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15 Powerful Apps in Indonesia : from Daily Life to Business Essential Apps Every Expat Should Have
Introduction
Indonesia has become one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for expats, remote workers, digital nomads, and foreign investors. From the serene beaches of Bali and the growing infrastructure in Lombok, to the raw beauty of Sumbawa and bustling cities like Jakarta and Surabaya, the country offers a dynamic blend of culture, opportunity, and lifestyle.
However, living or doing business in Indonesia comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the local language, adapting to the transport system, managing personal finances, or staying compliant with legal and immigration regulations can feel overwhelming—especially for newcomers. Fortunately, technology can bridge many of these gaps.
Having the right Essential Apps in Indonesia can dramatically improve your day-to-day life, whether you’re managing a business, arranging transportation, shopping online, or simply learning Bahasa Indonesia. These apps don’t just make things easier—they can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay connected in an unfamiliar system.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 Essential Apps in Indonesia that every foreigner should download to live more comfortably, confidently, and efficiently.
Category 1 : Daily Life & Transportation Apps
When it comes to day-to-day convenience, few things can enhance your experience in a foreign country like having the right mobile tools at your fingertips. In a fast-paced environment like Indonesia, where infrastructure, traffic, and public services can be unpredictable, these Essential Apps in Indonesia are your digital lifeline for staying productive, comfortable, and connected.
1. Gojek / Grab – The Super Apps That Do It All
Whether you need a ride, want to order dinner, send a package, or book a cleaning service, Gojek and Grab are absolute essentials. Operating in most major cities—including Bali, Lombok, and Jakarta—these super apps combine transportation, food delivery, bill payment, and even mobile wallet features into one easy interface.
2. Google Maps & Waze – Navigate Like a Local
Indonesia’s traffic can be chaotic, and road conditions change frequently. Google Maps is your go-to for general directions, while Waze offers real-time traffic updates and user-generated shortcuts. Offline map functionality is also useful when traveling through Sumbawa, Nusa Penida, or the Gili Islands.
3. Shopee / Tokopedia – Your Go-To Online Malls
Need groceries, a phone charger, or even a refrigerator? These two apps dominate Indonesia’s e-commerce landscape, with reliable logistics and affordable delivery to urban and rural addresses alike.
4. MyPertamina – Fuel Payments Made Easy
If you drive a motorbike or car in Indonesia, you'll likely need to refuel at Pertamina stations—the state-owned fuel provider. The MyPertamina app allows you to pay for fuel digitally, earn points, and monitor your fuel usage. It’s now required for subsidized fuel purchases like Pertalite and Solar in many regions.
Foreigners who live long-term or own vehicles in Indonesia will find this app incredibly useful, especially as more gas stations switch to digital-only transactions. You can link local e-wallets like OVO, LinkAja, or DANA for fast, cashless payments.
This makes MyPertamina one of the Essential Apps in Indonesia for vehicle-owning expats and digital nomads who rely on motorcycles or cars to get around.
Category 2: Communication & Language Apps
When you're living, working, or traveling in a country where English isn't the primary language, communication can quickly become a major barrier. Fortunately, with the right Essential Apps in Indonesia, you can bridge that gap, whether you're ordering food, speaking to your landlord, or running a business meeting.
5. Google Translate – Real-Time Multilingual Support
This app is a must-have for newcomers in Indonesia. It allows instant translation via camera, microphone, and keyboard input—ideal for reading signs, restaurant menus, or documents in Bahasa Indonesia. You can even download Indonesian for offline use.
6. BahasaKita / Kamusku – Offline Bahasa Indonesia Dictionary Apps
If you're serious about learning the local language, BahasaKita and Kamusku offer offline access to Indonesian-English dictionaries and phrasebooks. These lightweight apps are especially useful in areas with weak internet signals like Gili Islands or Sumbawa.
- BahasaKita (Android only):
- Android
- ❌ No iOS version available
- Android
- Kamusku (Android only):
- Android
- ❌ No iOS version available
- Android
7. WhatsApp – Indonesia’s Universal Messaging App
In Indonesia, WhatsApp isn’t just for messaging friends—it’s used for business, government communication, online shopping, and even immigration follow-ups. If you're not on WhatsApp, you're likely missing important updates.
These tools are not just conveniences—they’re truly Essential Apps in Indonesia for anyone wanting to integrate and thrive in the local environment.
Category 3: Financial & Legal Compliance Apps
Living in Indonesia requires more than just local transport and food apps—if you're working, running a business, or staying long-term, you need tools to manage your finances and stay compliant with Indonesian laws. These Essential Apps in Indonesia help you handle global transfers, pay locally, manage your bank accounts, and meet tax and insurance obligations.
8. Wise / Revolut / Payoneer – Global Financial Flexibility
Need to send or receive money internationally? These apps are lifelines for freelancers, remote workers, and expat entrepreneurs. You can transfer funds, manage multiple currencies, and receive overseas payments efficiently.
9. OVO / DANA / GoPay – Cashless Convenience
These are the top e-wallets in Indonesia, allowing you to pay for rides, food, utilities, and even BPJS contributions. Most expats use at least one to go completely cashless.
10. BRImo / Livin’ by Mandiri / myBCA – Indonesian Banking Apps
If you’ve opened a local account, these apps are vital for checking balances, transferring funds, and making payments.
11. DJP Online / M-Pajak – Stay Tax Compliant
For anyone earning income or doing business in Indonesia, tax compliance is mandatory. Use the DJP system to check your NPWP, file taxes, and view obligations.
- M-Pajak
- DJP Online Web Portal:
👉 https://djponline.pajak.go.id
12. BPJS Mobile (Mobile JKN) – National Health Access
If you're a KITAS/KITAP holder registered in the BPJS Kesehatan system, this app helps you find clinics, check your contribution status, and manage your healthcare plan.
From taxes to health coverage to banking, these are the Essential Apps in Indonesia that will keep you financially organized and legally compliant. Don’t overlook them—they’re as vital as your passport.
Category 4: Travel, Lifestyle & Emergency Apps
Living in Indonesia isn’t just about enjoying beaches and exploring cultural treasures—it also means being prepared for unexpected travel changes, health checks, and even natural disasters. These Essential Apps in Indonesia are designed to help expats and digital nomads stay organized, safe, and informed no matter where they are in the archipelago.
13. Traveloka / Tiket.com – Book Smarter, Travel Easier
For domestic and international travel, Traveloka and Tiket.com are must-have platforms tailored to Indonesian users. Whether you're booking a flight from Jakarta to Bali, reserving a hotel in Lombok, or buying train tickets to Yogyakarta, these apps offer seamless payment options with local e-wallets like OVO and GoPay, as well as promo deals for frequent travelers.
Whether you're planning a quick weekend escape or a longer island-hopping adventure, these are Essential Apps in Indonesia for smooth and budget-friendly bookings.
14. Info BMKG – Real-Time Disaster and Weather Alerts
Developed by Indonesia’s official Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency, Info BMKG provides critical updates on earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and weather conditions. Especially valuable for those living in areas like Bali, Lombok, or Sulawesi, where natural hazards are more common.
This is one of the most crucial Essential Apps in Indonesia for staying safe and prepared.
15. SatuSehat (formerly PeduliLindungi) – Digital Health Companion
Originally designed for COVID-19 tracking, SatuSehat is now a national platform for storing your vaccination history, linking to healthcare facilities, and checking your health ID. It is also used when visiting hospitals or accessing government medical services.
As healthcare continues to digitize, SatuSehat remains one of the Essential Apps in Indonesia for health access and medical compliance.
BONUS: Extra Tools to Level Up Your Life in Indonesia
While they may not be Indonesia-specific in origin, these bonus tools are among the most Essential Apps in Indonesia for foreigners looking to settle in smoothly, communicate better, and find a place to live.
- Airbnb – Flexible Stays with a Local Touch
If you’re just arriving in Indonesia or exploring new areas before committing to a lease, Airbnb is a go-to app for expats. Many listings in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands offer discounted monthly rates, high-speed internet, and dedicated workspaces—ideal for digital nomads and remote workers. It’s also a great platform for testing different neighborhoods before settling down.
Whether you’re staying for a week or a year, Airbnb deserves a spot on your list of Essential Apps in Indonesia.
- Duolingo – Learn Bahasa Indonesia Easily
Learning Bahasa Indonesia opens doors to deeper cultural connection and smoother daily interactions. Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons designed for beginners, using a gamified approach that keeps you motivated. It’s an excellent complement to real-world language exposure.
For expats serious about integration, Duolingo is one of the most overlooked yet Essential Apps in Indonesia.
- MOLINA (Modul Layanan Visa Online) – Indonesia’s Official Visa Portal
Although not an app, MOLINA is the official Indonesian immigration website used by foreigners to apply for and manage e-Visas, limited stay permits (KITAS), and other immigration documents. All visa applications, payment processes, and status checks are centralized here. It’s essential for anyone staying in Indonesia longer than a tourist visa.
Currently, there is no mobile version or app, so users must access MOLINA via a desktop or mobile browser.
Tips for Choosing the Right Apps
Choosing the right tools can make all the difference in navigating daily life in Indonesia. Here’s how to identify the most reliable and practical Essential Apps in Indonesia:
- Read local reviews and ratings
Prioritize apps that are highly rated by Indonesian users to ensure local functionality and ongoing updates. - Check for English-language support
Not all apps are foreigner-friendly. Ensure the interface is available in English and that menus are easy to understand. - Confirm compatibility with expat needs
Some apps require an Indonesian phone number, local ID (NIK), or NPWP—make sure you meet these requirements before registering. - Look for integration with Indonesian payment methods
Choose apps that support GoPay, OVO, DANA, or local bank transfers for smoother transactions.
By following these tips, you'll ensure that your chosen tools truly qualify as Essential Apps in Indonesia and support your daily needs with ease.
Conclusion
Living, working, or investing in a new country always comes with challenges—but with the right digital tools, your transition can be much smoother. These Essential Apps in Indonesia are more than conveniences—they’re your support system for communication, compliance, transportation, healthcare, and everyday life.
By installing these Essential Apps in Indonesia before you arrive or set up your business, you’ll reduce unnecessary stress, save time, and stay aligned with local expectations and legal requirements.
For personalized guidance on visas, legal compliance, business setup, or long-term relocation, Synergy Pro is here to help. We support foreign individuals and companies across Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa.
Explore our services or book a consultation via:
👉 www.wearesynergypro.com
With the right support and the right Essential Apps in Indonesia, your dream lifestyle and business goals are more accessible than ever.
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