Transportation

Transportation in Indonesia

Transportation in Indonesia varies dramatically between Jakarta (extensive public transit) and everywhere else (scooter-dependent). Understanding your options is essential.

Scooters/Motorbikes

The dominant transport in Bali and most of Indonesia.

Renting:

• Monthly rental: IDR 800,000-1,500,000 ($50-100)
• Daily rental: IDR 75,000-150,000 ($5-10)
• Automatic scooters (Honda Vario, Yamaha NMax) most common
• Higher-end bikes (PCX, Vespa) available at premium

Buying:

• Used automatic: IDR 8-15 million ($500-1,000)
• New automatic: IDR 17-30 million ($1,100-2,000)
• Foreigners can buy but registration complex
• Sell back when leaving (Facebook groups)

Legal requirements:

• Indonesian SIM C (motorcycle license) or
• International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement
• Police occasionally check licenses, especially Bali
• Fines: IDR 500,000-1,000,000 ($30-65)
• Insurance may not cover unlicensed riders

Getting SIM C:

• Possible with KITAS at local Samsat office
• Written and practical test
• Cost: ~IDR 250,000 ($15)

Ride-Hailing Apps

Gojek (most popular):

• Motorcycle (GoRide): Cheapest, fastest
• Car (GoCar): Available but limited in some areas
• Also: GoFood, GoSend, GoMart

Grab:

• Similar to Gojek
• Sometimes better for cars

Typical costs:

• GoRide (5km): IDR 15,000-25,000 ($1-1.75)
• GoCar (5km): IDR 25,000-40,000 ($1.75-2.75)

Tips:

• Set pickup location precisely
• Have Indonesian phone number for app
• Cash or linked payment (GoPay/OVO)

Public Transport

Jakarta (TransJakarta):

• BRT bus network, extensive coverage
• IDR 3,500 ($0.25) per ride
• MRT and LRT also available
• Good for commuting, avoids traffic

Bali:

• Very limited public transport
• Trans Sarbagita bus (limited routes)
• Essentially requires scooter or ride-hailing

Inter-city:

• Buses connect major cities (cheap but slow)
• Trains in Java (comfortable, book Traveloka)
• Ferries between islands (variable quality)

Taxis

Blue Bird: Most reliable taxi company

• Metered fares
• Book via app or hail on street
• Available in Jakarta, Bali, major cities

Avoid: Unmetered taxis, especially at airports and tourist spots. Use apps instead.

Driving

Car rental:

• With driver: IDR 500,000-800,000/day ($35-55) - recommended
• Self-drive: IDR 300,000-500,000/day ($20-35)
• International license required for self-drive

Traffic reality:

• Chaotic by Western standards
• Rules are flexible
• Expect slow going in Jakarta and Bali tourist areas
• Drive defensively

Flights

Domestic flights are common due to archipelago geography.

Major carriers:

• Garuda Indonesia (full service, reliable)
• Lion Air (budget, variable)
• Citilink (budget, Garuda subsidiary)
• AirAsia Indonesia

Jakarta to Bali: 1.5 hours, IDR 500,000-1,500,000 ($35-100)

Book via: Traveloka, Tiket.com, Google Flights

Tips for Getting Around

1. Get Gojek app immediately - essential for daily life
2. Rent a scooter if staying 1+ month and comfortable riding
3. Get proper license/IDP to avoid fines and insurance issues
4. Avoid driving at night if possible (visibility, drunk drivers)
5. Budget for traffic - Bali gridlock is real
6. Apps show real-time traffic - plan accordingly