Saturday, January 26, 2008

Indonesian Expatriates Forum

Indonesian in a foreign country?

Where are you gonna find your next the botol? What's the local version of bakso called?

Chances are this site might be of help.

[Btw, why are Westerners in Indonesia called expats, whereas foreigners in in Europe are called immigrants?]

8 comments:

David said...

"Btw, why are Westerners in Indonesia called expats, whereas foreigners in in Europe are called immigrants?"

As a guess, I'd say because to become an immigrant to Indonesia is extremely difficult. Indonesia is somewhat reluctant to allow foreigners become permanent residents or citizens. I think you have to stay with the same company for five years before you can become a permanent resident. So we have to live here as sponsored employees and thus as 'expats'. Could be completely wrong though. :-)

Unknown said...

doesn't sound much more difficult than most european countries i know :)

David said...

Just another thought - perhaps it has to do with most foreigners in post-independence Indonesia are professionals - Engineers, bankers, miners etc - here only temporarily for work purposes with a view to eventually returning to their home countries rather than with a view to living out their days here. 'Migrants' seems to imply a more permanent arrangement. Just another shot in the dark :)

a0z0ra said...

Speaking as an Indo-Expat in US, the term "Expat" has more positive connotations than "Immigrant". Thus foreigners living in 3rd world countries are viewed in higher regards than 3rd-world rebels who ran away from their countries. :)

coffeeliqueur said...

"Btw, why are Westerners in Indonesia called expats, whereas foreigners in in Europe are called immigrants?"

He..he..my husband said is because of social economic imbalances. The Westerners come and work for higher paid while those foreigners come and work in Europe for just a slightly better paid than in their countries...:) Just a thought and I agree with him..:)
Where's the story from Indo trip??

Unknown said...

a0z0ra & coffee,

yeh i agree with both of u. both kinda snobbish, eh? but also that's the reality of it, poor immigrants are seen as beggars, rich ones seen as short termers...

Anonymous said...

foreigners here are called expats too.. except maybe.. indonesians who are called by Saudis TKW all the time... no matter what kind of job they do :D

Unknown said...

What's TKW mean?