, especially among new families.
"In a day, I can spend 2.5 hours on the road to commute from my home in Cilebut, Bogor, to my workplace in Mangga Besar, West Jakarta. It's tiring, especially when the mode of transportation is limited. But I think this option is still better because I can save money for other needs." - Alfi, 22 years old, private employee.
Jakarta workers who live in suburban areas like Alfi are increasing in number. No wonder the Bodetabek area is becoming more and more populated. Limited transportation also makes it difficult to access these areas to downtown Jakarta. This choice actually has many risks, especially health. Long commutes and traffic jams are bad for the traveler and for the environment. But, of course, for some people, it's a small price to pay for a plot of land with a small garden in front of it.
Relax, there's always an option!
If we can fantasize, of course we want this unrest to disappear. If landed houses can no longer be realized, it would be wonderful if vertical housing such as apartments or flats were more widely available at affordable prices. Not only that, the existing transportation facilities and modes must also support connectivity between regions. Hopefully, the distances and trips that must be taken every day are not too burdensome. Instead, it will help increase our productivity and creativity.
The trilemma of choosing the criteria for residential location in Jakarta may never end. However, we must believe that appropriate policies will be able to reduce the risks of each choice. The solution to every problem in this city is our responsibility; all stakeholders from the government, developers, to the citizens. Although the road to an ideal city is still far and long, by taking an active role in providing input to the government we will help realize a more friendly and comfortable Jakarta, not just for work.
Please visit our Instagram account @jakartapropertyinstitute for more information on Jakarta's livable development and email info@jpi.or.id for ideas.