The Indonesian Student Community In Singapore: How To Connect And Thrive

Congratulations! You navigated the paperwork, packed your bags with a healthy supply of Indomie and officially landed in Singapore. The adventure you’ve been planning is finally happening. Singapore’s futuristic skyline is your new reality and its endless food courts your new dining room. It’s a massive accomplishment and you should be seriously proud. But let's be real, between the whirlwind of orientation and figuring out the MRT, you might feel a pang for the familiar comfort of a proper warung (a small eatery), the warmth of home and the easy banter of your friends.

Singapore is more than just a destination, it’s practically a second home for many Indonesians. The strong bond between Indonesia and Singapore means you’ll find vibrant pockets of community ready to welcome you.

Your Cultural Lifeline: Finding Home In Singapore

One of the best things about being an Indonesian student in Singapore is that reminders of home are everywhere. From the language to the food, your culture is a celebrated part of the city’s fabric. This shared heritage is your bridge to feeling connected from day one.

A Taste Of Home, Anytime

When homesickness hits, nothing cures it faster than the taste of home. And Singapore delivers. Need a fix of ayam penyet, a comforting bowl of soto ayam or some killer satay? You’re in luck. Places like Geylang Serai Market and Lucky Plaza are treasure troves of authentic Indonesian cuisine. You can find everything from Padang restaurants to stalls selling sweet martabak that tastes just right.

Food is the ultimate connector. Invite your new international friends for a "Rendang Night" or introduce them to the joy of es teler (creamy Indonesian fruit cocktail dessert with shaved ice). Sharing a meal breaks down barriers, sparks conversations and gives you a chance to be a proud ambassador for Indonesia's incredible culinary diversity. You’re not just eating, you’re building your community one delicious bite at a time.

Celebrating Together, Miles From Home

In Singapore, major Indonesian celebrations are a big deal. The city buzzes with excitement during Hari Raya Puasa, with stunning light displays and bustling bazaars in Geylang Serai. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share the joy of the season with friends from all backgrounds. Likewise, Indonesian Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan) is marked with events organised by the community and the embassy, giving you a chance to feel that patriotic spirit even when you're away from home. These celebrations are powerful moments to connect with your roots and share your vibrant culture with the world.

Build Your Network, Build Your World

Knowing the community exists is one thing, plugging into it is where the real magic happens. It’s time to move from being a newcomer to becoming a true networker. Building your circle is a proactive game and this is your playbook.

Your University Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia (PPI): Your Instant Family

Your first stop should be the PPI, the Indonesian Students' Association at your university. Seriously, join it. These student-run organisations are your instant family in Singapore. They exist to welcome you, guide you and make your transition as smooth as possible.

Expect a calendar packed with events from welcome parties for new students and sports competitions to cultural nights and workshops. Get involved! Show up, introduce yourself or even volunteer to help organise an event. This is your fastest ticket to meeting hundreds of other Indonesian students who get exactly what you’re going through. They’re the ones who can give you tips on which professors are the best, where to find halal food on campus and how to deal with missing home.

Currently there are 12 active organisations at each university including PINTU at NTU, PINUS at NUS and SMUKI at SMU.

Explore Your Community Hubs

Beyond campus, areas like Geylang Serai and the vicinity around Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road are informal hubs for the Indonesian community. Spend a weekend exploring. Geylang Serai Market is not just a place to eat, it’s a lively centre of culture where you can hear Bahasa Indonesia spoken everywhere and find familiar products. Lucky Plaza is another hotspot known for its Indonesian restaurants and shops catering to the community. One of the popular eateries is Bebek Goreng Pak Ndut which is known for its excellent crispy fried duck. Immersing yourself in these areas is a great way to feel connected and recharge your cultural batteries.

Beyond The Familiar: Go Global, Go You

Your Indonesian community is your anchor but the real adventure of studying abroad is about casting a wider net. Singapore’s multiculturalism is its superpower. Immersing yourself in this diversity will enrich your experience in ways you can't even imagine.

Master The Local Lingo

While many Singaporeans speak Malay, which shares roots with Bahasa Indonesia, you'll also quickly notice the unique rhythm of Singlish. Learning a few key phrases like “steady la” (that's solid) or “chope” (to reserve a spot) is a sign of respect that locals appreciate. It shows you’re making an effort to integrate and it will help you navigate daily interactions with a bit of local flair. It's a fun way to connect and feel more like a local.

Use Local Resources As Your Playground

Don't sleep on the local resources right in your neighbourhood. Singapore’s public libraries are stunning, modern hubs that offer more than just books. They host free workshops, author talks and film screenings. Similarly, every neighbourhood has a Community Centre (CC) offering super affordable classes in everything from coding and pottery to kickboxing and local cooking. Joining a class at your local CC is one of the best ways to get out of the student bubble, meet local residents and truly become part of the community.

Your time in Singapore is a chapter for bold growth and epic self-discovery. By grounding yourself in the strength of the Indonesian community while fearlessly exploring everything this multicultural city offers, you’re not just surviving, you’re setting yourself up to thrive. You are building a global network, a diverse set of skills and a powerful new version of yourself. So get out there. Be brave, be curious and start writing your own Singapore story. The adventure is all yours.