I already live in Indonesia since the day i born so from my experience there's a best way lo work, play and stay in Indonesia
Work
Indonesia has a high unemployment rate and in few city the urbanization rate is quite high. So to work In Indonesia it would better if you have a license or work visa in Indonesia. Usually foreigners who come work in Indonesia they teach language (English/mandarin) or have specialization skill for work in mining area or overseas company
For student who is native speaker in some study center (bimbel/bimbingan belajar Indonesian people call it) they can teach as a part timer depends on the regulation of the institute
Play
Indonesia is a multicultural country from one city to another city have their own culture and the way of life. Their so many tribe in Indonesia this happen because Indonesia is an island country, beside that Indonesian culture is an acculturation culture between traditional, European, Middle East and South Asia (India,Chinese) Culture. You can imagine the fusion of the food, there many foods that already adjusted to local taste that you can taste. You can meet's this food in the big city like Jakarta, Jogjakarta, Surabaya and Batam
Indonesia have many beautiful natural sites. The most famous one in the world is the Bali beach but i can say that only one, there also Batam and Bangka beach. My favorite one is the rafting site at Songa Probolinggo( east Java) or citatih river Sukabumi (west Java). If you prefer the mountain you can go to Bromo (east Java), Tangkuban Perahu or Salak Mountain (west Java). Some of the mountain is a natural conservation.
If you in tight budget you can just go to the history site in old city like Jakarta, Jogjakarta or Surabaya. That what i usually do if i want to refresh but don't have the money. Old city like Jakarta and Surabaya have an old building from European and Chinese era in the 17th - 18th century. Some you can feel the European and Chinese atmosphere in this city. It only cost you about Rp 2000 ( Us$ 25 sen) to get in to the museum/old building
Stay
For foreigner who come as backpackers traveler they can stay at jalan Jaksa (center Jakarta), this place have a cheap cost for eat and room. But if you work south Jakarta like Kemang, fatmawati is the place that i recommend. The area have many parks (green area), the food also not expensive, and to rent a quite standard room around Rp 600.000 - Rp 1.000.000 ( about US$ 50 - US$ 100) if you a single. Many foreigners from Japan and Korea also other country live around this area.
