Before traveling to Indonesia, it is important to consider the local internet environment. If you are visiting for only a day or two for leisure, free Wi-Fi available in urban areas or hotels may be sufficient. However, for those traveling for business or staying long term, that alone may not be enough.

This article provides an overview of essential information regarding Wi-Fi in Indonesia that you should know before departure. It introduces the current state of Wi-Fi in Indonesia, recommended pocket Wi-Fi routers available for preparation either in Japan or in Indonesia, and how to set them up.

Additionally, it summarizes key precautions when using Wi-Fi in Indonesia, which we hope you will find helpful.

Communication Methods After Arrival in Indonesia and Wi-Fi Conditions in Jakarta

In recent years, Wi-Fi infrastructure has been improving in Indonesia. Free Wi-Fi is commonly available in locations frequented by tourists, such as shopping malls, cafes, airports, and other public places.

While accessing Wi-Fi in major cities like Jakarta is generally not a problem, it can be more difficult to find free Wi-Fi in suburban areas or in small to mid-sized cities.

Even when free Wi-Fi is available, there are several caveats to keep in mind: high traffic can lead to slower connection speeds, and there is a potential risk of personal information being compromised.

Therefore, especially for those visiting Indonesia for business purposes, free Wi-Fi in public areas should only be considered supplementary. It is highly recommended to establish your own secure internet connection. If you prefer to avoid the hassle of making such arrangements, please feel free to contact PT. TRICRUISE MARKETING INDONESIA prior to your field visit to Jakarta.

Which Is Better in Indonesia: Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM Card?

There are two primary options for internet access in Indonesia: renting or purchasing a pocket Wi-Fi device, or purchasing a local SIM card.

Pocket Wi-Fi vs. SIM Card

One of the key advantages of using pocket Wi-Fi is that setup is simple, and multiple devices can be connected simultaneously. Additionally, many providers offer strong customer support, including 24-hour service in case of any technical issues.

However, renting a pocket Wi-Fi device—especially in Japan—tends to be more expensive compared to using a SIM card. There is also a risk of misplacing the device. Since both options can be arranged before traveling to Indonesia, it is advisable to complete the rental or purchase process in advance.

If you’re unsure which to choose, consider your usage needs—whether you’ll be using multiple devices or traveling in a group—and prioritize based on whether cost savings or robust support is more important to you.

Recommended Pocket Wi-Fi Options Available in Indonesia

If you are unable to obtain a pocket Wi-Fi device before departing Japan, purchasing one locally in Indonesia is a viable alternative.

Pocket Wi-Fi devices can be purchased at retail outlets operated by local telecom providers after arriving in Indonesia. Pricing varies depending on the number of usage days, data capacity, and battery life.

Please note that you may be asked to present identification, such as a passport, at the time of purchase. Be sure to carry necessary documents when visiting a retail store.

Telkomsel

Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest telecom company, offers pocket Wi-Fi devices that are popular among both tourists and business travelers.

Several plans are available. For example, the basic “MiFi Lite” plan provides 10GB of data over 30 days and costs IDR 75,000 (approx. $4.80 USD). Other plans offer 20–30GB over 30 days or cover up to 60 days.

Given Telkomsel’s broad coverage—including not only Jakarta but also rural areas—and its extensive network of retail locations, this provider is an ideal first choice for those using pocket Wi-Fi in Indonesia for the first time.

TP-LINK

TP-LINK, headquartered in Singapore, is another widely used pocket Wi-Fi provider among travelers to Indonesia.

The “M7350” model, for instance, supports up to 10 connected devices and boasts a download speed of up to 150 Mbps, which is sufficient for streaming movies and conducting online meetings. Even with continuous use, the battery lasts up to 8 hours, making it ideal for extended outings.

TP-LINK also offers models like the “M7650,” which supports up to 32 devices. With a wide range of models and plans, users can choose a pocket Wi-Fi device tailored to their usage volume, duration of stay, and budget.

Smartfren

Smartfren is a major telecom provider in Indonesia and offers a variety of pocket Wi-Fi plans. Users can choose between prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (12-month contract) options.

For example, prepaid plans range from 10GB to 65GB over a 30-day period. The 10GB/30-day plan is priced at IDR 30,000 (approx. $1.90 USD), while the 65GB/30-day plan costs IDR 200,000 (approx. $12.90 USD).

Smartfren devices can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously. They are compact, portable, and feature an intuitive interface, making them easy to operate.

Precautions When Using Pocket Wi-Fi in Indonesia

A Local Indonesian Phone Number May Be Required

In general, you can use pocket Wi-Fi with a SIM-free device even if you don’t have an Indonesian phone number, meaning you can connect your smartphone with a Japanese SIM card without any issue. However, in some cases, a local Indonesian number may be required to sign up for a Wi-Fi plan. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a local SIM card before signing the Wi-Fi contract.

When purchasing pocket Wi-Fi at a local retailer, it is recommended to check whether you can access the app associated with the device before making payment, to ensure that setup will proceed smoothly.

Voice Calls Can Be Expensive

If you are using a Japanese mobile carrier such as au or SoftBank, you normally use their network for voice calls while in Japan. However, once you are in Indonesia, you will be connected to a local network instead, since Japanese carriers do not provide coverage there.

As a result, even if you are using pocket Wi-Fi, which only incurs the rental or purchase cost, any voice calls made using the local network will incur separate—and often high—charges.

To avoid high calling fees, we recommend using free voice and chat apps such as WhatsApp or LINE.

C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500

Choose Your Wi-Fi Option Based on Duration and Usage

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, it is essential to select your pocket Wi-Fi option based on factors such as the duration of your stay, your specific location within Indonesia, and whether you will need to connect multiple people or devices to the internet simultaneously.

For longer stays, purchasing a local SIM card may prove to be more cost-effective than using pocket Wi-Fi. If you choose to rent a pocket Wi-Fi device in Japan, be sure to compare the available services in terms of pricing, coverage area, and insurance options.

Pocket Wi-Fi devices and SIM cards are also available locally in Indonesia, so even if you do not have time to arrange them before departure, there is no need to worry.

We encourage those preparing to travel to Indonesia to use this article as a reference when considering how to establish a reliable internet environment during your stay.