Back to Jakarta!

I left Jakarta in my 20s and now, in my 30s, I find myself back in this bustling city.

Time has flown by, and I am grateful for the global pandemic for giving me the opportunity to stay at home for the past two years or work remotely from beautiful islands around Indonesia.

Although the pandemic hit as I entered my 30s, I believe this will be the best decade of my life. In my 20s, I was searching for my identity, interests, and social circles. Now, as I approach my 30s, I feel like I have a better sense of who I am and what I want out of life. I have reached a stable point where I can decide what I want to be and what I want to accomplish for the rest of my life.

I am no longer eager to meet new people like I was in my teenage years. Instead, I prefer spending time with a select few individuals and pursuing activities that bring me joy. I have even discovered a new skill of being able to stay in my room for extended periods of time, which has been useful during the pandemic and surprisingly enjoyable even after returning to Jakarta.

Overall, I am excited to see what this decade holds for me and how I will continue to grow as a person.

Awkward

Returning to Jakarta has left me with mixed emotions. While I’m happy to be back to reconnect with friends, it also means that my expenses will be increasing as I have bills to pay for my apartment, internet, electricity, transportation, and more. My bank account is definitely CRYING LOL

However, on the bright side, my life has become more vibrant since my return. Access to networking opportunities, programs, a healthy lifestyle, and new friendships is much easier here. And who knows, maybe even my love life will take a positive turn.

Despite the financial challenges, I am optimistic about what this chapter of my life will bring. I am excited to explore all the opportunities that Jakarta has to offer and grow as a person in this dynamic city.

My view on weekends (mostly)

For me, Jakarta is the only city in this country with a (mostly) well-connected public transportation system that allows me to channel my inner NYC commuter. Thanks to Trans Jakarta and MRT Jakarta, I can easily travel to any part of the city. These systems have made commuting much easier and more efficient than before, and I’m grateful for the convenience they provide.

Train to Sudirman

Sunday walk to old city

Them groceries shopping vibe

Another them groceries kind of vibe

I used to think that all of this healthy lifestyle talk was nonsense in my twenties, but as I enter my thirties, it’s starting to make more and more sense. The truth is, healthy food leads to a healthy life, which in turn leads to a healthy mind and ultimately, a healthy and fulfilling life.

Saturday morning activity

Overall — despite the many reasons why remote working can be a great option, returning to Jakarta has brought me a renewed sense of positive energy and mindset. At the end of the day, even in my thirties, I am still eager for new knowledge, experiences, and networks — but now, with a greater focus on quality rather than quantity.

Please treat me well Jakarta!