Indonesian Maids in Singapore: What Families Should Know

At a glance

As with any nationality, every helper is unique. The most important thing is to look at the individual’s attitude, experience, values and willingness to learn, not just her passport.

Honest Recruiter focuses on ethical recruitment, clear communication and proper matching to support stable long-term placements.

Why some families choose Indonesian maids

Many Singapore families are comfortable with Indonesian FDWs because:

• Similar food and culture: Indonesian helpers often adapt well to local Asian cooking and lifestyles.
• Family-oriented values: Many are used to living in extended families and caring for younger siblings or elders.
• Experience: A large number have worked in Singapore or neighbouring countries before.
• Versatile job scope: Suitable for housekeeping, childcare, infant care and basic elderly support.

Some may take time at first to get used to Singapore’s pace and expectations, but with clear guidance they usually adapt well.

Language & culture

Indonesian helpers typically speak:

• Bahasa Indonesia as their main language.
• Some Malay, which is partially similar to Bahasa and familiar to many Singaporeans.
• Basic to moderate English, depending on education and previous work experience.

With daily use, many Indonesian maids improve their English over time, especially when employers speak slowly and use simple words.

What this means for your family

• Simple English, short sentences and demonstrations work best initially.
• Using a few basic Bahasa or Malay words (e.g. makan, mandi, tidur) can help communication and rapport.
• It is useful to write down routines and house rules to minimise misunderstanding.

Typical experience & skills of Indonesian helpers

Indonesian FDWs can come from different backgrounds:

1. Fresh Indonesian maids

• No prior overseas employment, but may have helped with chores or childcare in their own families.
• Best for households willing to invest more time in training and supervision.
• Often eager to learn and adapt to their first overseas job.

2. Experienced Indonesian maids

• Have worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong or the Middle East.
• More familiar with appliances, hygiene standards and city living.
• May have specific experience in infant care, childcare or elderly care.

Common job scopes

• General housekeeping – cleaning, laundry, ironing, tidying.
• Cooking – Indonesian dishes, and can learn Chinese, Malay or simple Western recipes.
• Childcare – fetching children, basic supervision, playtime, simple meals.
• Basic elderly care – support with daily activities and companionship.

Cost & salary expectations

Salary for Indonesian FDWs is influenced by:

• Experience level (fresh vs experienced in Singapore).
• Job demands (e.g. infant care, multiple young children, elderly care).
• Language skills and special skills (e.g. strong cooking, prior nursing assistant experience).

You should also budget for:

• MOM levy.
• Insurance and security bond.
• Food, accommodation and daily necessities.

Is an Indonesian maid suitable for your family?

An Indonesian helper may be a good fit if:

• You want someone with Asian cooking potential and familiarity with regional flavours.
• Your family values a warm, family-style presence at home.
• You can offer a bit of guidance at the start while she settles into your routines.

You may prefer to compare other options if:

• You require very strong English or Mandarin immediately from Day 1.
• No one at home can spend time initially to demonstrate tasks and routines.
• The job scope is extremely complex (e.g. advanced medical care plus multiple young children).

How Honest Recruiter screens & supports Indonesian helpers

To build stable, fair placements, we:

• Work with trusted Indonesian partners who follow ethical recruitment practices.
• Check each candidate’s background, motivation and understanding of work in Singapore.
• Assess basic communication, attitude and willingness to learn during interviews.
• Brief helpers on Singapore’s expectations, house rules and cultural differences before deployment.
• Provide after-sales support to guide communication and expectations if issues arise.

Frequently asked questions