A Guide to the Neighborhoods, Communities and Lifestyle Choices of Indians in Indonesia’s Capital
For many newcomers arriving in Jakarta, one of the first questions they ask is, “Where do Indians live?”
The answer is more complex—and more interesting—than many expect.
Unlike some expatriate communities that tend to concentrate in a single neighborhood, Jakarta’s Indian community is spread across several districts, each reflecting different histories, lifestyles and priorities. Some families choose to live close to schools, others near their businesses, while many prefer neighbourhoods where friends, relatives and community networks are already established.
To understand where Indians live in Jakarta today, it helps to understand how the community evolved.
The Historic Heart of Jakarta’s Indian Community
Long before international schools, luxury condominiums and expatriate compounds became part of Jakarta’s landscape, the Indian community had already established deep roots in the city.
Historically, many Indian-Indonesian and business families lived around Pasar Baru, Gunung Sahari and Central Jakarta. These neighbourhoods were closely connected to family-owned businesses, textile trading, import-export activities and commercial enterprises that formed the backbone of much of the community’s economic life.
The area also became the spiritual and cultural centre of the Indian community.
Several important institutions remain located in and around this district, including:
- Gurudwara Guru Nanak Sikh Temple
- Sai Mandir
- Devi Mandir
- ISKCON Temple
- Graha Sindhu
- Gandhi School
For many families, proximity to these institutions played an important role in deciding where to live and raise their children.
As Jakarta expanded northward and eastward, residential patterns gradually shifted towards nearby neighbourhoods including Kemayoran, Sunter, Cempaka Putih and later Kelapa Gading. These areas offered larger homes, newer developments and improved residential environments while allowing families to remain connected to businesses, places of worship and community networks.
Today, many long-established Indian-Indonesian families continue to live in this broader North and Central Jakarta corridor, stretching from Gunung Sahari and Pasar Baru through Kemayoran, Sunter, Cempaka Putih and parts of Kelapa Gading.
For newcomers seeking to understand Jakarta’s Indian community, it is important to recognize that this area represents not just a residential cluster but also a cultural and historical centre that has shaped community life for generations.
Kemayoran: The Modern Hub for Indian Families
If there is one neighbourhood that many newly arrived Indian families are introduced to first, it is Kemayoran.
Over the past two decades, Kemayoran has emerged as one of Jakarta’s most popular residential areas for Indian expatriates and professionals. The area offers a combination of convenience, community, schooling and lifestyle that appeals to both new arrivals and long-term residents.
One of Kemayoran’s biggest advantages is its proximity to schools that are particularly popular among Indian families, including:
- Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS)
- Gandhi International School
- Universal School
The area is also home to numerous Indian grocery stores, specialty food suppliers, restaurants, catering services and community businesses. Whether you’re looking for fresh curry leaves, South Indian breakfast ingredients, North Indian spices or festive sweets, you’ll find them nearby.
Popular residential developments include:
- Taman Kemayoran Condominium (TKC)
- Springhill Apartments
- Springhill Terrace Residence
- Royale Springhill Residence
- Mediterania Palace Residence
Many residents appreciate being able to access schools, grocery stores, restaurants, places of worship and community events within a relatively short drive.
Best For:
- Families with school-aged children
- Newly arrived expatriates
- Professionals working in North or Central Jakarta
- Families seeking a strong Indian community presence
Sunter: Spacious Living and Community Connections
Located adjacent to Kemayoran, Sunter has become increasingly popular among Indian business families and professionals.
The area offers larger homes, gated residential developments, sports facilities and convenient access to North Jakarta’s business and industrial districts.
Families whose children attend GMIS, Gandhi School or Universal School often find Sunter an attractive option because it combines residential comfort with relatively convenient school access.
Its proximity to Kemayoran means residents can easily access Indian grocery stores, restaurants, religious institutions and community events while enjoying a quieter residential environment.
Best For:
- Business owners and entrepreneurs
- Families seeking larger homes
- Long-term residents
- Professionals working in North Jakarta
Cempaka Putih: Central and Well Connected
Cempaka Putih has long been favored by Indian families seeking a central location with easy access to both North and Central Jakarta.
Its strategic position allows residents to remain connected to schools, community institutions, business districts and shopping centers while benefiting from established residential neighborhoods.
Many families who have lived in Jakarta for generations continue to maintain strong ties to the area.
Kuningan and Taman Rasuna: The Professional’s Choice
For professionals working in Jakarta’s central business district, Taman Rasuna remains one of the most popular apartment communities among Indian expatriates.
Many Indian professionals, consultants, bankers and corporate executives choose Taman Rasuna because it offers a practical combination of location, community and convenience.
Over the years, the area has developed a growing ecosystem of Indian restaurants, grocery stores and services catering to expatriate residents.
The neighbourhood also offers easy access to embassies, multinational offices, shopping centres and healthcare facilities.
For busy professionals, less time commuting often translates into a better quality of life.
Best For:
- Corporate professionals
- Diplomats
- Young families
- Professionals working in the CBD
Menteng: Old Jakarta Prestige and Multi-Generational Roots
Few neighbourhoods carry the prestige and history of Menteng.
Developed during the Dutch colonial era as one of Batavia’s most exclusive residential districts, Menteng remains one of Jakarta’s most sought-after addresses. Wide tree-lined avenues, elegant heritage homes, embassies, government residences and cultural landmarks give the area a character unlike any other part of the city.
For generations, a number of prominent Indian-Indonesian business families and community leaders have chosen to make Menteng their home. Unlike neighbourhoods that are primarily associated with expatriates, Menteng is often home to well-established families with deep roots in Indonesia.
Its central location offers convenient access to Jakarta’s business districts, government offices, diplomatic missions, leading hospitals and top schools, while preserving a quieter and more refined residential atmosphere.
Many of the area’s residences are large landed homes, often passed down through generations or carefully maintained as family compounds. As a result, opportunities to purchase or rent property in Menteng are relatively limited and highly sought after.
Residents enjoy easy access to:
- Jakarta’s diplomatic and government districts
- Premium healthcare facilities
- Cultural institutions and heritage landmarks
- Fine dining and upscale cafés
- Central Jakarta business areas
Menteng is less about convenience and community clustering and more about heritage, prestige and long-standing family roots.
Best For:
- Established Indian-Indonesian families
- Business owners and community leaders
- Diplomats and senior professionals
- Those seeking a prestigious Central Jakarta address
Lifestyle Highlights:
- Historic architecture
- Tree-lined residential streets
- Central location
- Exclusive landed homes
- Strong legacy of multi-generational family living
South Jakarta: Family Living, Schools and Lifestyle
While North and Central Jakarta remain important centres of the Indian community, many expatriate families and senior executives choose South Jakarta.
Neighbourhoods such as Pondok Indah, Cilandak, Cipete and Kemang are particularly popular among multinational executives and families whose children attend international schools.
These areas offer:
- Larger homes and compounds
- International schools
- Golf courses and country clubs
- Premium shopping malls
- Sports and recreational facilities
- Established expatriate communities
Pondok Indah
Often regarded as Jakarta’s most prestigious family neighbourhood, Pondok Indah combines residential comfort with excellent lifestyle amenities.
Families enjoy access to Pondok Indah Mall, golf courses, sports clubs, healthcare facilities and some of Jakarta’s leading international schools.
Cilandak and Cipete
These neighbourhoods are popular with families seeking a balance between accessibility and quality of life. Larger homes, quieter streets and proximity to schools make them attractive for long-term residents.
Kemang
Known for its vibrant social scene, Kemang attracts younger professionals, entrepreneurs and families who enjoy cafés, restaurants, community events and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Executive Luxury Living
A growing number of senior Indian executives, regional leaders and diplomats choose premium residential developments rather than traditional expatriate neighbourhoods.
These residences offer larger apartments, professional management, excellent security and easy access to business districts.
Popular choices include:
- Pakubuwono Residences
- Botanica Apartments
- Bellezza Apartments
- Simprug residential developments
- District 8
- Anandamaya Residences
These properties are particularly popular among regional CEOs, country managers and senior executives relocating with their families.
Residents enjoy proximity to:
- SCBD and Sudirman business districts
- International schools
- Golf courses and country clubs
- Premium shopping and dining
- Sports and wellness facilities
How Do Most Indians Choose Where to Live?
The decision is rarely based on a single factor.
Most Indian families consider:
- Children’s schools
- Distance to work or business operations
- Community and social connections
- Access to Indian grocery stores and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Lifestyle amenities
- Housing budget
Many long-term residents will tell you that being close to friends, schools and community activities often contributes more to happiness than living in the city’s most prestigious address.
Finding Your Place in Jakarta
Perhaps the best thing about Jakarta’s Indian community is that there is no single “Indian neighborhood.”
Instead, the community is woven throughout the city—from the historic corridors of Pasar Baru and Gunung Sahari to the family-oriented communities of Kemayoran and Sunter, the professional hubs of Kuningan and Taman Rasuna, and the luxury residences of Menteng and South Jakarta.
Whether you are a newly arrived expatriate, a business owner, a professional or a family relocating for the long term, chances are you will find a neighborhood—and a community—that feels like home.
And wherever you choose to live, Indoindians can help you connect with the people, places and resources that make settling into Indonesia a little easier.
