Teach English in Indonesia

You can teach English in Indonesia at private language schools, international and national plus schools, universities and in company training, mainly in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bali. It is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest TEFL markets, with steady demand from children, students and professionals, and living costs are low. Foreign teachers need an employer-sponsored work permit and stay permit (KITAS), which usually requires a bachelor’s degree. Minimum wages are set by province, from Rp2,317,601 a month in West Java to Rp5,729,876 in Jakarta for 2026.

Teaching English in Indonesia at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Indonesia?

Private language schools. The main entry point for TEFL teachers in Indonesia, teaching children, teenagers and adults general, exam and business English. Large chains and independent schools operate across Java, Sumatra, Bali and beyond, and many offer training for new teachers.

International and national plus schools. Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali have international schools following British, American or IB curricula, plus bilingual “national plus” schools. They want qualified teachers with a teaching licence and pay the best packages.

Universities. Language centres and English departments, usually wanting a master’s degree.

Company training. Businesses in Jakarta and other cities pay for in-company English, often through language schools.

Private tutoring and online teaching. Only legal within the terms of your permit, so check before taking outside work.

How much do English teachers earn in Indonesia?

Language schools pay monthly salaries in rupiah, and many help with housing or flights, while international schools pay considerably more, often with full packages. Indonesia’s minimum wages are set by each province and took effect on 1 January 2026: Jakarta’s is the highest at Rp5,729,876 a month, up 6.17 per cent, under Jakarta Governor’s Decree 1142 of 2025, while West Java’s provincial minimum is the lowest at Rp2,317,601, though city minimums can be higher. Living costs are low by international standards, especially outside Jakarta and the tourist areas of Bali. Confirm salary, hours, housing and permit costs in writing before you accept. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Indonesia?

Most employers want a bachelor’s degree, which is also usually needed for the work permit, and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. Young learner and exam teaching skills are especially useful, since much of the work is with children and teenagers. International schools want a teaching licence and experience. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma strengthens applications to the better schools, and it can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Indonesia?

Visiting Indonesia as a tourist does not allow you to work. To teach, your employer sponsors a work permit through the Ministry of Manpower, and you then receive a limited stay permit, known as a KITAS, from the immigration authorities. Employers usually require a bachelor’s degree, and the process tends to favour native English speakers. Never work on a tourist visa or visa on arrival, as fines and deportation are real risks. Check current rules with your employer and our Visa Desk before you accept an offer.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Indonesia?

Jakarta, the capital, has the most language schools, international schools and corporate work, and the highest pay and living costs. Surabaya and Bandung are large cities with strong demand, Yogyakarta is a relaxed university and cultural centre, and Bali has international schools and language centres alongside its tourism economy.

What is it like teaching and living in Indonesia?

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, with more than 17,000 islands, volcanoes, beaches and rich cultures. Students are friendly, respectful and enthusiastic, and teachers are held in high regard. It is a Muslim majority country, so dress modestly, especially outside Bali, and respect Ramadan. Traffic in Jakarta is famously heavy, so living near work makes a big difference. Check your government’s travel advice before you go, particularly for remote regions.

Last updated: 3 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Work permit and KITAS rules change, so confirm current requirements with your employer and Indonesia’s immigration authorities before you travel.