Are you a working expat planning to relocate to and/or from Indonesia? Well, Allied Indonesia is here to help.
Let’s face it – relocating from one city to another can be such a hassle, let alone relocating from and to another country. Finding a service capable enough to address one’s relocation-related needs – from moving the house furniture to finding long-term storage for one’s beloved items – couldn’t be more crucial. With that in mind, Indonesia Expat recently had a sit-down with Jack Hanafi, who happens to be the country director and commissioner of one of the most respected relocation companies in the country, Allied Indonesia. Here, he shared all about what his company does and why Indonesia may continue to be a dreamy semi-permanent destination for working expats across the globe.
Hi Jack! Let’s get started by introducing yourself a bit. What can you tell us about yourself?
Absolutely! And thank you for having me. I’m deeply involved with Allied Indonesia. My journey began with a strong family influence, as my parents laid the foundation for Allied Indonesia over 50 years ago. Their pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence in the international moving industry have inspired me deeply. Since joining the company in 2011, I’ve been immersed in the dynamics of international moving, focusing on maintaining the high standards we are known for. I’m passionate about leveraging my skills to ensure that our company not only grows but also remains a leader in our industry. This is demonstrated by several awards we have achieved, including being named as the number one customer choice for the Allied network across the Asia-Pacific region.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing tennis and spending quality time with my family, both of which provide me with a balanced perspective. I’m excited about the potential to bring new innovations to Allied Indonesia and continue contributing to its enduring legacy.
For our readers who might not necessarily be aware of this company, what exactly does Allied Indonesia do?
At Allied Indonesia, our service goes beyond simply transporting belongings from one place to another. We emphasise using high-quality packing materials and employ skilled professionals with over 15 years of experience in the field. Furthermore, as part of a globally recognised network, we ensure that our clients can move with confidence, whether they move within Indonesia or to any destination worldwide.
In your humble opinion, what makes Allied Indonesia stand out among other similar companies out there?
Allied Indonesia distinguishes itself in the industry through its commitment to using high-quality materials, ensuring that clients’ belongings are handled with the utmost care. We employ specialised packing materials that minimise the risk of damage, safeguarding items throughout the moving process. Our strength is rooted in our dedicated team of professionals who are thoroughly committed to providing a seamless experience from start to finish. This team is not only skilled but also deeply invested in the safe and efficient handling of our clients’ belongings, reflecting our customer-centric approach.
Beyond these key attributes, Allied Indonesia is recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer service and innovative solutions and for having a strong track record of reliability. Our comprehensive range of services, coupled with our attention to detail, ensures that we aim to meet and exceed clients’ expectations at every stage. This dedication to excellence positions Allied Indonesia as distinct from our competitors and as a leader in the moving industry.
It can be very difficult to find a moving service that is capable, especially considering that Indonesia is an archipelagic country. Why do you think Indonesia, despite its geographical complexity, continues to be such a promising market for relocation services?
Certainly, Indonesia presents unique challenges for relocation services because of its vast archipelagic geography. However, this geographical complexity also creates opportunities. With a growing economy and increasing urbanisation, there’s a strong demand for efficient moving and relocation services. Indonesia’s diverse and expanding business landscape attracts a lot of international talent and companies, increasing the need for both domestic and international moving services. The market has become promising because of advancements in logistics and transportation technologies, as well as the flexibility and adaptability of moving companies in navigating the regional diversity. Additionally, companies hiring expats often provide attractive benefits, including large residence allowances, making it an appealing destination for families—a level of ease not commonly matched in other countries.
In summary, while the challenges are evident, the growing demand and technological advancements make Indonesia a vibrant and promising market for moving and relocation services.
Looking at Indonesia as a relocation market, what do you think makes Indonesia different from other countries or markets in Asia Pacific?
Indonesia stands out as a relocation market in the Asia Pacific region for its distinctive blend of opportunities and cultural richness. Firstly, it boasts a dynamic economy with a rapidly expanding middle class and growing urban centres like Jakarta and Bali. This economic growth drives the demand for cutting-edge relocation services, creating vibrant market dynamics. Additionally, Indonesia’s archipelago of over 17,000 islands presents unique logistical challenges that have led to innovative solutions in transportation and logistics, making it a fascinating market for the industry.
Expatriates often find Indonesia particularly appealing due to the generous allowances and supportive policies for foreign residents. Many expats experience a significant enhancement in their quality of life, often feeling as though they are treated with a regal level of respect and comfort within the community. Relocating families benefit from Indonesia’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, making the transition smoother and more rewarding. Overall, Indonesia’s combination of economic vibrancy, cultural richness, welcoming expatriate policies, and innovative logistical approaches make it a standout relocation market in the Asia Pacific.
How does Allied Indonesia navigate this particular challenge of Indonesia being a huge country with a lot of islands split by straits and seas? Is that particularly difficult for you guys or have you guys grown used to it?
We’ve become adept at handling these challenges through our quality moving services. Our extensive network spans worldwide, enabling us to manage these challenges effectively.
Let’s talk a little bit about the future of the relocation market and industry. If you must predict, what do you think will be the future needs of your customers? Will we expect more relocation habits in the future – to and from Indonesia?
It’s challenging to predict with certainty, but the Indonesian government’s ongoing improvements in investment benefits could influence future relocation patterns. Other than that, foreign investors typically consider factors like tax rates, seeking stability and assurance, as their stay in Indonesia often extends beyond just one year – long-term stays in Indonesia.
I understand that Allied Indonesia has several services, including storage services. This, I imagine, can be such a sensitive matter because you can never predict what kind of items your customers would like to store. But considering Allied Indonesia has become one of the experts in the matters of relocation (including storage), I’m curious: How do you guys do it?
Basically, we have two warehouses: one in Jakarta and the other one in Surabaya. We employ 24-hour security systems and CCTVs from which we monitor the condition of the warehouses and track the activities inside. We have some personnel regularly check into the warehouses, and only certain personnel with a certain ID can get in and get out. Moreover, the warehouses are air-conditioner-controlled to make sure that the condition of the items in the store remains consistent, well maintained, and they are neither damp nor damaged. And, once the customer finds a new home, we would re-pack their items and have them delivered to the customer’s new address. Usually, if a prospective customer is interested in our storage services, we would happily welcome them to see and visit our warehouse first. In that regard, there are many of our customers who continue to store their items in our warehouse because they feel like this is a safe, secure location, indeed.
Lastly, how can our readers and parents reach you and Allied Indonesia?
You can find out more about our services via our social media platform Instagram @alliedindonesia. Moreover, you can also find out more about us, including if you wish to enquire about our services proposal, by visiting our website www.allied.co.id.