Why Do Indonesian Nannies in Bali Avoid Working for Local Families?
🅿️Many people assume that Indonesian nannies in Bali would prefer to work for fellow Indonesians—but the opposite is often true 😟 Despite sharing the same culture and language, many local nannies actively avoid jobs with local families.
🅰️They describe feeling disrespected, overworked, and underpaid. Some say they’re expected to do everything—childcare, housework, errands—without extra pay or appreciation 😓 Worst of all, because of cultural assumptions, some employers believe nannies don’t need clear instructions or boundaries.
🆂 The good news? Nannies and families can build better relationships through fairness, communication, and mutual respect 💬 When expectations are clearly discussed and boundaries are honored, trust and long-term cooperation can grow—no matter the employer’s background.
🆃 “I worked for two Indonesian families before switching to a foreign one,” says Lilis, a nanny from Singaraja. “With foreigners, I feel like a professional. With locals, I felt invisible.” 💔
🅴 For example, some Indonesian employers don’t provide contracts, expect 12+ hour days, or call nannies back to work during off-hours without warning. These blurred lines lead to high stress and fast burnout 🚫
🅰️ If you’re a local family in Bali hiring a nanny, this blog can help you avoid common mistakes 🙌 And if you’re a nanny, it will help you recognize red flags and protect your rights while doing what you love 🧡
Table of Contents
Why Do Local Nannies Prefer Working for Foreign Families in Bali? 🌍
Many Indonesian nannies in Bali say they prefer working for foreign families because they feel more respected and valued 🧡.
While some people assume they’d rather work for fellow Indonesians due to the shared culture and language, the reality is different. Foreign employers often treat nannies like professionals—with clear job roles, fair pay, and kindness. In contrast, local families are sometimes seen as demanding, with unclear boundaries or expectations. For nannies, a
respectful environment means everything—it makes their work feel appreciated, not taken for granted ✨.
Top Complaints Nannies Have About Indonesian Employers 😠
Nannies who’ve worked with local families often share similar complaints: they feel underpaid, overworked, and unappreciated 💢.
Many say Indonesian employers expect them to handle not only childcare but also cleaning, cooking, shopping, and even errands—without extra payment. Worse, these tasks are sometimes not mentioned in the original agreement.
Others say they’re called back during their rest days or after hours without warning 📞. This kind of treatment makes the job exhausting and emotionally draining.
How Cultural Expectations Affect Local Nanny Jobs in Bali 🇮🇩
In many Indonesian households, there’s an unspoken rule: helpers should “just know” what to do without being told 😑.
This comes from traditional cultural thinking, where nannies or domestic workers are expected to blend into the background and serve without needing clear instructions. Unfortunately, it often results in confusion, miscommunication, and stress.
Foreign employers, by contrast, tend to give clear guidelines and daily routines, making nannies feel more confident and less anxious about their work 💼📋.
What Local Families Can Do to Keep Good Nannies 🙏
If you’re an Indonesian family in Bali hoping to keep a great nanny, the key is simple: fairness and communication 💬.
Start by offering a salary that matches Bali’s current nanny rates—not Jakarta’s. (In fact, Bali nanny salaries can be 2 to 3 times higher than Jakarta’s due to demand and cost of living 💸.)
Create a clear job description, respect their rest time, and treat them as trusted partners, not servants. Small things—like saying thank you or asking instead of ordering—go a long way in building loyalty.
Real Stories from Nannies Who Quit Working for Indonesian Families 📖
Many nannies have shared emotional stories about why they left local employers. One nanny said she worked 14 hours a day with no day off—and was still scolded if the baby cried 😢.
Another was asked to clean a relative’s house during her supposed “free time.” Lilis, a nanny from Singaraja, said: “With foreigners, I feel like a professional.
With locals, I felt invisible.” Stories like these show that without fairness and boundaries, even the most dedicated nanny will eventually walk away 💔.
How Pay, Contracts, and Respect Impact Nanny Loyalty 💸
Money matters—but it’s not the only thing that keeps a nanny loyal. Having a proper written contract is just as important 📄.
It shows that the employer is serious, organized, and willing to respect the job. Nannies who get paid on time, are treated kindly, and have clear job limits are more likely to stay for the long term.
But when they’re underpaid and overused without appreciation, they feel used and disrespected. Even a simple gesture like asking, “How are you?” can make a big difference 🌷.
What Foreign Employers Are Doing Differently—And Better 🤝
So why do so many nannies choose foreigners? It’s not just about the higher pay—it’s the professional attitude. Foreign families are more likely to sign a contract, give proper days off, and pay for overtime if extra work is needed ⏰.
They also don’t assume the nanny can read minds. Instead, they talk clearly, check in regularly, and involve the nanny in family routines.
Many even provide uniforms, meal breaks, or transportation. These thoughtful practices make nannies feel like part of the family—not just workers.
FAQs About Nanny Hiring Challenges for Local Families in Bali ❓
Q: Why won’t nannies accept our budget?
A: Many local families base salaries on Jakarta rates. But in Bali, the cost of hiring a nanny is often double or triple due to higher demand and tourism-driven inflation 🏝️.
Q: Do I need to give a written contract?
A: Yes! Even a simple agreement helps protect both sides and sets expectations clearly 📑.
Q: What’s one thing I can do today to build trust?
A: Start by asking your nanny how she feels about her workload—and really listen. Respect begins with empathy 💛.
Q: Are all local families like this?
A: Not at all! Many Indonesian families are kind and fair. But recognizing the common issues can help more families do even better 😊.