Jakarta Apartment Hunting: Navigating Annual Rent as an Expat

Relocating to the vibrant city of Jakarta?  Securing the perfect apartment is key to a smooth transition.  Many expats find themselves facing the common practice of paying a year's rent upfront. This can be a significant hurdle, especially with short-term work contracts.  I recently encountered this situation – finding a fantastic apartment but being asked for a full year's rent in advance. My six-month contract adds another layer of complexity.  Is this standard practice for expats in Jakarta?  How open are landlords to negotiating monthly payments?  The current trend among expats seems to be a preference for more flexible rental options, mirroring global changes in housing markets.  I'm curious to hear from others who've successfully negotiated monthly rent in Jakarta or found alternative solutions. Sharing experiences and tips on navigating this common expat challenge would be incredibly helpful!  Let's discuss strategies to address this issue and find the best rental solutions for expats in Jakarta.  What are your experiences, and what advice do you have for someone in my situation?