SOLO EXPATS ASSOCIATION


THE ASSOCIATION FOR ALL THOSE WITH FOREIGN ROOTS OR CONNECTIONS LIVING IN SOLO RAYA AND SURROUNDINGS

ABOUT US

THE SOLO EXPATS ASSOCIATION IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION FOR FOREIGNERS AND LOCALS ALIKE BASED IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF SURAKARTA (SOLO), CENTRAL JAVA.


We are concentrating on three main fields.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES like Bowling, Badminton, Barbecue, Easter Brunch, Christmas Dinner Party, City or Rural Walks, Factory visits, Garage Sales and many other informal get togethers.

CHARITY WORK like providing food and support to those in need in our area.  Supporting organisations like the local zoo or an orphanage with gifts and a helping hand.  And participating in community activities.

SUPPORT AND ADVICE to our members like information on all aspects of life in and around Solo to newcomers, assistance with government or immigration matters and general advice and support to all.

AND over the years we have also build up an extensive LIBRARY with books and DVD’s which is free to use by members and is accessible @ Manir's Family Kitchen.

Contact SEA: contact@soloexpats.com


- WOUTER & MICHAEL'S SOLO NEWSLETTER -

Loosely connected with the SEA this is a free English language e-newsletter with weekly relevant news updates, trivia, information about what is going on in Solo and news from the SEA.

To sign up to W&M's Newsletter please contact: michael@armadaorient.com

MEMBERSHIP

SINGLE MEMBERSHIP
150 000Rp/Year

- For 1 person.
- Participate in SEA activities at a discounted fee.
- Elect or be elected for the Board.
- Right to vote at the AGM (age 20+).

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
300 000Rp/Year

 For 1 or 2 parents including unmarried children below the age of 20.
- Participate in SEA activities at a discounted fee.
- Elect or be elected for the Board.
- Right to vote at the AGM (age 20+).

OVERSEAS MEMBERSHIP:
75 000Rp/Year

- For 1 overseas resident.
- Participate in SEA activities at a discounted fee.

SOLO INSIGHTS

DISCOVER ALL THE BEST PLACES OF SOLO: RESTAURANTS, CULTURAL PLACES, HEALTH FACILITIES... ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOLO!

Solo "The Spirit of Java"

 More formally known as Surakarta, Solo lies just in the middle of the island of Java. It is one of the two major centres of Javanese culture (the other one being Yogyakarta). The Surakarta Municipality has a population of about 570,000 (Census 2010), but the government of Indonesia officially defines a broader region as Surakarta's extended metropolitan zone with the acronym Subosukawonosraten as the city of Surakarta plus 6 surrounding regencies – namely Sukoharjo, Klaten, Boyolali, Sragen, Wonogiri and Karanganyar. In this area live about 6,000,000 people (Census 2010).

 The expat community in Solo is very small compared with nearby cities such as Yogyakarta and Semarang. One estimate is about 250 westerners and a substantial larger number of Asian expats - Japanese, Koreans, Indians and Chinese being the most prominent. Most of those working are employed in furniture or textile businesses. There are also a number of retirees living mainly in the countryside and some foreign students studying Javanese culture, language, gamelan, etc. A high proportion of the expats living in Solo have been residents for a long time. 


>> PLEASE CLICK ON THE TITLES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION >> 

Expats Advice

Every regional government has its own unique ways of implementing the law. In general Surakarta is well-regulated and relatively easy and corruption-free but as anywhere else in Indonesia the myriad of laws, regulations and forms can be frustrating and patience is a necessary asset.

When dealing with government officials; know the law and regulations (bring printed versions in Indonesian of new/changed ones with you to show) as often the lower ranking people will not be familiar with recent law changes or all ins and outs. If necessary politely request to speak to a supervisor.

Always (seem to) remain calm, polite and helpful; be persistent but do not raise your voice. People will clamp up and be unwilling to provide any service; moving your file to the bottom of the pile or worse. Remember that it is fully within the power of an immigration officer to revoke your visa and kick you out of Indonesia if you upset him too much (it has happened!).

 You can find a lot of information for expats in Indonesia here:

        www.expat.or.id

        www.livinginindonesiaforum.org

        www.expatwoman.com

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