Indonesia – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in Indonesia?

By 2023, more than 1,000 internet service providers were licensed to operate in Indonesia, yet the residential market is firmly in the hands of a relatively small number of large operators. Telkomsel commands roughly three-quarters of the market and delivers xDSL, fibre, and fixed wireless access (FWA) services to homes across the country.

Telkomsel’s home broadband offering operates under the IndiHome brand, which has extended its fibre network to cover 38 million homes nationwide, making it the most broadly accessible residential broadband option in Indonesia. Entry-level packages begin at around IDR 275,000 per month for speeds of up to 20 Mbps, with a lower-tier option available from IDR 229,000 for up to 10 Mbps (as of 2023–2024 — visit indihome.co.id for current pricing and availability).

Icon Plus is the second largest player in fixed broadband, holding roughly 7% of fixed connections in Indonesia. Its focus is primarily on business and enterprise clients, though its residential footprint is gradually expanding. Other notable providers include:

• Biznet Networks — widely considered one of the top-performing residential ISPs in major cities, with a fibre-to-the-home offering. Plans start from IDR 250,000 per month for speeds of up to 30 Mbps (as of 2023–2024). See biznetnetworks.com for up-to-date availability and pricing.
• First Media (FastNet) — a cable-based ISP serving selected parts of Jakarta and Surabaya, often chosen for its bundled TV and internet packages.
• MyRepublic — a fibre provider with a presence in several major cities, offering plans from IDR 309,000 per month for speeds of up to 30 Mbps (as of 2023–2024). Visit myrepublic.co.id for current plans.
• CBN (PT Cyberindo Aditama) — a fibre ISP active in major urban centres, with services starting from IDR 299,000 per month for speeds of up to 30 Mbps (as of 2023–2024).
• Oxygen.id — a fibre provider covering Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta), Denpasar, Surabaya, and Bandung, with plans from IDR 306,000 per month for speeds of up to 50 Mbps, including no installation fee on certain packages (as of 2023–2024).
• MNC Play — a cable and fibre provider primarily across Java, operated by the MNC Group media conglomerate.
• Telkomsel Orbit — Telkomsel’s fixed wireless access brand, Orbit, delivers 4G home broadband through a router and SIM card arrangement, making it especially useful in areas where fibre infrastructure has not yet arrived.
• Starlink — Starlink has been granted a permit to operate as a retail ISP in Indonesia and launched satellite internet services targeting fixed broadband access in remote and underserved regions. Indonesia is the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink is available, after Malaysia and the Philippines. See starlink.com/id for current pricing.

Because coverage differs sharply from one district to the next — sometimes even street by street — it is essential to use each provider’s online coverage checker before signing up. Service quality within the same city can vary considerably depending on local infrastructure, so asking neighbours or your landlord about their experience with a given provider is well worth the effort.

What types of internet connection are available in Indonesia?

Residents of Indonesia can access the internet through a variety of technologies, including broadband cable, fibre-to-the-home, mobile broadband, USB modems, ADSL, satellite, and public Wi-Fi hotspots. Each approach has a distinct availability profile and practical use case.

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) represents the highest-quality connection type and is increasingly widespread in Indonesia’s main urban areas — notably Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Surabaya, Bandung, Bali/Denpasar, and Medan. Providers such as Biznet, IndiHome, MyRepublic, and Oxygen.id all operate FTTH networks in these cities. In contrast to countries like South Korea or Japan, where near-universal fibre rollout has been achieved, Indonesia’s FTTH infrastructure remains heavily concentrated in large cities and has yet to reach most smaller towns or rural communities.

Cable broadband is delivered by First Media (FastNet) and MNC Play. This technology typically provides steady download speeds and is available in certain districts of Jakarta and a small number of other large cities. While functionally similar to cable broadband found in parts of Western Europe and the Americas, its geographic footprint in Indonesia is considerably narrower.

DSL (ADSL/VDSL) connections run over existing copper telephone lines and remain available in some locations through Telkom Indonesia, though fibre has largely replaced DSL in cities where IndiHome has expanded. DSL speeds in Indonesia are generally modest by international comparison.

4G/5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) offers a practical alternative where fibre has not yet been deployed. Telkomsel’s Orbit brand uses 4G LTE signals to provide a home broadband-style service via a router and SIM card. This can be an effective interim or long-term solution in suburban and peri-urban areas.

Satellite internet via Starlink is the most viable solution for genuinely remote locations — outlying islands, highland communities, or areas far removed from terrestrial fibre networks. Satellite broadband plays an important role in extending connectivity to rural and underserved communities across the archipelago. As with all satellite services, higher latency compared to terrestrial connections may affect activities such as video conferencing and online gaming.

As a vast archipelago nation, Indonesia faces uniquely high infrastructure costs, given a population dispersed across thousands of islands that cannot be linked overland alone. Laying fibre-optic cables and power lines under water across long distances is expensive, and ongoing maintenance, repairs, and network expansion involve considerable logistical complexity. This geography is the underlying reason why rural connectivity lags so far behind that of urban centres.

How fast and reliable is the internet in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s internet performance has improved meaningfully over recent years, though it continues to trail a number of its regional neighbours. According to Speedtest (Ookla) data, the median mobile download speed in Indonesia reached over 29 Mbps as of August 2024, with a median mobile upload speed of approximately 13.6 Mbps.

As of January 2024, Indonesia placed 101st out of 141 countries for mobile internet speed and 126th out of 181 countries for fixed broadband speed in Ookla’s global rankings. This positions it behind several ASEAN counterparts, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. For the latest figures, consult Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index directly.

OECD analysis of Ookla data shows that mean fixed broadband download speeds in Q4 2024 ranged from 51.4 Mbps in cities to 31.9 Mbps in rural areas — a significant gap that reflects the infrastructure divide between Java’s dense urban cores and the outer islands. For context, the global average fixed broadband download speed has surpassed 100 Mbps (as of mid-2025, per Ookla), highlighting the extent of the improvement still to come.

In 2025, Biznet Networks recorded the fastest average fixed broadband download speed in Indonesia at 50.2 Mbps, while MyRepublic achieved the highest average upload speed at 51.2 Mbps. FirstMedia registered the lowest ping at 30 milliseconds, according to SpeedGEO data — making these providers strong candidates for video calls and remote work in cities where they have coverage.

Reliability varies considerably depending on location. Urban areas with fibre coverage generally enjoy stable connections, though outages during heavy rainfall or routine infrastructure work are not unusual. In rural or island settings, connectivity can be intermittent and largely dependent on mobile signal conditions. Even within the Jakarta metropolitan area, connection quality can differ markedly from one neighbourhood to another. New arrivals are advised to consult neighbours or their landlord about real-world provider performance before committing to a contract.

How do I get an internet connection set up in Indonesia?

Arranging a residential internet connection in Indonesia is generally a manageable process in cities, though foreign nationals may face a few additional requirements. From application to activation, the whole process typically spans one to two weeks. The following steps outline what to expect:

1. Confirm coverage at your address. Use the availability or coverage tools on provider websites (IndiHome, Biznet, First Media, MyRepublic, and others) to establish which services can actually reach your home. Coverage is highly localised and can change from one street to the next, so always verify before choosing a provider.
2. Select a plan and make contact. Most providers allow you to register online, through their app, or in person at a service outlet. Some operators — including First Media and IndiHome — have dedicated walk-in service centres (plasa) in major cities. IndiHome registrations can also be submitted via the IndiHome website or the MyTelkomsel app.
3. Gather the necessary documents. Foreign nationals will generally be required to present a valid passport along with a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas — temporary residency permit) or KITAP (permanent residency permit). Some providers may accept a visa stamp and passport for those on shorter stays. Proof of address — such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord — is usually required. Having a local Indonesian phone number is helpful, as providers use it to confirm appointments and send notifications.
4. Review and sign the contract. Most contracts run for 12 months, though some providers offer month-to-month arrangements at a modest premium. Pay close attention to early termination clauses. Contracts are typically written in Bahasa Indonesia — if you are not comfortable reading Indonesian, consider using a translation tool or enlisting a trusted local contact to help.
5. Pay any installation or activation fee. Installation charges generally start from around IDR 200,000, which typically covers a standard cable run; additional cabling may incur separate fees. (Figures are as of the time of that source — confirm current charges with your chosen provider.) Providers such as Oxygen.id have offered free installation on certain plans.
6. Arrange the installation appointment. Once your registration is processed, a provider representative will call to schedule a visit. Technicians usually arrive within three to seven business days of booking, though this timeline may stretch in high-demand areas or when technician availability is limited.
7. Activate and test your service. The technician will fit a modem or optical network terminal (ONT) and, in most cases, a Wi-Fi router. After installation, use a tool such as Speedtest by Ookla to verify your speeds and contact your provider’s customer support without delay if there are any problems.

One important consideration for foreign nationals: Indonesian ISPs typically require a local identity document to open an account. If your KITAS has not yet been issued or you are on a short-stay visa, some providers may be unwilling to register a fixed contract in your name. In that situation, a trusted local contact — such as a landlord or employer — may be able to take out the connection on your behalf, with monthly payments settled by standing order or bank transfer.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in Indonesia?

Absolutely — there are several straightforward ways to stay online while you wait for a fixed broadband service to be installed, and some expats choose to rely on mobile data for their entire time in the country.

Prepaid SIM cards with mobile data are the quickest and most accessible solution. SIM cards from all major operators are sold at airports, convenience chains (Indomaret, Alfamart), and dedicated operator shops throughout Indonesia. Telkomsel, the country’s largest mobile network operator, provides the most extensive coverage nationally, including 4G and 5G networks. Telkomsel’s prepaid options (kartu As or simPATI) and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison’s IM3 are both popular with newcomers. Foreign nationals registering a SIM card must present their passport at the point of purchase, as registration is mandatory (see the SIM card section below).

Portable Wi-Fi devices (pocket Wi-Fi or MiFi) can be rented or bought from electronics retailers, mobile operator branches, and some airport kiosks. These compact devices use a data SIM to broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that several devices can share simultaneously, making them an excellent bridging solution for your first few weeks in the country.

4G/5G home broadband (FWA) through Telkomsel Orbit or similar products can be activated within days, providing a router-based home connection without the wait associated with a fibre installation. This is particularly valuable if fibre has not yet reached your address.

Co-working spaces and cafés offer a ready-made alternative for those who need a dependable connection for work during the transition period. Cities such as Jakarta, Bali (Canggu and Seminyak especially), Yogyakarta, and Surabaya have well-established co-working ecosystems with fast, stable Wi-Fi included in day passes or monthly memberships. Public Wi-Fi in cafés and restaurants is widespread, though its security varies — using a VPN whenever you access sensitive accounts over a public network is strongly advisable.

What does internet service typically cost in Indonesia?

By global standards, internet services in Indonesia are relatively affordable — particularly mobile data. Fixed broadband pricing differs by provider, speed tier, and location. All figures below are indicative; always confirm current tariffs directly with providers, as plans are subject to change.

As a rough guide at early 2026 exchange rates, IDR 300,000 equates to approximately USD 18–20 or EUR 17–19, placing Indonesian fixed broadband among the more affordable options in Southeast Asia. A combined cable TV and internet bundle can run to around USD 40 per month once taxes and fees are factored in (as of the time of that source; check current bundled pricing with providers directly).

Installation and activation fees vary by provider, but typically start from around IDR 200,000, covering a standard cable run. Some providers waive these charges on longer contracts or during promotional periods. Equipment such as a modem or router is usually rented as part of the monthly subscription rather than purchased outright.

Standard fixed broadband contracts run for 12 months and include early termination fees. A number of providers offer month-to-month flexibility at a marginally higher monthly rate. For mobile data plan costs, refer to the SIM card section below. Up-to-date tariff information is available at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs website and on individual ISP sites.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in Indonesia?

Indonesia enforces internet filtering and content controls, and newcomers should familiarise themselves with the regulatory environment before arriving. The country’s internet censorship framework consists of government-mandated restrictions targeting pornography, online gambling, separatist content, extremist material, misinformation, and content considered defamatory or harmful to public order — implemented through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs via website blacklisting, deep packet inspection (DPI), and directives to ISPs.

Websites are regularly blocked for hosting material that the government classifies as “negative content” — a broad designation that encompasses anything deemed defamatory or in violation of social or moral norms. Prominent platforms have been caught up in temporary blocks in the past: in July and August 2022, Kominfo blocked access to Yahoo, the gaming platform Steam, and the payment service PayPal for several days before each was restored after meeting registration requirements. Such episodes illustrate how swiftly the digital landscape can shift.

Unlike the open-access approach common across the EU, Indonesia operates a mandatory registration system for online platforms. In 2020, the government introduced an intermediary liability regulation (known as “MR5”) requiring all websites to register with the authorities or face the prospect of being blocked.

VPNs are not explicitly illegal in Indonesia, but using one to access prohibited content may create legal exposure under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law). In practice, tools for bypassing online content restrictions are largely accessible, and Indonesia is regarded as one of the world’s largest markets for VPN usage. Many expats and local residents use VPNs routinely for privacy and to reach content unavailable in Indonesia — however, it is important to stay current on regulations and to understand the legal risks involved.

Under the ITE Law, online defamation can carry significant penalties. In December 2023, the government revised the ITE Law in response to widespread criticism, introducing a higher evidentiary threshold for prosecutions and reducing the maximum sentence. Expats should be thoughtful about what they post on social media, especially regarding religion, government figures, and sensitive political subjects. When in doubt, seek advice from a local legal professional.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in Indonesia?

Mobile internet is woven into everyday life in Indonesia, and obtaining a local SIM card from the moment you arrive is strongly recommended. Indonesia remains one of the most mobile-centric markets anywhere in the world, with over 355 million mobile cellular subscriptions — the third-largest cellular market globally, after China and India.

Main mobile network operators: The market is led by three principal operators: Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), and XLSmart. Smaller operators include Smartfren and 3 (Tri). As a subsidiary of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Telkomsel is the dominant player, with the most extensive coverage nationwide, encompassing both 4G and 5G networks.

Network performance: Telkomsel leads on mobile network performance in Indonesia, recording the highest median download speeds and outperforming competitors by a meaningful margin. XL Axiata and IM3 Ooredoo rank as the second and third-fastest providers respectively. (Based on data from 2024–2025; for the latest benchmarks, consult Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index.)

5G: Indonesia’s 4G subscriber base surpassed 270 million by early 2025, and 5G uptake is accelerating, particularly in urban centres and industrial zones. At present, 5G coverage is limited to selected areas of major cities; the majority of users outside these zones will connect via 4G LTE.

SIM registration for foreign nationals: All SIM cards in Indonesia must be formally registered. Foreign nationals buying a prepaid SIM must present their passport at the point of sale, and the SIM is registered against their passport number. Retailers handle the registration in-store. SIM cards are available at arrival terminals in airports, operator-branded shops, and convenience chains such as Indomaret and Alfamart.

eSIM: Smartfren has been expanding its services to include eSIM technology, and other operators are progressively rolling out eSIM support as well. If you plan to use an eSIM rather than a physical SIM on arrival, confirm current eSIM availability with your preferred operator’s website before you travel, as the rollout is ongoing.

Mobile data costs: Indonesia is known for competitively priced mobile data. Prepaid data bundles from operators like Telkomsel, IM3, and XL typically deliver several gigabytes of data for IDR 10,000–50,000 (roughly USD 0.60–3.00), with larger monthly packages offering considerably better value per gigabyte. A monthly mobile budget averaging USD 5.00 was calculated for Indonesia in 2025 (an ITU benchmark covering calls, SMS, and 5 GB of data), which reflects how affordable mobile services are by international standards.

International roaming: Using a home-country SIM on roaming in Indonesia is possible but tends to be expensive and is not a sensible long-term approach. Most visitors and expats find that buying a local prepaid SIM on arrival is far more economical. Check your home operator’s roaming rates for Indonesia before you depart.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in Indonesia?

The principal government authority with oversight of telecommunications and internet services in Indonesia is the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital, commonly referred to by its former acronym Kominfo). The ministry was renamed from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology as part of a government reorganisation, though its core functions remain unchanged.

Internet service regulation sits under the Directorate General of Posts and Informatics Operations (PPI) and the Directorate General of Informatics Application (Aptika), both operating within the ministry. The PPI is responsible for regulating posts, telecommunications, and broadcasting, including the supervision of private telecoms providers and the management of frequency allocations.

In November 2020, the government disbanded the Indonesian Telecommunication Regulatory Body (BRTI), which had previously been charged with promoting fair competition, resolving industry disputes, and setting service-quality standards. Its responsibilities were absorbed by the ministry. This consolidation means the ministry now functions as both regulator and policy-setter — a dual role that some commentators argue diminishes the independence of oversight.

For expats, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is the key point of reference for:

• Verifying that an ISP holds a valid licence to operate in Indonesia
• Lodging complaints about internet service quality or provider conduct
• Accessing official guidance on telecoms regulations and consumer rights
• Understanding content filtering rules and platform registration obligations

The ministry’s official website is komdigi.go.id. The Association of Indonesian Internet Service Providers (APJII) publishes useful data on internet penetration and ISP membership at apjii.or.id. For independent speed and coverage comparisons, Ookla’s Speedtest and Opensignal are the most reliable third-party resources available.

Frequently asked questions about internet access in Indonesia

How long does it take to get a home broadband connection set up in Indonesia?

From submitting your application to the day a technician arrives to install the service, the process generally takes between one and two weeks. In areas with high demand or during particularly busy periods, it may occasionally take a little longer. Having all your documents ready in advance — passport, residency permit, and proof of address — will help avoid unnecessary delays.

Can I get internet as a foreigner without a KITAS residency permit?

The majority of fixed broadband providers require a KITAS (temporary residency permit) or KITAP (permanent residency permit) together with a valid passport to register a residential contract. If your KITAS has not yet been issued, a landlord, employer, or trusted local contact may be able to take out the connection on your behalf. For immediate connectivity, a local prepaid SIM card for mobile data requires only a passport to register.

Is internet access reliable enough for remote work in Indonesia?

In major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Bali — especially in neighbourhoods served by fibre providers like Biznet, IndiHome, or MyRepublic — internet reliability is generally adequate for remote work, including video calls and conferencing. That said, performance can differ between neighbourhoods and providers, and outages do occur from time to time. Keeping a mobile data connection as a backup is strongly recommended for anyone relying on the internet for business-critical tasks.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Indonesia?

Telkomsel consistently leads the field for mobile internet in Indonesia, recording the fastest download speeds, the best consistency scores, and strong performance across both urban and rural areas. For expats moving between cities or venturing into more remote locations, Telkomsel’s network is typically the most dependable choice.

Are any popular websites or apps blocked in Indonesia?

Indonesia does restrict access to certain categories of content, including pornography, online gambling, and material deemed harmful to public order or morality. Widely used platforms — including Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook — remain accessible. Some services have been subject to temporary blocks in the past, such as Steam and PayPal in 2022, but were reinstated after fulfilling registration obligations. The situation can evolve, so it is worth checking the current status of any platform that is important to you.

Are VPNs legal in Indonesia?

VPNs are not explicitly prohibited in Indonesia, but using one to access content that has been banned by the government may create legal exposure under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law). Many residents and expats use VPNs for privacy and security purposes. Nevertheless, you should keep abreast of current regulations and be aware of the potential legal consequences before using a VPN to circumvent government-imposed content restrictions.

How much does a mobile data SIM card cost in Indonesia?

Prepaid SIM cards from operators such as Telkomsel, IM3 Ooredoo, and XL Axiata are very inexpensive to buy — typically IDR 5,000–30,000 for the SIM itself. Data bundles are highly affordable, with packages delivering multiple gigabytes available for as little as IDR 10,000–50,000. Larger monthly plans offer better value per gigabyte. Always purchase SIM cards from official operator outlets or reputable retailers to ensure your SIM is correctly registered.

What is Starlink like in Indonesia, and is it worth it for remote locations?

Starlink has received regulatory approval to operate as a retail ISP in Indonesia and launched satellite internet services specifically aimed at bringing fixed broadband access to remote and underserved areas of the country. For expats living in rural regions, on islands without fibre coverage, or in highland communities, Starlink can deliver substantially faster and more consistent speeds than mobile data or legacy satellite services. Hardware and subscription costs are higher than terrestrial alternatives, but for locations where no viable alternative exists, the difference it makes can be significant. Check starlink.com/id for current availability and pricing in your area.