The State of Unemployment and Economic Growth in Tangerang
okay, so like, you know how everyone’s talking about Jakarta being…well, Jakarta? Yeah. Tangerang’s kinda different. It's not as hectic, which is a major plus, tbh. Plus, the cost of living? Surprisingly decent. I’ve been checking Numbeo, and rent here is averaging around IDR 3,500,000 for a decent room - not bad considering it’s practically a city. And yeah, compared to Jakarta, the job market's looking better. I saw a report from JobStreet Indonesia that said job postings have actually increased in Tangerang over the past year, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors. They’re still a little behind Jakarta, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
I’ve been trying to get a sense of what's actually happening on the ground, though. It's not all spreadsheets and growth charts, you know? I’m a freelance photographer, and the gig economy here is… evolving. There’s a lot of small businesses, a lot of street vendors, and a growing number of startups. But competition is fierce. Everyone’s trying to snag the same clients. I’ve been hearing a lot about the rise of the 'kampung kreatif' scene - these little creative hubs popping up all over the place, offering workshops and co-working spaces. It’s cool, but getting your foot in the door… that's a whole other story. I saw a rumor that the new Tangerang City Center mall is a goldmine for photographers, but you have to know who to hustle. Seriously, don’t just show up with a portfolio.
The weather here has been… weird. It’s not the usual humid haze you get in Jakarta. More like that thick, electric air after a really intense thunderstorm. And the sky? It’s constantly shifting - from this really bruised purple to a sort of oily grey. Feels like you’re standing right at the edge of the world. I'm seeing loads of photos on Instagram of people looking genuinely exhausted, but also… content. It's a vibe. My neighbor, Pak Budi, he was telling me last week that the air quality is still a concern. He’s a retired doctor, so he knows. Says the industrial zones are a problem - lots of factories pumping out stuff. It's something to be aware of if you’re living here. He’s always warning me to stay hydrated, and to air out my windows.
I’m also hearing a lot of whispers about the potential for Tangerang to become a major logistics hub. Apparently, the government’s investing heavily in infrastructure - new highways, ports, and warehouses. This could really boost the economy, but it also means more traffic and, honestly, more noise. I caught a snippet of a conversation at a warung (local shop) where someone was saying, “The trucks are everywhere! It’s like a metal river flowing through the city.” Seriously, it’s a sensory overload.
And the people. That's what really gets me. Everyone is so darn welcoming. It’s not like you’re strolling around, feeling like you’re an alien. Most people are genuinely happy to help, even if they don’t speak much English. I've learnt that asking for directions in broken Bahasa Indonesia gets you further than you think. I’m also trying to find local artists to collaborate with. There’s a real underground art scene brewing - lots of street art, murals, and independent music venues. I saw a really cool piece in Old Tangerang, near the Tangerang Heritage Area. It’s amazing.
Here’s a little bit of what they were saying - a couple of pieces of overheard gossip, mostly.
“Heard they’re opening a new coworking space near the old market. Good for freelancers like us.” - a young woman sipping iced coffee at a cafe.
“Don’t trust the guys selling those phone cases. They’re ripping people off, you know.” - an older man watching a go-karting race.
“The new shopping mall… it’s okay. But the food court is a disaster. So many fake rendang.” - a teenager scrolling through TikTok.
I’m still figuring things out. It’s a fast-paced, chaotic, and surprisingly beautiful city. The traffic’s insane, the air’s thick, but the people… the people are what make it special. And the potential is huge. This isn’t Jakarta, but it’s definitely a place to watch. I’m checking out some online resources for local businesses: Yelp Indonesia and maybe even hitting up the subreddit for Tangerang: r/Tangerang. Plus, there's a cool forum on Kaskus if you want to dive deep into the local discussions. And if you’re looking to learn more about the Tangerang Heritage Area, TripAdvisor has some great info.
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