What You Need to Teach English in Indonesia
Here’s what you need to get started:
- Bachelor’s degree
A degree is required for the work permit (KITAS) and expected by the vast majority of employers. This is a hard requirement for legal employment. Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower will not approve a work permit without a verified degree. The degree can be in any subject, though education or English-related degrees strengthen your application. Some language schools and volunteer programmes may hire teachers without a degree, but these positions are typically informal and may not provide legal work authorisation.
- TEFL certificate
A 120-hour TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate is expected by most employers and strengthens your visa application. Courses with observed teaching practice are preferred by better schools. A CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL carries weight at international schools.
- Citizenship and English proficiency
Indonesia does not formally restrict teaching to citizens of specific countries, but employers, particularly international schools and better language centres, strongly prefer native English speakers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. Australia’s proximity makes Australian teachers particularly well-represented. Non-native speakers with strong proficiency and a TEFL qualification can find positions, especially at language schools and in private tutoring, though the range of options is narrower.
- Experience
Not strictly required for many language school and entry-level positions, a good TEFL certificate and a confident interview are often enough to get started. International schools, bilingual schools, and university positions expect at least two years of classroom experience and, in many cases, a formal teaching licence. Some language schools prefer experience with young learners, as children’s classes make up a large part of the market.
- Bahasa Indonesia
You don’t need Bahasa Indonesia to teach English. Your classes will be in English. However, even basic Bahasa makes an enormous difference to daily life, bargaining at markets, navigating transport, communicating with landlords, and building relationships with colleagues and students outside the classroom. Indonesian is considered one of the easier Asian languages for English speakers to learn, and locals genuinely appreciate the effort. Most teachers pick up functional basics within the first few months.
- Age
Indonesia’s work permit system includes age as a factor in the assessment. The general working age for foreign employees is 18-60, though some sources cite practical limits of 55 for standard positions. International schools and universities may be more flexible for senior or specialist teachers. Confirm with your prospective employer before committing to the process.
Choosing the Right TEFL Course for Indonesia
Indonesia’s teaching market has a wide quality range, from well-resourced international schools to informal language centres where the hiring bar is low. Your qualifications determine which end of that range you can access.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
Here’s what’s important for Indonesia:
- 120 hours minimum
The industry standard expected by reputable employers. Courses below this threshold and without accreditation will limit your options significantly. For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?.
- Teaching practice matters more than the certificate name
Both online and in-person TEFL courses are accepted. Indonesian classrooms, particularly with young learners, can be large, energetic, and unpredictable. A course that includes real observed teaching practice prepares you for this reality in a way that theory-only courses cannot.
- Young learner skills are in high demand
A substantial portion of the English teaching market in Indonesia involves children and teenagers, from kindergarten through to high school. If your TEFL course includes a young learner component, or if you supplement it with a short add-on in teaching young learners, you’ll be more employable and better prepared for the reality of most classroom assignments.
Tip: If you’re targeting international schools, the highest-paying tier, a TEFL alone won’t be enough. These schools typically require a formal teaching licence (PGCE, state certification, or equivalent) and relevant subject specialisation. The TEFL certificate is your entry to the language school and private school market; a teaching licence is your entry to the premium tier.
How Teachers Find Work in Indonesia
Indonesia’s job market for English teachers is active year-round, with the strongest hiring aligned to the school year (mid-July to mid-June). Most teachers find work before arriving, particularly for international school and better private school positions, though it’s also possible to find language school work on the ground.
Job boards and recruitment agencies
International teaching job boards such as TES, Search Associates, and Schrole list international school positions. TEFL-specific boards carry language school and private school listings. Indonesian job platforms like Jobstreet and LinkedIn also list English teaching positions.
Direct applications
Larger language school chains and international schools accept applications directly through their websites. Major language school brands operating in Indonesia include English 1, Wall Street English, and various local chains. International schools in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali can be identified through school directories and KHDA-equivalent accreditation bodies.
On-the-ground job hunting
In Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, it’s possible to approach language schools directly with your CV. This works best at smaller, locally owned schools and language centres. It’s less effective for international schools, which follow formal recruitment processes. If you’re already in Indonesia – for example, on a social or tourist visa – visiting schools in person can lead to opportunities, but you’ll need employer sponsorship to work legally.
Tip: Browse our list of language schools in Indonesia to find schools across the country. English 1 is one of the largest employers of foreign English teachers in Indonesia and recruits regularly through its own website. It’s worth checking directly.
Types of Teaching Jobs in Indonesia
Indonesia offers a wide range of teaching settings. The type of institution you work in determines your salary, benefits, schedule, and daily life.
Private language schools
Language schools are the most accessible entry point for TEFL teachers in Indonesia. Biggeer chains operate across major cities, alongside hundreds of smaller local schools. Students range from young children to adults, with a heavy emphasis on conversation, grammar, and exam preparation. Schedules typically include afternoon, evening, and weekend classes.
Salaries at language schools generally range from IDR 10,000,000-20,000,000 per month (approximately US $600-$1,200), depending on the school, location, and your qualifications. Some of the larger chains offer additional benefits, housing assistance, health insurance, and flight reimbursement, though this is not universal. Smaller schools may offer less.
International schools
International schools follow foreign curricula (IB, British, American, Australian) and serve Indonesia’s expatriate community and wealthy local families. These are the best-paying positions in the country – salaries typically range from IDR 25,000,000-45,000,000+ per month (approximately US $1,500-$2,700+), often with housing allowances, flights, health insurance, and professional development budgets.
Requirements are high: a teaching licence, a relevant degree, and at least two years of experience are standard. These schools are concentrated in Jakarta, with some in Surabaya, Bandung, and Bali. Recruitment peaks between January and April for the following academic year.
Public schools
Teaching in Indonesian public schools is possible, though positions for foreign teachers are less common than in the private sector. Where they exist, they typically involve assisting local English teachers or delivering conversation classes. Salaries range from approximately IDR 12,000,000-18,000,000 per month (roughly US $700-$1,100). Class sizes can be large – 30-40+ students – and resources may be basic. The cultural immersion is deep.
Private and bilingual schools
Indonesia’s growing middle class has driven expansion in private and bilingual schools that blend Indonesian and English-medium instruction. These schools offer more structured environments than language centres, with daytime schedules and smaller class sizes. Salaries typically fall between language school and international school rates. Requirements vary – some hire with a TEFL certificate and degree; others expect a teaching licence.
Universities
University positions are available in Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities. They offer reasonable salaries, lighter teaching loads, and an academic environment. Most require at least a Master’s degree and significant experience. University roles suit experienced teachers looking for stability.
NGOs and volunteer programmes
Numerous NGOs and community organisations in Indonesia offer English teaching positions, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These may be paid (modestly, often IDR 5,000,000-10,000,000 per month) or volunteer-based with accommodation and meals provided. The experience is deeply rewarding for teachers who want to contribute to communities where English instruction would otherwise be limited. Be aware that even volunteer teaching may require legal work authorisation depending on the specific arrangement.
Private tutoring
Private tutoring is common and a useful income supplement. Rates range from IDR 200,000-500,000 per hour (approximately US $12-$30), depending on your qualifications, location, and client type. Business English, exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL), and conversational English for professionals are in demand in Jakarta and other major cities. Most teachers find private students through word of mouth, social media, and platforms like Preply or iTalki.
Tip: Housing is not typically included in Indonesian teaching contracts outside of international schools and some larger language chains. Budget for this as a separate expense. It’s usually your largest monthly cost. Some schools help you find accommodation, which is helpful given that the rental market can be difficult to navigate for newcomers, particularly outside Jakarta.
The KITAS: Visa and Work Permit in Indonesia
To teach legally in Indonesia, you need an employer-sponsored work permit (IMTA) and a limited stay permit (KITAS). The process is multi-step, employer-driven, and requires patience, but it’s well-established, and schools that regularly hire foreign teachers know how to navigate it.
Here’s how it works:
- Secure a job offer from a registered Indonesian employer
Your school or institution must be a legally registered company authorised to hire foreign workers. Not all schools qualify – smaller, informal operations may not have the legal standing to sponsor a work permit.
- Your employer submits a Foreign Manpower Utilisation Plan (RPTKA)
The employer applies to the Ministry of Manpower for approval to hire a foreign worker, specifying the role, duration, and the qualifications required. This plan must demonstrate that the position requires foreign expertise and that a knowledge transfer programme is in place. Indonesian law requires that an Indonesian counterpart be assigned to learn from the foreign employee.
- Work permit (IMTA) is issued
Once the RPTKA is approved and the employer pays the required levy (DPKK – US $100 per month of employment), the work permit is issued. This authorises you to work for your specific employer in a specific role.
- Limited Stay Visa (VITAS) is issued
Your employer applies to immigration for a visa. Since 2025, Indonesia uses an electronic visa (e-Visa) system – you no longer need to visit an embassy. The e-Visa allows you to enter Indonesia.
- Enter Indonesia and convert to KITAS
After arrival, you report to the local immigration office for biometric registration and convert your visa to a KITAS (limited stay permit card), now issued digitally as an e-ITAS. The KITAS is your legal residence and work authorisation, typically valid for 6-12 months and renewable.
- Complete registration and tax enrolment
You’ll need to register for a local tax number (NPWP) and be enrolled in Indonesia’s social security programmes (BPJS). Your employer handles most of this.
The complete process typically takes 8-12 weeks from RPTKA submission to KITAS issuance. Your employer should manage and cover the costs – be cautious of any arrangement that asks you to fund the visa process yourself.
Tip: Working on a tourist or social visa is illegal in Indonesia. Immigration enforcement has tightened in recent years, with penalties including fines, deportation, and entry bans. Even if a school offers to pay you informally, understand that you are taking a legal risk. Legitimate employers will process your work permit. It’s one of the clearest indicators of a reputable school.
Note: Indonesia’s immigration and work permit regulations change periodically. The 2025 reforms introduced digital visas and updated the classification system. Always check the latest guidance from the Directorate General of Immigration and the Ministry of Manpower before making plans.
What You’ll Earn, and What It’s Worth
Indonesia’s teaching salaries are modest in dollar terms, but the cost of living, particularly outside Jakarta and Bali’s tourist zones, is low enough that most teachers live comfortably. This is not a high-savings destination. It’s a place where the quality of life, cultural richness, and personal experience are the real return on your time.
Indonesia levies progressive income tax on salaries (rates range from 5% to 35%), so your net take-home will be lower than the gross figures quoted by schools. Clarify whether salary offers are gross or net before accepting.
Salaries by role type
- Language schools: IDR 10,000,000-20,000,000/month (US $600-$1,200)
- Public schools: IDR 12,000,000-18,000,000/month (US $700-$1,100)
- Private and bilingual schools: IDR 15,000,000-25,000,000/month (US $900-$1,500)
- International schools: IDR 25,000,000-45,000,000+/month (US $1,500-$2,700+)
- Private tutoring: IDR 200,000-500,000/hour (US $12-$30)
Benefits
Benefits vary widely. International schools typically offer the strongest packages – housing allowance, flights, health insurance, and professional development. Larger language school chains like English 1 may include housing assistance, health cover, and flight reimbursement. Smaller schools often provide little beyond the salary. Always ask exactly what’s included before accepting.
Cost of living
Indonesia’s cost of living is one of its greatest advantages. Outside of Bali’s expat zones and Jakarta’s premium neighbourhoods, everyday expenses are remarkably low.
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in Jakarta costs approximately IDR 3,000,000-8,000,000 per month (US $175-$475), depending on area. In cities like Bandung, Yogyakarta, or Surabaya, rent is significantly cheaper. IDR 2,000,000-5,000,000 (US $120-$300). Bali is the exception: rents in popular expat areas (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud) have risen sharply and can match or exceed Jakarta prices.
- Food: Local food is cheap and excellent. A meal at a warung (local eatery) costs IDR 15,000-40,000 (US $1-$2.50). Groceries from local markets are very affordable. Western imports, alcohol, and restaurant dining in tourist areas are significantly more expensive.
- Transport: Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) are ubiquitous and cheap, a short ride costs IDR 10,000-30,000 (US $0.60-$1.80). Renting a motorbike costs IDR 600,000-1,000,000 per month (US $35-$60). Jakarta’s TransJakarta bus system and the new MRT cover central areas. Intercity travel by train and domestic flights is affordable.
- Utilities: Electricity, water, and internet for a one-bedroom apartment cost approximately IDR 1,000,000-2,500,000 per month (US $60-$150). Air conditioning drives electricity costs up significantly. Indonesia is tropical, and AC is a necessity for most foreigners year-round.
Based on publicly available data (actual costs may vary depending on location and lifestyle):
Can you save?
Teachers at international schools with housing and flight benefits can save modestly. Teachers at language schools in lower-cost cities – Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya – who live locally and avoid Western spending habits can also put some money aside. Teachers in Jakarta or Bali’s tourist areas will find it harder to save, as living costs absorb more of the salary. The honest expectation for most language school teachers is break-even or modest savings – the real value of Indonesia is the experience, the travel opportunities across the archipelago, and the cultural immersion.
When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Indonesia
Indonesia recruits English teachers year-round, though there are clear peaks:
- International schools: Recruit primarily between January and April for a July/August start. Recruitment fairs and specialist agencies are the main channels.
- Language schools: Hire throughout the year, with peaks at the start of the academic year (July) and in January when new terms begin. Larger chains like English 1 recruit on a rolling basis.
- Private and public schools: Follow the academic calendar (mid-July to mid-June), with most recruitment in the months before the school year starts.
Hiring tends to slow around major Islamic holidays, particularly Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, when many schools close or reduce operations. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, and these periods are deeply significant. Plan your job search timing around them.
Tip: The visa process (RPTKA → IMTA → VITAS → KITAS) takes 8-12 weeks, so start your application well before your target start date. For international school positions, begin 6-9 months in advance.
For more advice on preparing applications and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
Where You Can Live and Teach in Indonesia
Indonesia is enormous – the distance from one end of the archipelago to the other is roughly the same as from London to Baghdad. Where you live will define your experience as completely as what you teach.
Jakarta
The capital and by far the largest job market. Jakarta is a massive, chaotic, and fascinating city, home to over 10 million people, countless language schools, international schools, corporate clients, and universities. Traffic is infamous, but the new MRT and TransJakarta bus system are improving mobility. Living costs are the highest in Indonesia (outside Bali’s tourist zones), but so are salaries. Jakarta suits teachers who want the widest range of job options, access to a large expat community, and an urban lifestyle.
Bandung
West Java’s university city, set in the highlands at a cooler elevation than most of Indonesia. Bandung has a strong teaching market, driven by its large student population and growing number of language schools. Living costs are lower than Jakarta, and the city has a creative, youthful energy. It’s a good choice for teachers who want a more manageable city with strong cultural character.
Surabaya
East Java’s capital and Indonesia’s second-largest city. Surabaya has a significant teaching market, including international schools, language centres, and private schools. It’s less frenetic than Jakarta, with a more local feel and lower living costs. The expat community is smaller but established.
Yogyakarta
Often called the cultural heart of Java. Yogyakarta is smaller than the other major cities, with a strong artistic and academic tradition. It’s home to several major universities. Teaching opportunities are more limited, but living costs are among the lowest in urban Indonesia. Teachers who value deep cultural immersion, proximity to historical sites (Borobudur, Prambanan), and a slower pace will find a lot to appreciate here.
Bali
Bali attracts teachers who want a tropical lifestyle, but the teaching market is more competitive and complicated than it appears. Living costs in popular expat areas (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud) have risen significantly, and the job market is saturated with teachers and digital nomads. Legitimate teaching positions exist – at international schools, language centres, and some private schools – but competition is fierce, and many opportunities in Bali are informal or poorly compensated. Approach Bali pragmatically: it’s beautiful, but it’s not the easiest place to build a stable teaching career.
Beyond the main cities
Teaching positions exist on islands and in cities across the archipelago – Semarang, Makassar, Medan, Balikpapan, and beyond. These positions are fewer and sometimes harder to find, but they offer the most authentic Indonesian experience: lower costs, deeper community integration, and landscapes that range from volcanic mountains to coral reefs. Some of the most rewarding teaching experiences in Indonesia happen far from the tourist trail.
Tip: Indonesia’s domestic flight network is extensive and cheap, you can fly between islands for surprisingly little. Wherever you’re based, the rest of the archipelago is within reach on weekends and holidays. This is one of the great perks of living in Indonesia.
Cultural Tips for Teaching in Indonesia
Indonesia is culturally diverse on a scale that’s hard to grasp until you experience it. More than 300 ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, and six officially recognised religions create a society where adaptability and respect are valued above almost everything else.
- Islam and daily life
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Islam shapes daily routines in most parts of Java and Sumatra – you’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day, and many colleagues and students observe Ramadan. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours should be done discreetly out of respect, even in more secular urban areas. Bali is predominantly Hindu, and other regions have significant Christian, Buddhist, or animist populations. Religious diversity is part of Indonesia’s national identity – the state philosophy, Pancasila, includes belief in one God but does not mandate a specific faith.
- Warmth and indirectness
Indonesians are famously warm and hospitable. You will likely be greeted with genuine curiosity and generosity, especially outside the largest cities. At the same time, communication tends to be indirect, confrontation is avoided, and saving face (menjaga muka) matters deeply. Criticism should be delivered privately and gently. A smile and agreement in a meeting may not always mean full agreement – learn to read context and body language. Patience, politeness, and a willingness to go with the flow will serve you well.
- Classroom culture
Indonesian students are generally respectful and eager to learn, but may be quieter and less likely to volunteer answers than students in some other cultures. With young learners, expect high energy and warmth. Indonesian children are often enthusiastic and affectionate. Building rapport matters: students respond strongly to teachers who show genuine interest in them as people.
- Hierarchy and respect
Indonesian society is hierarchical. Teachers are respected figures, addressed formally, and expected to behave with corresponding dignity. Dress modestly and professionally, especially in more conservative areas. Address colleagues and officials with appropriate titles. Show respect to school administrators and parents – relationships matter.
- Food
Indonesian food is one of the great joys of living here – diverse, flavourful, and almost absurdly cheap at local warungs and street stalls. Rice is the staple; chilli is in almost everything. Dietary considerations: pork is not served in Muslim-majority areas, and halal food is the norm. Bali, with its Hindu majority, is the exception. Sharing meals is a bonding ritual – accepting invitations to eat with colleagues, students’ families, or neighbours is one of the best ways to integrate.
- The weather
Indonesia is tropical, hot and humid year-round in most areas, with temperatures typically 27-33°C (80-91°F). There are two seasons: dry (roughly April-October) and wet (roughly November-March), though the timing varies by region. Rain is often brief but intense. Air conditioning is essential for comfortable sleep in most locations.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Indonesia
Indonesia’s teaching market offers genuine scope for development, particularly for teachers willing to stay, build expertise, and move into higher-tier institutions over time.
- Move into higher-tier schools
Many teachers start at a language school, gain local experience, and use it to move into a bilingual school or international school with a significantly better package. Indonesian experience is valued – schools appreciate teachers who understand the local context and culture.
- Specialise
IELTS and TOEFL preparation, business English, and young learner expertise are all areas where experienced teachers can command better rates and access senior positions. The corporate training market in Jakarta is growing, and teachers with business English skills can build a strong client base.
- Move into leadership
Head of English, Academic Director, and curriculum development roles are available at international schools, with equivalents at larger language school chains. These roles carry higher salaries and more stability.
- Pursue advanced qualifications
A DELTA or an MA TESOL opens doors to university positions and senior ELT roles. Some teachers combine teaching in Indonesia with online postgraduate study.
For more on career paths, see How to Make a Career Out of TEFL.
Ready to Get Started?
Indonesia rewards teachers who come with realistic expectations, a genuine curiosity about the culture, and a willingness to adapt. The salaries are modest, the bureaucracy requires patience, and the infrastructure can be challenging, but the warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscapes, the richness of the food, and the sheer diversity of experience across this vast archipelago make it a destination that many teachers remember as one of the most meaningful of their careers.
If you have a solid TEFL qualification, approach the visa process with care, and arrive with an open mind, Indonesia has a great deal to offer.
- Take our quiz to see if teaching in Indonesia is a good fit for you.
- Get in touch if you’d like honest advice or have any questions.
We’ve been helping teachers take their first and next steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
In addition to the cost of living sources listed above, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools since 2005.
