Using phones and internet in Indonesia
When it comes to choosing a mobile phone or internet service provider in Indonesia, feel free to ask around for advice. This way, you will be able to target the one that will effectively meet your needs and your budget.
Like in any other country, expats in Indonesia will seek to stay in touch with their loved ones abroad. Always bear in mind that the cost of international calls and texting can vary from one provider to another. Therefore, should you find the rates too high, consider using Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, or Facebook. They are perfect alternatives.
Important:
To avoid any kind of scam, ask other expatriates for advice about the real cost of a SIM card, and about the details of data and voice services provided.
Cell phone providers in Indonesia
Almost every major Indonesian city has a reliable cell phone system, as most Indonesians are connected to a mobile network. Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat Ooreedoo, Smartfren, Net1 Indonesia, and 3 are the most popular service providers in the country. It is good to know that Telkomsel has invested heavily in BTS (Base Transceiver Stations) throughout Indonesia. As a result, the provider enjoys a good reputation when it comes to coverage, even in remote areas.
In Indonesia, mobile phones are commonly referred to as "handphones"; or "HP";. The handphone has become an indispensable part of Indonesian business and personal life, and consequently, many companies usually provide their top employees with a device. So, why not negotiate the provision of a handphone and the coverage of related bills with your employer, if you are on an international transfer?
SIM cards are particularly cheap in Indonesia. In that sense, mobile subscribers are legion in the country and prefer prepaid plans, which are particularly popular. However, this ease of use doesn't come without consequences: Indonesia has one of the highest rates of inactive phone numbers in the world.
You can also choose your own number when purchasing a SIM card. As a side note, remember that vendors can provide you with a "canot nomor", which translates into "nice number". It is simply a series of numbers that are easy to remember.
While monthly plans, called pascabayar (post-paid), are available, most Indonesians prefer prepaid plans, which can be topped up as they go. You can buy pulsa (communication credits) in two forms, either as a scratch-off card or digitally online.
Good to know:
If you buy a scratch card as part of a prepaid package, make sure the card has not expired (the date is indicated on the back). It is also a good idea to scratch your voucher in the presence of the vendor. This way, you can get all the help you need in case of issues with your recharge. To avoid running out of phone credit, it is always possible to buy "pulsas" (prepaid cards) at any time of the day. You can do this at an ATM, online, at a grocery store, or from street vendors. You will typically find cards worth between IDR 5,000 and IDR 100,000.
The current regulation requires every mobile user to register their local phone number. For expats, this can be done on the website or in a store of the mobile provider upon presenting an ID document. It can be their passport, as well as their KITAS or KITAP (residence permit, for those who have one). Expatriates will have to provide all the necessary details to the provider at the end of each 6-month period. Otherwise, they risk having their line blocked or even deactivated.
Internet in Indonesia
Much to the relief of the expat community living in Indonesia, the country has finally started rolling out broadband internet. However, the connection speed remains a matter of concern in some areas due to a general lack of infrastructure.
Prices and connection speeds do vary from one provider to another, however. Some may be more popular than others because of their packages or the quality of their customer service, but most importantly because of their bandwidth management.
In September 2021, the national download speed was estimated at 14.78 Mbps.
Provider-wise, Biznet, First Media, IndiHome, MNC Play Media, MyRepublic, Indosat Ooredoo and GIG are considered to be the best ISPs in the country.
When shopping for the best Internet Service Provider in Indonesia, ask your friends and colleagues for their advice. Before subscribing to a provider, find out about their bandwidth, their current ratio of users to bandwidth, and whether they offer cable, ADSL, satellite or wireless connection options.
In general, Indonesian ISPs charge for a certain number of hours on a monthly basis, with additional charges in case of overage. Before subscribing to a provider, ask about the different packages from the customer service.
Finally, note that you can also opt for a cable Internet connection.
Useful links:
ISP in Indonesia
Mobile phone providers
