Indonesia – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Indonesia, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Indonesia’s assigned country code is 62. To reach an Indonesian number from overseas, you dial +62, then the relevant area code and local number. When placing a domestic long-distance call within Indonesia, a leading “0” is added before the area code. That leading zero is always dropped when calling from abroad — international callers use +62 followed directly by the area code digits.

As an example, to call a Jakarta landline from outside Indonesia you would dial +62 21-xxxx-xxxx. The same logic applies to mobile numbers: an Indonesian mobile number such as 0812-5555-1234 becomes +62 812 5555-1234 when dialled internationally.

Landlines and mobile phones follow different numbering conventions in Indonesia. Fixed lines use regional area codes, while mobile numbers carry no area code at all. In large cities, local landline numbers contain eight digits; elsewhere, seven digits are common. Mobile numbers run to between nine and eleven digits for postpaid connections and ten to twelve digits for prepaid, depending on which operator issued the SIM.

The table below lists area codes for key cities and expat hubs across Indonesia. When dialling from abroad, omit the leading zero shown in the domestic format.

When making a long-distance call within Indonesia to a landline, always prefix the area code with “0”. Area codes begin with digits ranging from 2 to 9 (excluding 8) and are two to three digits in length. It is also worth noting that Indonesia spans three time zones — Western, Central, and Eastern Indonesia Time — which is something to keep in mind when placing calls across the archipelago.

Who are the major landline providers in Indonesia, and how can you contact them?

Telkom Indonesia holds a commanding position in the fixed-line market, a status it maintains largely by virtue of owning the majority of the country’s copper infrastructure. The Indonesian government holds more than half of Telkom’s shares. Although Telkom’s monopoly on fixed-line services ended in 2000, no competitor has come close to matching its reach across the network.

Telkom is the country’s largest telecommunications company in overall terms. Its consumer brand IndiHome delivers fibre broadband, television, and fixed-line telephone services to millions of households. IndiHome’s bundled packages — combining internet, TV, and a landline in a single subscription — have proven particularly appealing to expats accustomed to similar “triple-play” offerings from providers like BT in the UK or Telstra in Australia.

The principal fixed-line and landline service providers worth knowing about are:

• Telkom Indonesia — The state-backed incumbent and the country’s primary fixed-line operator. Website: www.telkom.co.id. Customers can reach Telkom by dialling 147 from any Telkom landline, or by calling +62 21 147. For fault reporting and repair requests, call 117. For billing enquiries, call 109. For questions about international calls, call 102.
• IndiHome (by Telkom) — Telkom’s consumer-facing brand for home broadband and landline services. New connections and package enquiries are handled via Telkom’s main contact channels above, or through indihome.co.id. Always check the official site for up-to-date pricing.
• Biznet Networks — A privately operated alternative offering fibre broadband and fixed services, primarily in major urban centres. Website: www.biznetnetworks.com.
• MyRepublic — Another private provider of broadband and fixed-line services, operating in selected cities. Website: www.myrepublic.net/id.

Esia and Indosat provide fixed wireless telephone options, but neither has made a significant dent in Telkom’s dominance of the fixed-line market. Demand for traditional landlines has slowed considerably across Indonesia in recent years, as mobile phones and internet-based communication have become the preferred choice for most residents. Always consult each provider’s official website for current pricing, as tariffs are updated regularly.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Indonesia, and how can you contact them?

Indonesia’s mobile market has expanded enormously, surpassing 355 million subscriptions as of 2024 and ranking as the third-largest cellular market in the world, behind only India and China. Four operators account for the bulk of the market: Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, XL Axiata, and Smartfren.

Here is an overview of each major operator:

• Telkomsel — Indonesia’s largest mobile operator and one of the most prominent telecoms players in Southeast Asia. A subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, Telkomsel operates a nationwide network that reaches both densely populated cities and remote island communities. Website: www.telkomsel.com. Customer service: dial 188 from a Telkomsel number.
• Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH / IM3) — Created through the merger of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia, this combined entity has risen to become one of the country’s largest telecoms operators. Website: www.indosatooredoo.com. Customers can reach Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison by dialling 185 from an Indosat Ooredoo mobile, or by calling +62 21 5316 1234.
• XL Axiata — The third-largest mobile provider in Indonesia, with coverage extending across roughly 90% of Java, Bali, and Lombok, as well as parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. Website: www.xl.co.id. Customers can reach XL Axiata by dialling 817 from an XL Axiata mobile, or by calling +62 21 5795 4567.
• Smartfren — The smallest of the four main operators and generally the most affordable. Originally a CDMA provider, Smartfren has since transitioned to a GSM 4G/LTE-only network. Because it has no 2G or 3G fallback, its coverage is meaningful only in major cities, though service quality there is adequate for most needs. Website: www.smartfren.com.

In terms of network quality, Telkomsel leads in Bali, with Indosat Ooredoo close behind. In Jakarta and Bandung, all major operators deliver strong 4G coverage, although Telkomsel maintains an advantage, and XL Axiata also performs well in these cities. For remote or rural locations, Telkomsel is by far the safest bet — it is the only operator with a presence in every Indonesian province, meaning a signal is available even in outlying areas.

5G networks are being rolled out gradually across Indonesia, with Telkomsel and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison among the operators that have launched 5G in certain cities. For current pricing and plan information, visit each operator’s official website directly, as tariffs are subject to frequent change.

How do I get a landline connected in Indonesia?

Telkom Indonesia — commonly referred to simply as Telkom — is the country’s largest telecommunications company and the primary option for anyone seeking a conventional copper landline. This state-owned enterprise provides fixed-line, wireless, mobile, and internet services nationwide. For most expats, Telkom will be the default choice for a traditional landline connection, although fibre-based alternatives from providers such as Biznet or MyRepublic may be worth exploring depending on where you live.

The steps involved in getting a landline connected in Indonesia are as follows:

1. Choose your service and check availability. Visit www.telkom.co.id or the IndiHome website to find out which packages are offered at your address. IndiHome bundles combining internet, TV, and a landline are the most popular choice for residential connections.
2. Contact Telkom or visit a service outlet. To arrange a landline connection, call Telkom’s service outlet finder centre on 0-800-1-835566 or 021-2555 5500. The English-language section of the Telkom website lets you search for the nearest outlet in your area.
3. Prepare your documents. You will generally need a copy of your passport and your Indonesian residency permit (KITAS or KITAP), or relevant visa documentation if you are on a short-stay visit. Renters should bring a copy of their tenancy agreement, while property owners may be asked to show proof of ownership. Confirm the precise requirements directly with Telkom, as these may vary.
4. Submit your application. Fill in the application form at a Telkom outlet or via their website. A connection deposit may be required — check with Telkom for the current amount, as this figure is subject to change.
5. Schedule installation. A Telkom technician will visit your property to fit the line and any necessary equipment. In urban areas, installation is typically completed within a few working days to two weeks. In more remote locations, the wait may be considerably longer.
6. Activate and test your line. The technician will confirm that your line is working before leaving. Note your account number somewhere safe, as you will need it for billing enquiries and any future support requests.

Whether you rent or own your home can have a minor bearing on the process. Renters are advised to obtain written permission from their landlord before requesting an installation, since new cabling or equipment may need to be fitted. If you encounter difficulties, you can seek guidance from the telecoms regulator, Badan Regulasi Telekomunikasi Indonesia (BRTI).

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Indonesia?

Acquiring a mobile SIM card in Indonesia is a simple process, and the country’s intensely competitive prepaid market means there is rarely any reason to lock yourself into a long-term contract — especially when you first arrive. A prepaid system known as “Pulsa” is the method most commonly used by people in Indonesia to access mobile calling and data services. Pulsa is essentially prepaid credit that can be used for calls and mobile data on any handset.

For a prepaid SIM card: SIMs are available from official operator stores, phone retailers, and many convenience chains such as Alfamart and Indomaret. Registration of the SIM using your passport is a legal requirement in Indonesia. Telkomsel SIMs are stocked by convenience stores across the country, but for registration purposes a GraPARI store — Telkomsel’s official outlet — is the better option. GraPARI locations are commonly found at airports and railway stations. Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison SIMs, sold under the Freedom brand, are widely available at small shops and resellers, though visiting an official branded store is recommended for a smooth registration experience. XL Axiata SIMs can be found at convenience stores, phone shops, and resellers throughout the country, but an XL Axiata-branded store provides the most reliable registration process.

For a postpaid contract: All major operators offer postpaid plans, but these typically require proof of Indonesian residency — usually a KITAS (temporary stay permit) or KITAP (permanent stay permit) alongside your passport. Tourists and newly arrived expats who have not yet obtained residency documentation are generally restricted to prepaid options until the right paperwork is in place. This is a genuine distinction from some other countries where postpaid accounts are more freely available to foreign nationals.

Telkomsel additionally offers a tourist SIM package that can be ordered online — a convenient way to arrive in Indonesia with a data-ready SIM already in hand. Regardless of which SIM you choose, always register through official channels. Indonesian regulations require every SIM card to be linked to a valid identity document, and failure to register properly can result in service suspension.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Indonesia?

Telephone bills in Indonesia can be settled through a variety of channels, depending on your provider. Most operators allow online payment via credit or debit card through their website or dedicated mobile app. For example, the MyTelkomsel app lets Telkomsel customers top up prepaid credit, pay postpaid bills, and manage their account all in one place — a convenience that most of the major operators now replicate through their own apps.

Bank transfers are another widely used option. You transfer the amount owed from your bank account directly to your service provider’s account, using the bank details supplied by the operator. Many Indonesian banks also allow bill payments through their ATM networks — simply locate your provider in the list of available billers and follow the on-screen prompts.

Convenience stores are a particularly practical alternative for those who prefer settling bills in person. Chains such as Alfamart and Indomaret accept telephone bill payments and are especially popular for prepaid top-ups. E-wallet platforms — including GoPay, OVO, and Dana — are also widely accepted for paying telecoms bills and adding prepaid credit, and their use has grown substantially in recent years.

For Telkom landline customers, bills are issued monthly and must be paid between the 5th and 20th of each month for the previous month’s service. A surcharge applies to payments made after the 20th, and outgoing calls are suspended if the bill remains unpaid by the 30th. This is a notably firm disconnection policy compared with some countries where several reminders are issued before service is cut — so arranging automatic payment or setting a calendar alert is strongly advisable.

Customers who bank with one of Indonesia’s main banks can usually pay their bill at the branch counter, by phone, online, or via ATM. Paying on time is important both to avoid late fees and to prevent any interruption to your service. Always verify the specific payment methods and due dates with your own provider, as these can differ between operators.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Indonesia as a newcomer?

WhatsApp is central to daily life. Internet-based calling through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other VoIP services is free of per-minute charges and relies on your WiFi or mobile data connection instead. WhatsApp in particular sits at the heart of communication in Indonesia — landlords, businesses, government offices, and individuals all use it as their default channel. Having an active Indonesian WhatsApp number will make navigating everyday life considerably easier from day one.

International roaming. If you intend to use your home-country SIM on arrival, check your provider’s roaming rates for Indonesia before you travel, as charges can be substantial. Most operators offer short-term roaming add-ons, but purchasing a local prepaid SIM on arrival is almost always the more cost-effective choice for any stay beyond a couple of days.

eSIM availability. eSIMs are becoming increasingly accessible in Indonesia as the country’s network technology advances. Several operators and third-party services now offer Indonesian eSIMs that can be purchased and activated before you travel — a useful option if your handset supports eSIM and you want an active connection from the moment you step off the plane.

Number portability. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is available in Indonesia, allowing you to switch operators while retaining your existing Indonesian mobile number. The porting process typically takes a few days — somewhat longer than in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands where it can be completed within a single working day — so it pays to plan ahead if you are considering a change of network.

Coverage in popular expat areas. In well-established expat locations such as Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta, the main operators all deliver solid mobile coverage. In the first half of 2025, Telkomsel emerged as the leading performer for network consistency among Indonesia’s mobile providers, recording the highest consistency score of 85.6% according to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence. Signal quality can deteriorate in rural areas, on smaller islands, or in highland terrain. Indonesia’s vast geography — encompassing around 19,000 islands — makes building a comprehensive fibre optic infrastructure extremely challenging, which means the country depends heavily on mobile networks for most of its connectivity needs.

Keeping a foreign number. It is not possible to port a number from a foreign operator onto an Indonesian network — the two systems are entirely separate. If you need to remain reachable on your home-country number, keep that SIM active in a dual-SIM handset alongside your local Indonesian SIM, or consider a VoIP or virtual number service such as Google Voice.

Regulatory oversight. The telecoms industry in Indonesia falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (MoCI) and Badan Regulasi Telekomunikasi Indonesia (BRTI). If a complaint with your operator cannot be resolved through the provider’s own channels, BRTI is the appropriate regulatory body to approach. Further information is available at brti.kominfo.go.id.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Indonesia?

No — porting an international number onto an Indonesian network is not possible, as the two systems operate independently of one another. You can, however, keep your foreign SIM running in a dual-SIM handset alongside a local Indonesian SIM, or use a VoIP or virtual number service to remain reachable on your home-country number.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Indonesia?

For a basic prepaid SIM, a passport is ordinarily all that is needed for registration — a local address is not usually required. Postpaid contracts are a different matter: operators will typically ask for a residency permit (KITAS or KITAP) and a local address. Always register your SIM through an official operator store to ensure full compliance with Indonesian regulations and to avoid any risk of service disruption.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Indonesia?

Yes. Tourists are able to purchase and register a prepaid SIM card using their passport. Telkomsel also offers a tourist SIM package available for purchase online. SIM cards can be found at airports, official operator stores, convenience stores, and countless small phone shops throughout the country.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in Bali?

Telkomsel provides the strongest coverage across Bali, with Indosat Ooredoo coming in second. In the popular expat areas of Bali — including Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, and Kuta — all of the major operators offer dependable 4G service, though Telkomsel is consistently rated the highest for both reliability and speed.

What is “Pulsa” and how do I top up my prepaid SIM?

Pulsa is the prepaid credit system used in Indonesia to pay for mobile calls and data. It is the standard way most people access mobile services in the country. You can add credit at convenience stores such as Alfamart and Indomaret, through your operator’s app, via ATM, or using e-wallet platforms such as GoPay, OVO, or Dana.

How long does a new landline connection take in Indonesia?

In major urban areas, a Telkom landline or IndiHome installation is typically completed within a few working days to two weeks of your application being approved. In less densely populated or remote locations, the process may take longer. For a more precise estimate based on your specific address, contact Telkom directly on 0-800-1-835566 or visit your nearest service outlet.

What happens if I don’t pay my Telkom landline bill on time?

Telkom landline bills are issued monthly and should be settled between the 5th and 20th of each month for the preceding month’s service. Payments made after the 20th attract an additional charge, and outgoing calls are blocked if the account remains unpaid by the 30th. The most reliable way to avoid accidental disconnection is to set up automatic payment through your Indonesian bank account.

Is 5G available in Indonesia, and will my phone work there?

5G is being rolled out progressively in Indonesia, with operators including Telkomsel and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison having launched 5G services in a number of cities, though coverage remains concentrated in certain urban areas. 4G/LTE continues to be the predominant standard and is widely accessible nationwide, supported by an estimated 258 million 4G subscribers. Most modern unlocked smartphones are compatible with Indonesian networks, but it is advisable to confirm that your device supports the relevant frequency bands before you travel.