Get to Know – Turkey

Türkiye has become an increasingly attractive destination for Indonesian workers, especially in hospitality, tourism, F&B, spa, and hotel operations. This is not just a marketing trend—the Indonesian government and KBRI Ankara are actively identifying Türkiye as a strategic placement market. 

Why Türkiye is popular for Indonesian workers

1. Strong demand for hospitality workers
Türkiye has a huge tourism and hotel industry. In 2025, the country welcomed around 64 million foreign visitors and generated about US$65.2 billion in tourism revenue. 

This creates demand for:

• Waiter / Waitress
• Kitchen Helper
• Cook / Commis Chef
• Housekeeping
• Steward
• Spa Therapist
• Bartender
• Barista
• Hotel General Worker

2. Indonesian workers have a good reputation
According to the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Turkish hotel management has shown a preference for Indonesian workers because of their positive attitude, friendliness, and work ethic. 

This is a strong advantage for Indonesian candidates competing with workers from other countries.

3. The market is already proven for Indonesians
Türkiye is no longer a completely new destination. Indonesian worker numbers have grown substantially. KBRI Ankara reported 8,930 Indonesian workers in Türkiye in 2024, up 59.26% from 2023. By 2026, the number of Indonesian workers with valid work permits was reported at 13,781. 

4. Large hotel demand

The demand is particularly strong in resort destinations such as Antalya, Muğla, Fethiye and other tourism areas. One Turkish recruitment group reported demand of around 20,000 hospitality workers annually, including positions such as waiter, kitchen staff, chef and spa therapist. 

5. International experience in a European tourism environment

For Indonesian candidates, Türkiye offers an opportunity to gain:

• International hotel experience
• English-speaking workplace exposure
• Multicultural customer-service experience
• International hospitality standards
• Experience working in luxury resorts

That can strengthen their CV for future opportunities in Europe, the Middle East and other international markets.

6. Legal employment provides important protections

Foreign workers employed legally in Türkiye are entitled to employment protections including employment contracts, minimum wage, working hours, overtime, annual leave, social security and health insurance under Turkish labour regulations. 

7. Türkiye is actively looking for Indonesian workers

This is perhaps the biggest reason to position Türkiye as a strategic destination. KP2MI currently identifies Türkiye as one of Indonesia’s strategic labour-placement markets, with opportunities not only in hospitality but also manufacturing, spa & wellness, caregiving and other sectors. 

Major Employment Areas

Antalya

Major resort and tourism hub with extensive seasonal hotel employment.

Muğla

Popular tourism region covering destinations such as Bodrum, Fethiye and Marmaris.

Istanbul

Türkiye’s major commercial and tourism city, with opportunities across hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses.

Turkish Culture — Guide for Indonesian Workers

For Jobstacular candidates, understanding Turkish culture is important because workplace adaptation can be just as important as technical skills.

1. Hospitality & Welcoming Culture

Turkish people generally place strong importance on hospitality and welcoming guests. Sharing food, offering tea, and social interaction are common parts of everyday life.

For hospitality workers, this creates a good cultural connection with the service mindset.

2. Tea & Coffee Culture

Turkish tea (çay) is an important part of daily social life. Turkish coffee is also culturally significant and traditionally prepared in a small pot called a cezve.

Candidates working in hotels and restaurants should become familiar with these traditions.

3. Family & Social Relationships

Family relationships are highly valued. Respect for parents and older people is generally important, and social relationships can play a significant role in everyday life.

4. Respect & Personal Relationships

Building trust and maintaining good relationships are important in Turkish society.

At work:

• Be respectful to supervisors.
• Communicate politely.
• Avoid unnecessarily confrontational behavior.
• Show reliability and responsibility.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues.

5. Religion & Diversity (heritage)

Türkiye is a secular republic with a predominantly Muslim population. Religious practices and levels of observance vary significantly between individuals and regions.

Indonesian workers should respect:

• Religious practices
• Prayer
• Ramadan
• Dietary preferences
• Different personal levels of religious observance

6. Food Culture

Food is an important part of Turkish social life.

• Kebabs
• Meze
• Pide
• Börek
• Turkish breakfast
• Seafood
• Turkish desserts
• Turkish tea and coffee

For F&B workers, learning basic Turkish food vocabulary can be particularly useful.

7. Communication Style

Turkish communication can sometimes feel more direct and expressive compared with Indonesian communication.

Indonesian candidates should not automatically interpret direct communication as anger or hostility.

Good approach:
Listen carefully → clarify → respond professionally → avoid taking workplace feedback personally.

8. Workplace Culture

Indonesian workers should demonstrate:

Punctuality
Arrive before the scheduled shift.

Respect for hierarchy
Understand reporting lines and follow supervisors’ instructions.

Teamwork
Hospitality operations depend heavily on coordination between departments.

Professional appearance
Follow uniform and grooming standards.

Initiative
Don’t always wait to be told what to do when a task clearly needs attention.

9. Regional Differences

Türkiye is culturally diverse. Istanbul is different from Antalya; Antalya is different from eastern Türkiye.

Resort areas such as Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye have highly international tourism environments, so Indonesian workers may interact with guests and colleagues from many countries.