A few years ago, the idea of working for a foreign company from your home in Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bandung was unrealistic. Today, it’s one of the most common career paths that young Indonesians are choosing, not just for the flexibility, but also for the opportunity to earn in stronger currencies, build global experience, and work on international projects without leaving home.
If you’ve been thinking about taking your skills global, here’s everything you need to know, broken down in the simplest way possible.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: you don’t need to move to another country to work abroad. A “remote job abroad” simply means a company outside Indonesia hires you, but you work from home, or basically anywhere you choose.
There are a few different setups:
You might get a full-time remote role with a foreign employer. You might freelance for clients abroad. You might take contract roles that last a few months. Or you might join a fully distributed team where everyone works from different parts of the world.
The point is, you’re earning globally while living locally.
You might not realise this, but Indonesian talent is in high demand globally, especially for digital roles. The ability to speak multiple languages, adaptability, teamwork culture, and strong digital literacy will make you stand out.
International companies often seek Indonesians for roles involving customer support, operations, design, social media, administrative tasks, and technology. If you’ve got a stable internet connection and the willingness to learn, you’re already ahead of many applicants worldwide.
Also read: Best freelance platforms to earn US dollars in Indonesia
You don’t need to be a software engineer to work internationally. There are plenty of accessible roles that Indonesians get hired for every day.
Virtual assistants (VA): This is perfect for organised, detail-oriented workers who can manage schedules, emails, and admin tasks.
Customer support or customer success: It’s in high demand with US and Australian companies that need reliable, friendly, and flexible talent.
Design roles: This includes graphic design, UI/UX design, social media design, and brand asset creation, often sourced through global freelancing platforms.
Content and social media roles: There’s a market for talent in fields like copywriting, video editing, and community management; great for creatives who enjoy online storytelling.
Tech and product roles: There are common roles such as software development, QA testing, product support, and UX research for those with digital skills.
Online teaching and tutoring: This is especially common for English, Maths, and general homework support for students abroad.
The point is: there’s space for every skill level.
Also read: Cost of living in Jakarta: A complete guide for travellers and digital nomads
Finding global opportunities is easier than you think, as long as you know where to look.
Upwork and Fiverr are excellent options for quickly securing freelance clients. LinkedIn is one of the strongest platforms for finding full-time remote roles, especially if you follow companies hiring remotely. Remote OK, We Work Remotely, and FlexJobs all list jobs you can do from anywhere in the world. If you’re aiming for higher-level or specialised tech roles, Toptal is worth exploring.
You can also use global job boards like Indeed and SimplyHired, which often list remote roles from companies in Europe, the UK, the US, and Australia. The key is to verify that the job description includes the terms “remote” or “global” and to confirm that the company hires outside their home country.
Also read: Best cities in Indonesia for digital nomads on a budget
Your CV doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, international-friendly, and focused on your achievements. Keep it short, highlight the tools you use, and remove information that international employers don’t need, like your full home address or marital status.
A portfolio helps a lot, even if it’s small. Screenshots of your social media work, designs, writing samples, or project summaries can make a huge difference.
On LinkedIn, use a clean profile photo and a headline that clearly states what you do: “Virtual Assistant | Social Media Support | Remote Admin Specialist”. When you apply, personalise your message. Mention something specific you noticed about the company. And after interviews, always send a friendly follow-up. It’s a standard practice in global hiring.
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One of the biggest questions Indonesians ask is: “How do I receive payment from overseas?”
International clients usually pay in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or CAD. And if you’re paid frequently, traditional banks can become slow, expensive, and confusing.
That’s why many remote workers use modern cross-border payment platforms. Grey, for instance, provides access to foreign accounts, facilitates easy receipt of global payments, and minimises conversion headaches. The goal is simple: you should focus on your work, not on navigating complicated banking systems.
This part may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re freelancing, you’ll typically handle your own taxes in Indonesia and keep simple records of your income. Ensure you have basic contracts or agreements with clients, even if they’re brief. Always send invoices, keep proof of payments, and track your earnings.
If you’re hired full-time by a global company, they may guide you through their legal process or work with partners that help employ remote workers worldwide.
The main thing is to stay organised.
Start small. Offer one or two services you can do confidently. Don’t try to apply for everything you see; focus on roles that match your strengths.
When pitching, keep it friendly and honest. Show examples of your work, even if they’re basic. Many international clients appreciate clarity over perfection. Use your time zone wisely as well. Responding quickly to overseas clients can set you apart.
And don’t be discouraged if it takes time. Everyone starts somewhere.
Remote work has opened the world for Indonesians in a way that wasn’t possible before. You don’t need to relocate. You don’t need a visa. You just need a skill, a laptop, the internet, and the confidence to put yourself out there.
The world is hiring, and your next opportunity might be waiting on the other side of a simple application.
Open your Grey account today or download the app to get paid easily when you finally get that remote job.
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