What is the reality of having helpers in Indonesian households?

[ThomasEva12]

Hai Community,
I am an American who is interested in moving to Indonesia. However, I recently watched a TV show where a westerner was portrayed as being amazed that his Indonesian fiancé had maids, drivers, and chefs. This portrayal can be misleading to people who are not familiar with Indonesian culture. I would like to know the reality of having helpers in Indonesian households. Do you have to be very wealthy to have maids and drivers, or is it common in middle-class households? Are these helpers specialized in certain tasks, or do they perform general household duties? Based on my observations, I think it is wrong to portray Indonesian families that have helpers as extremely wealthy. Can anyone provide a more accurate and nuanced perspective on this topic?

 

[Samoerai]

Well, even the maids have maids in their homes.

 

[gemima]

Hai Community,
I am an American who is interested in moving to Indonesia. However, I recently watched a TV show where a westerner was portrayed as being amazed that his Indonesian fiancé had maids, drivers, and chefs. This portrayal can be misleading to people who are not familiar with Indonesian culture. I would like to know the reality of having helpers in Indonesian households. Do you have to be very wealthy to have maids and drivers, or is it common in middle-class households? Are these helpers specialized in certain tasks, or do they perform general household duties? Based on my observations, I think it is wrong to portray Indonesian families that have helpers as extremely wealthy. Can anyone provide a more accurate and nuanced perspective on this topic?

Wealthier people will generally have more home staff- drivers, gardeners, security, nannies (multiple if there is more than 1 kid), and maids.
Middle-class locals usually have at least a maid (who is usually live-in).
There is a wide range in how much helpers are paid - from insanely low (I couldnt live with myself paying someone so little) to silly expat rates (which I am guilty of paying for my helper who comes 2 days a week for a half day - I prob pay her the same as a full-time helper is paid in other houses).

 

[Samoerai]

However, I recently watched a TV show where a westerner was portrayed as being amazed that his Indonesian fiancé had maids, drivers, and chefs

Can we watch this tv-show, somehow? On Youtube?

 

[Samoerai]

Can anyone provide a more accurate and nuanced perspective on this topic?

Minimum monthly wage is around 4,6 million rupiah (270 US dollars). But depending which province, region, district, maids/drivers etc. get less.

 

[pantaiema]

Hai Community,
I am an American who is interested in moving to Indonesia. However, I recently watched a TV show where a westerner was portrayed as being amazed that his Indonesian fiancé had maids, drivers, and chefs. This portrayal can be misleading to people who are not familiar with Indonesian culture. I would like to know the reality of having helpers in Indonesian households.

Welcome to the community ThomasEva12.

Regarding your enquiry; it is not rare for affluent individuals, particularly in Jakarta, belonging to the upper-middle class or wealthier strata, to employ multiple domestic staff such as maids, nannies, more than two drivers (for the wife, husband, and children), chefs, and gardeners.

Security arrangements commonly involve community-based security arrangements hired by households in those areas.

However, for individuals of substantial wealth, it is not uncommon for them to employ security personnel for their personal residence.

Do you have to be very wealthy to have maids and drivers, or is it common in middle-class households? Are these helpers specialized in certain tasks, or do they perform general household duties?

No, even lower middle class could effort to pay domestic helpers, drivers. These are one of the main benefit frequently discussed as a reason to reside in Indonesia. In the developed countries how many lower middle class people could effort to pay domestic helpers ??

Are these helpers specialized in certain tasks, or do they perform general household duties?

See above

Based on my observations, I think it is wrong to portray Indonesian families that have helpers as extremely wealthy.

Correct. One of the reason for that is because helper in Indonesia is still categorized as part of the informal sector, there is no specific law governing this area. So it is not illegal, or at least still a grey area for not paying them the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR). Additionally, in the majority of instances (If not all), there is no formal employment contract.

Based in employment law; As at 2023 the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) in Jakarta stands at IDR 4.9m per month.

Daftar Lengkap UMR Jakarta 2023 dan Bodetabek

Simak daftar gaji UMR Jakarta 2023 terbaru plus daerah penyangganya atau Jabodetabek.

money.kompas.com

However, there have been no reported cases of individuals facing legal consequences for paying below the UMR because of the afore mentioned reason. For insights from the general public regarding domestic worker salaries, you can refer to the discussion below (use google translate). Also be aware that some of the answers are older than three years.

Berapa besar gaji bulanan yang layak untuk asisten rumah tangga?

Jawaban (1 dari 3): Gaji ART kalau menurut saya sih tergantung daerah tempat tinggal kita ya. Karena area perumahan biasanya punya standar masing-masing range agar tidak ada kecemburuan sosial. Selain itu kita harus lihat juga tugas mereka seberapa berat. apakah hanya cuci setrika? atau seluruh ...

id.quora.com

Kindly be informed that I am not encouraging individuals to pay their domestic helpers below the Regional Minimum Salary (UMR) in Indonesia. In fact, in my perspective, similar to practices in other developed nations, they should receive a wage at least equivalent to the UMR. But you are asking for reality.

 

[snpark]

Can we watch this tv-show, somehow? On Youtube?

On our 72inch HD plasma smart tv
Or our iPhone 16 promax

 

[Samoerai]

On our 72inch HD plasma smart tv
Or our iPhone 16 promax

While our helpers fix us some snacks

 

[fastpitch17]

I dare anyone to show proof they pay their domestic workers even close to the UMR. Granted Jakarta domestic workers get higher pay than those outside Jakarta but I have never heard of anyone paying domestic workers UMR.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

I don't think the UMR is really relevant for live-in maids. The 2 biggest costs for workers getting UMR are food and accommodation, which accounts for well over half of their expenses. And live-in maids get both of these for free.
For a live-out maid, then they should get a "worker" salary based on the UMR as they do not get free food and accommodation.

 

[ThomasEva12]

Thank you for providing this information. It gives me a better understanding of the range of home staff arrangements and their pay rates.

Wealthier people will generally have more home staff- drivers, gardeners, security, nannies (multiple if there is more than 1 kid), and maids.
Middle-class locals usually have at least a maid (who is usually live-in).
There is a wide range in how much helpers are paid - from insanely low (I couldnt live with myself paying someone so little) to silly expat rates (which I am guilty of paying for my helper who comes 2 days a week for a half day - I prob pay her the same as a full-time helper is paid in other houses).

 

[MamangDudul]

Welcome to the community ThomasEva12.

Regarding your enquiry; it is not rare for affluent individuals, particularly in Jakarta, belonging to the upper-middle class or wealthier strata, to employ multiple domestic staff such as maids, nannies, more than two drivers (for the wife, husband, and children), chefs, and gardeners.

Security arrangements commonly involve community-based security arrangements hired by households in those areas.

However, for individuals of substantial wealth, it is not uncommon for them to employ security personnel for their personal residence.

No, even lower middle class could effort to pay domestic helpers, drivers. These are one of the main benefit frequently discussed as a reason to reside in Indonesia. In the developed countries how many lower middle class people could effort to pay domestic helpers ??

See above

Correct. One of the reason for that is because helper in Indonesia is still categorized as part of the informal sector, there is no specific law governing this area. So it is not illegal, or at least still a grey area for not paying them the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR). Additionally, in the majority of instances (If not all), there is no formal employment contract.

Based in employment law; As at 2023 the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) in Jakarta stands at IDR 4.9m per month.

Daftar Lengkap UMR Jakarta 2023 dan Bodetabek

Simak daftar gaji UMR Jakarta 2023 terbaru plus daerah penyangganya atau Jabodetabek.

money.kompas.com

However, there have been no reported cases of individuals facing legal consequences for paying below the UMR because of the afore mentioned reason. For insights from the general public regarding domestic worker salaries, you can refer to the discussion below (use google translate). Also be aware that some of the answers are older than three years.

Berapa besar gaji bulanan yang layak untuk asisten rumah tangga?

Jawaban (1 dari 3): Gaji ART kalau menurut saya sih tergantung daerah tempat tinggal kita ya. Karena area perumahan biasanya punya standar masing-masing range agar tidak ada kecemburuan sosial. Selain itu kita harus lihat juga tugas mereka seberapa berat. apakah hanya cuci setrika? atau seluruh ...

id.quora.com

Kindly be informed that I am not encouraging individuals to pay their domestic helpers below the Regional Minimum Salary (UMR) in Indonesia. In fact, in my perspective, similar to practices in other developed nations, they should receive a wage at least equivalent to the UMR. But you are asking for reality. View attachment 3604

Just interested, what is considered lower middle class? I personally have around 17-18 juta a month, this is not my main money but the money for monthly living. Compared to most here in the forum that is already considered poor, since they pay more for 1 month apartment or house rent.
I would really struggle with that kinda of money to pay a maid, at least when we talk about full time. I mean I could, but I don't wanna spend more than 18 juta a month on living costs.

Where does lower middle class start here?

Ps: just made some research and apparently around 1000$ is low income and everything above , until a certain point, is lower middle.
I get by pretty good with my monthly 17-18 juta. Can't say the same about other people. Well I know we are talking about 280million people so there gotta be enough who have a good income. I was still surprised about these numbers, my perception was kinda different. Anyway..if you don't own a house and depending on your lifestyle I guess 18 juta isn't much...

 

[fastpitch17]

If you coming to Indonesia for work and your company is picking up the tab for housing and other necessities while paying you some Western salary then by all means, pay your domestic help big rupiah.

Or, when you arrive and get housing, talk to your neighbors about what they are paying. Keep it in that ball park and keep in mind, there is an annual bonus based on 1/12 of monthly wage times months worked.

Nannies are normally paid more than housekeepers and drivers more than nannies. Drivers are normally used around the house for maintenance and security when they are not driving. A driver with a car is quite a bit higher. If they speak English, they get more. When talking to people, know that Indonesian families pay the least, Chinese Indonesians next, and then foreigners with Westerners the highest. Indonesian and Chinese employers have a reputation of being very demanding to the point where it's sometimes considered abuse but people just look the other way until it is very evident.

Remember also that with live in, they have access to you 24/7 and know all your business and habits. Indonesians are also chatty with friends and family.

I would also recommend you stay far away from any so called domestic worker agents. It's a racket that only benefits mainly the agent, then maybe a worker but never the employer who is paying them.

 

[fastpitch17]

Just interested, what is considered lower middle class? I personally have around 17-18 juta, this is not my main money but the money for monthly living. Compared to most here in the forum that is already considered poor, since they pay more for 1 month apartment or house rent.
I would really struggle with that kinda of money to pay a maid, at least when we talk about full time. I mean I could, but I don't wanna spend more than 18 juta a month on living costs.

Where does lower middle class start here?

Ps: just made some research and apparently around 1000$ is low income and everything above , until a certain point, is lower middle.
I get by pretty good with my monthly 17-18 juta. Can't say the same about other people. Well I know we are talking about 280million people so there gotta be enough who have a good income. I was still surprised about these numbers, my perception was kinda different. Anyway..if you don't own a house and depending on your lifestyle I guess 18 juta isn't much...

I don't know what you mean by "main income" but you say 17 to 18 juta a month. That is middle class. 18 juta in Jakarta is worth half or less than 18 juta in other areas. Similar house that I rent goes for around 15 to 20 juta per month in Jakarta. I pay 25 juta per year. Food cost for me are half what they are in Jakarta. So, I can afford to buy Western foods from online sellers. You money will only go as far as the area you live allows. Needless to say, I would never live in Jakarta but I can live wherever I please.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Just interested, what is considered lower middle class?

Class is a misleading word to use in this context. Socio-economic group would be a better description. There are some people who are very rich but have no class at all.
Middle classes are generally seen as those in full-time employment that involves a level of skill or brainpower. But then if they lose their job for a while I don't think it makes them not middle class any more.

 

[MamangDudul]

I don't know what you mean by "main income" but you say 17 to 18 juta a month. That is middle class. 18 juta in Jakarta is worth half or less than 18 juta in other areas. Similar house that I rent goes for around 15 to 20 juta per month in Jakarta. I pay 25 juta per year. Food cost for me are half what they are in Jakarta. So, I can afford to buy Western foods from online sellers. You money will only go as far as the area you live allows. Needless to say, I would never live in Jakarta but I can live wherever I please.

Sorry for the poor wording. It is my monthly income, just the bigger amount of our personal money are savings. I use these for special things or holiday and whatever. And I could chip in more for the monthly income if it would be necessary.
That being said, I still can save some of these 18 juta per month. I stay in Batam, the house belongs to my wife. And more or less I can live and eat as I please. On the other side we are not that much into "unnecessary" luxury.

I agree though, the place makes the prices.
About Jakarta, well I kinda like it but wouldn't wanna live there with a kid still in school.

 

[MamangDudul]

Class is a misleading word to use in this context. Socio-economic group would be a better description. There are some people who are very rich but have no class at all.
Middle classes are generally seen as those in full-time employment that involves a level of skill or brainpower. But then if they lose their job for a while I don't think it makes them not middle class any more.

Nice that you put it like that, I very much agree.
I guess I mean income classes.

 

[fastpitch17]

Sorry for the poor wording. It is my monthly income, just the bigger amount of our personal money are savings. I use these for special things or holiday and whatever. And I could chip in more for the monthly income if it would be necessary.
That being said, I still can save some of these 18 juta per month. I stay in Batam, the house belongs to my wife. And more or less I can live and eat as I please. On the other side we are not that much into "unnecessary" luxury.

I agree though, the place makes the prices.
About Jakarta, well I kinda like it but wouldn't wanna live there with a kid still in school.

I like Batam. It was our first choice 10 years ago when traveling to see where we wanted to locate. Then, the smoke hit and moved it down the list. What I hear from family in Batam is that it us getting quite pricy now. Are you experiencing that?

 

[fastpitch17]

Thank you for providing this information. It gives me a better understanding of the range of home staff arrangements and their pay rates.

Hard to give you useful information without knowing just what your plans are. Just you? Income range? Desired space to rent? Area you move to?

Coming alone all you need is a Kos and if you want housekeeping then an hour or two a day or a couple hours two times a week. Hiring domestic help depends entirely on your needs. That will then give you an idea as to what it may cost. Everyone's needs are different.

 

[MamangDudul]

I like Batam. It was our first choice 10 years ago when traveling to see where we wanted to locate. Then, the smoke hit and moved it down the list. What I hear from family in Batam is that it us getting quite pricy now. Are you experiencing that?

Yeah, the smoke got more intense. Same goes for the traffic. But still years away from Jakarta conditions. But when I see the development here, I think at some point we gonna reach similar levels.
For the prices, yeah it's true. Things got more pricey, some things double or more. It's still ok though in between affordable and expensive I would say. And the Indonesian/Chinese is the food is still better than in many other places if you ask me.
Overall it's still pretty relaxed and everything is close.
Where do you live now?