Indonesia internet guide

Mobile network operators

Indonesia has three main mobile operators:

Telkomsel: largest, state-owned incumbent (subsidiary of Telkom). Best coverage across the archipelago including remote areas ^[1]. Most expensive.
XL Axiata: second-largest, competitive data pricing, strong in Java and Bali ^[2].
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison: formed by the merger of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia in 2022 ^[3]. Competitive data plans, growing coverage.
Smartfren: fourth operator, known for affordable data but limited voice coverage outside Java.

Tourist SIM (prepaid): available at airport arrivals (Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya). 7-30 days data for 50,000-150,000 IDR (3-9 EUR). Passport required.
Standard prepaid SIM: available at operator stores. Passport + valid visa (KITAS/KITAP or tourist visa). Data packages from 50,000 IDR/month for 5 GB; 100,000 IDR/month for 30 GB.
Postpaid SIM: requires KITAS/KITAP + NPWP (tax ID) or work permit + proof of address. Monthly plans from 100,000-500,000 IDR.
eSIM: supported by Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat. Prepaid eSIM available online before arrival (tourist packages). Postpaid eSIM requires in-store verification.
Registration law: you must register all SIMs to an individual using their NIK (national ID number) for Indonesian citizens or passport number for foreigners. Failure to register results in blocking within 30 days.

IndiHome (Telkom): the dominant fixed broadband provider. 20-300 Mbps for 250,000-1,000,000 IDR/month (15-60 EUR) depending on speed and TV bundle. Telkom has the most extensive fibre reach ^[1].
First Media: cable broadband in Jabodetabek, Surabaya, and Bali. 100-500 Mbps for 300,000-700,000 IDR/month.
MyRepublic: fibre broadband in selected buildings in Jakarta and Bali. 100-500 Mbps for 250,000-600,000 IDR/month.
CBN: fibre in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali. 100-300 Mbps for 250,000-500,000 IDR/month.
Biznet: fibre in Jakarta and Bali. 200 Mbps-1 Gbps for 300,000-800,000 IDR/month. Popular for higher reliability.

Installation: 3-7 working days. Fibre-to-the-home in most urban developments. IndiHome has the widest coverage but variable reliability.

4G/LTE: widespread in Java and Bali. Good coverage in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi cities. Variable in Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua.
5G: launched in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and parts of Bali (Kuta, Seminyak) by Telkomsel and XL. Coverage limited.
Speed test averages (2026): mobile download 15-40 Mbps (Java/Bali), 5-20 Mbps (outer islands). Fibre: 50-300 Mbps depending on provider and location.
Starlink: launched in Indonesia in 2024. Effective in remote areas without fibre coverage. Monthly subscription roughly 750,000 IDR + hardware 10 million IDR (one-time). Popular in Bali for areas with poor IndiHome coverage.

Prepaid mobile: 50,000-150,000 IDR/month for 10-30 GB. Frequent "bucket" promotions halve the usual rate.
Postpaid mobile: 100,000-500,000 IDR/month for 20-60 GB + voice. Unlimited plans typically throttle after daily/weekly caps (e.g. 1 GB/day then reduced to 2 Mbps).
Broadband: 250,000-800,000 IDR/month for 100-500 Mbps.
Coffee shop WiFi: free in most cafes in Java and Bali. Speeds 2-20 Mbps.

Bali-specific: IndiHome is the default fibre provider but can be unreliable. MyRepublic, CBN, Biznet are better where available. Starlink is a popular backup or primary option for villas in Canggu/Uluwatu where fibre has not yet reached.
Censorship: Indonesia has some internet censorship. The law mandates blocking pornography sites by default. Political content and some news sites are occasionally blocked.
SIM top-up: available at all minimarkets (Alfamart, Indomaret), operator stores, or via mobile banking. e-wallet top-up (GoPay) also works.
Number locking: phones sold in Indonesia are often carrier-locked to the operator that sold them if bought on a postpaid contract. Unlocked phones are widely available.
Dual SIM: standard on most phones. Popular combo: Telkomsel for voice + XL or Indosat for data.

Public WiFi: available in major shopping centres, airports, and some public spaces (Alun-Alun / town squares). Registration required (passport for foreign visitors).
WiFi calling: supported by Telkomsel and XL.

This page is indicative. Confirm current packages directly with the operator.