Reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote work. Jakarta delivers — but only if you pick the right providers and plans. This guide covers everything from buying your first SIM card at the airport to setting up fiber at home, based on what we actually use daily in Jakarta.
TL;DR
| Need | Best Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data (best coverage) | Telkomsel (Halo/Prepaid) | $6–$15/month |
| Mobile data (best value) | By.U (digital-only) | $3–$8/month |
| Home fiber (most reliable) | IndiHome (Telkom) | $18–$35/month |
| Home fiber (fastest) | Biznet | $20–$40/month |
| Coworking WiFi | GoWork, WeWork, CoHive | $50–$200/month |
| Backup hotspot | Telkomsel 5G mobile hotspot | ~$6/month add-on |
Mobile SIM Cards: The 4 Providers You Need to Know
Indonesia has four major mobile operators. Here’s how they compare for digital nomads in Jakarta.
Provider Comparison
| Provider | Network | 5G in Jakarta | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkomsel | 4G/5G | Yes (expanding) | Best nationwide | Reliability, travel outside Jakarta |
| XL Axiata | 4G/5G | Yes (limited) | Good in Jakarta | Budget plans with decent speed |
| Indosat (IM3) | 4G/5G | Yes (limited) | Good in Jakarta | Data-heavy prepaid packs |
| By.U (by Telkomsel) | 4G/5G | Via Telkomsel | Same as Telkomsel | Full app-based, no shop visit needed |
Prepaid Plan Comparison (April 2026)
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkomsel Prepaid | 25 GB | 30 days | IDR 100,000 | ~$6 |
| Telkomsel Prepaid | 50 GB | 30 days | IDR 175,000 | ~$11 |
| XL Axiata Xtra Combo | 30 GB | 30 days | IDR 99,000 | ~$6 |
| XL Axiata Xtra Combo | 55 GB | 30 days | IDR 149,000 | ~$9 |
| Indosat (IM3) Freedom | 35 GB | 30 days | IDR 100,000 | ~$6 |
| Indosat (IM3) Freedom | 60 GB | 30 days | IDR 150,000 | ~$9 |
| By.U Custom | 30 GB | 30 days | IDR 75,000 | ~$4.50 |
| By.U Custom | 50 GB | 30 days | IDR 120,000 | ~$7.50 |
Pro tip: By.U runs on Telkomsel’s network but costs 20–30% less because there are no retail stores — everything is managed through the app. If you’re comfortable doing setup on your phone, it’s the best value option.
Where to Buy a SIM Card
At the airport (CGK Soekarno-Hatta):
- Telkomsel and XL counters are in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. Look for the branded kiosks after customs.
- Expect to pay a slight markup (IDR 20,000–50,000 more than city prices). Worth it for the convenience.
In the city:
- GraPARI (Telkomsel’s official store) — locations in most major malls including Grand Indonesia, Plaza Senayan, and Gandaria City.
- XL Center and Indosat shops are also in malls, but less common.
- Convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart) sell prepaid SIM starter packs, but staff may not help with registration.
Online (By.U only):
- Download the By.U app, order a SIM for delivery or pick up an eSIM instantly. No shop visit required.
SIM Registration Process
Indonesia requires all SIM cards to be registered with a valid ID. As a foreigner, you need:
- Your passport (the one with your active visa)
- A local phone number or hotel address for the registration form
- Biometric selfie — some providers now require a face scan through their app
Registration is done either at the point of sale or through the provider’s app. At GraPARI, staff handle everything — it takes about 15 minutes. If you buy at a convenience store, you’ll need to self-register via SMS or the MyTelkomsel/MyIM3/MyXL app within 24 hours.
Pro tip: If your phone supports eSIM, Telkomsel and By.U both offer eSIM activation. You can set this up before you even land — useful if you want data working the moment you clear immigration.
Home Internet: Fiber Options for Your Apartment
If you’re staying in Jakarta for more than a couple of weeks, home fiber is a game-changer. Most apartments and kost (boarding houses) in central Jakarta have at least one fiber provider available.
Home ISP Comparison
| ISP | Speed Options | Monthly Cost (IDR) | Monthly Cost (USD) | Contract | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiHome (Telkom) | 30–300 Mbps | IDR 280K–550K | $17–$34 | 12 months | Widest coverage, most stable |
| Biznet | 75–500 Mbps | IDR 350K–650K | $22–$40 | 12 months | Fastest speeds, modern network |
| First Media | 50–300 Mbps | IDR 300K–500K | $19–$31 | 12 months | Bundled with cable TV |
| MyRepublic | 50–300 Mbps | IDR 300K–550K | $19–$34 | 12 months | Good customer service app |
We use IndiHome 100 Mbps at home. It runs at IDR 399,000/month (~$25) and delivers consistent 80–100 Mbps downloads. Not the fastest on paper, but the coverage is unmatched — IndiHome works in buildings where other providers can’t reach. Outages happen maybe once every 2–3 months and are usually resolved within a few hours.
Pro tip: Ask your apartment management which ISPs are available before you sign a lease. Some buildings are locked into exclusive deals with one provider. In newer apartments in SCBD and Sudirman, you’ll usually have 2–3 options.
Installation Timeline
- IndiHome: 3–7 business days after registration
- Biznet: 5–10 business days (longer waitlist in popular areas)
- First Media / MyRepublic: 3–7 business days
You’ll need your KITAS/passport and a copy of your rental agreement for installation. The technician visit is free; they’ll install an ONT (fiber modem) and usually a basic WiFi router.
Coworking Space WiFi
Most coworking spaces in Jakarta offer 50–100 Mbps symmetrical connections. A few standouts:
| Space | Speed | Day Pass | Monthly | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoWork | 80–100 Mbps | IDR 150K (~$9) | IDR 1.5M (~$93) | Multiple locations |
| WeWork | 100+ Mbps | IDR 250K (~$15) | IDR 3.2M (~$200) | SCBD, Sudirman |
| CoHive | 50–80 Mbps | IDR 100K (~$6) | IDR 800K (~$50) | Mega Kuningan, Slipi |
For cafe-based coworking, expect 15–40 Mbps at most laptop-friendly spots. Fine for calls and general work, but not reliable enough to be your only connection.
The Backup Plan: Mobile Hotspot
Even with good home fiber, having a mobile hotspot ready is essential in Jakarta. Power outages, building maintenance, and the occasional ISP hiccup all happen.
Our setup:
- Primary: IndiHome 100 Mbps fiber
- Backup: Telkomsel 5G hotspot from phone (25 GB data plan)
- Emergency: Grab a seat at the nearest mall Starbucks or coworking space
Telkomsel’s 5G network in central Jakarta (Sudirman, SCBD, Menteng, Kuningan) delivers 100–300 Mbps in real-world tests. Even on 4G, you’ll get a solid 20–50 Mbps — more than enough for video calls.
Pro tip: Enable hotspot on your Telkomsel plan (it’s usually included, but check via the MyTelkomsel app). Keep a second device charged and ready. The 5 minutes it takes to switch to hotspot when your fiber drops can save a client call.
FAQ
Do I need a local phone number for apps like Grab and Gojek? Yes. Both ride-hailing apps require an Indonesian phone number for registration. Get your SIM card set up before trying to use them.
Can I use an international eSIM (like Airalo) instead? You can, but it’s significantly more expensive — roughly 3–5x the cost of a local SIM for the same data. Fine for your first 24 hours, but switch to a local provider as soon as possible.
What speeds do I actually need for remote work? For video calls (Zoom, Google Meet): 10 Mbps up/down minimum, 25 Mbps recommended. For general work: 20 Mbps is plenty. Any of the home fiber plans above will handle this easily.
Is 5G worth it in Jakarta? In central Jakarta, yes — the speeds are genuinely impressive. But 5G coverage is still patchy outside the CBD. Don’t choose a provider solely for 5G; 4G LTE is more than sufficient for mobile backup.
What about VPN usage? Indonesia blocks some websites (Reddit, certain streaming services). A VPN is practically required. Most work fine — we use one daily without issues on both Telkomsel and IndiHome. No legal concerns for personal use.
Can I get home internet without a long-term contract? Some providers offer month-to-month plans at a premium (usually 20–30% more). IndiHome’s standard 12-month contract includes an early termination fee of around IDR 1,000,000 (~$62). If you’re staying 3+ months, the contract is usually worth it.
Last updated: April 2026. Prices and plans change frequently — we’ll update this guide quarterly. If you spot outdated info, let us know.