The telecommunications landscape in Indonesia has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Where landlines were once the cornerstone of international communication, most expatriates today rely primarily on mobile phones and internet-based services for both local and international calls. That said, landlines still have a role to play in an expat home — and in some cases, they remain essential.
Modern International Calling: The Practical First Choice
For the vast majority of international calls, expatriates in Indonesia now use internet-based (VoIP) services. These are free or extremely low cost, require no special installation, and work from any smartphone or computer.
WhatsApp is the dominant communication app in Indonesia and is widely used across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It offers free voice and video calls over WiFi or mobile data. Both parties need the app installed. WhatsApp cannot call regular landlines or mobile numbers not registered on the app, and it does not support emergency calls.
FaceTime (Apple devices)
Free voice and video calls between Apple users worldwide. Excellent quality over a stable WiFi or 4G connection.
Google Meet / Zoom / Microsoft Teams
Widely used for business calls and family video calls. Free tiers support most personal use cases.
VoIP Services for Calling Landlines
If you need to call a landline or a non-app mobile number in your home country, dedicated VoIP services allow you to do this at very low rates. Options include Google Voice, Viber Out, and various app-based international calling services. These route your call over the internet but terminate on the traditional phone network at the other end.
Tip: Note that Skype — once a popular choice for expats — shut down permanently in May 2025. If you were using Skype, switch to one of the alternatives above.
International Direct Dialing (IDD) from a Landline
If your home has a landline and you wish to use it for international calls, you will need International Direct Dialing (IDD) access enabled on your line. If your home is not already equipped with IDD access, you will need to place overseas calls through an operator at a significantly higher rate. If a landline is important to you, ask your landlord to confirm IDD access is enabled before you move in.
How to Dial Internationally from an Indonesian Landline
Each telephone provider has its own IDD access code. Once you know your provider’s code, the dialing format is:
STANDARD FORMATIDD Access Code + Country Code + Area Code + Phone Number
EXAMPLE: CALLING CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE, USA VIA INDOSAT001 – 1 – 509 – 555 9999
Common IDD access codes from Indonesian landlines:
| Provider | IDD Access Code |
|---|---|
| Indosat Ooredoo | 001 or 008 |
| Telkom Indonesia | 007 |
| Other providers | Check with your provider |
Alternatively, from any phone in Indonesia, dialing + (the international prefix) followed by the country code and number will work — the + symbol automatically replaces the IDD code on modern handsets and smartphones.
Calling Indonesia from abroad: Indonesia’s country code is +62. When calling an Indonesian number from overseas, dial your country’s exit code + 62 + area code (dropping the leading 0) + subscriber number. For example, to call a Jakarta landline from the US: 011 – 62 – 21 – XXXX XXXX.
Landlines and IndiHome Bundles
Many expatriate homes in Jakarta subscribe to Telkom Indonesia’s IndiHome service, which bundles high-speed fiber broadband, cable TV (UseeTV), and a landline telephone into a single monthly package. If your home has IndiHome, you very likely already have a working landline — even if no one has been using it.
This is worth knowing because it means the cost of maintaining a landline may already be built into your internet package, making it essentially free to keep active.
Why You Might Still Want a Working Landline
With nearly everyone carrying a smartphone, it’s tempting to ignore the landline socket on the wall. However, there are several good reasons to keep a working landline in your home in Indonesia:
1. Home Security Systems
Some residential security companies operating in Indonesia — particularly older or locally-operated providers — still require a working landline as the primary communication link between your alarm system and their monitoring centre. Before choosing a security provider, confirm what communication method their system uses. While modern security systems can communicate via cellular signal or internet (and these are generally considered more tamper-proof than landlines, since a landline can be cut by an intruder), some companies have not yet updated their infrastructure. If your security contract requires a landline, make sure yours is active and IDD-capable if the monitoring centre is based overseas.
For maximum reliability, security professionals recommend a dual system: a landline or internet connection as the primary alert channel, with cellular backup in case the primary connection is severed.
2. Power Outages
Jakarta experiences PLN power outages with some regularity. Traditional copper-wire landline phones draw power from the telephone exchange itself — meaning a corded landline phone continues to work even when your home electricity is out. Mobile phones and cordless phones, by contrast, require charging. If your mobile battery is depleted during a power outage, a corded landline can be a critical backup.
Note: This advantage applies specifically to a corded (wired) landline phone. Cordless phones require mains power for their base station and will not work during an outage.
3. Emergency Services
Calls placed from a landline transmit a fixed physical address to the emergency operator, which can be critically important if a caller is unable to speak clearly or describe their location. Emergency calls from mobile phones do not always provide the same location precision. Having a telephone near the bedroom and in the living area — with emergency numbers posted beside it in both English and Indonesian — remains good practice, particularly for families with household staff or young children.
4. Fax
Fax remains in use at some Indonesian government offices, schools, and businesses. If your employer or any institution you deal with requires occasional fax communication, a landline supports this without additional equipment.
5. Reliable Call Quality for Business
Despite Indonesia’s expanding 4G and 5G networks, mobile signal quality can still be variable in some residential areas. A landline or a VoIP phone connected via a fibre broadband line can provide more consistent audio quality for important business calls or formal conference calls.
6. Household Staff Communication
A home telephone is a straightforward tool for household staff — drivers, helpers, and security personnel — to reach you or to contact emergency services, without requiring them to use a personal mobile. It also provides a simple, consistent way for schools, clinics, and services to reach your household.
Emergency and Operator Numbers
The following are Indonesia’s primary emergency contact numbers, reachable from any phone:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) | 112 |
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance / Medical | 118 or 119 |
| Fire Department | 113 |
| Search and Rescue (Basarnas) | 115 |
Practical tip: Print a list of emergency numbers — in both English and Indonesian — and post it beside each telephone in your home. Include simple emergency phrases in Indonesian for the benefit of household staff. Keep a pen and paper by each phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a landline in my home in Indonesia?
While most expatriates rely entirely on mobile phones and internet-based services, a landline can still be highly useful. It serves as a reliable backup for emergencies, a tool for household staff communication, a connection for certain older home security systems, and a stable option for business calls if mobile signals fluctuate.
What is the cheapest way to call home internationally from Indonesia?
The cheapest way is using internet-based (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet, or Zoom, which offer free voice and video calls over WiFi or mobile data. For calling traditional landlines or non-app numbers abroad, dedicated low-rate VoIP services like Google Voice or Viber Out are recommended. (Note: Skype was permanently shut down in May 2025).
What is the IDD access code for calling internationally from an Indonesian landline?
The code depends on your telephone provider. The most common codes are 001 or 008 for Indosat Ooredoo, and 007 for Telkom Indonesia. Alternatively, on modern handsets and smartphones, you can simply use the + symbol, which automatically replaces the IDD code.
How do I call an Indonesian number from overseas?
Indonesia’s country code is +62. To call from abroad, dial your country’s exit code, followed by 62, then the Indonesian area code (dropping the leading 0), and finally the subscriber number. For example, to call a Jakarta landline (021) from the US, you would dial: 011 – 62 – 21 – XXXX XXXX.
Does my home security system need a landline?
It depends on the provider. Some older or locally-operated security companies in Indonesia still require a working landline to connect your alarm to their monitoring centre. Modern systems usually use cellular or internet connections. It is highly recommended to check with your security provider and consider a dual system (landline/internet with cellular backup) for maximum reliability.
Will a landline phone work during a PLN power outage?
Yes, but only if it is a traditional corded (wired) telephone. Corded landlines draw power directly from the telephone exchange, so they will continue to work during a power outage. Cordless phones will not work because their base stations require mains electricity.
What is IndiHome and does it include a landline?
IndiHome is a popular service package from Telkom Indonesia that bundles high-speed fiber broadband internet, cable TV (UseeTV), and a landline telephone into one monthly subscription. If your home has an IndiHome bundle, a working landline is likely already included and active at no extra cost.
Can WhatsApp call a landline number?
No. WhatsApp can only make calls to other users who have the app installed and registered on a mobile number. It cannot call traditional landlines, non-app mobile numbers, or emergency services.
What is the emergency number in Indonesia?
The general emergency number reachable from any phone is 112 (covers Police, Ambulance, and Fire). You can also dial direct lines: 110 for Police, 118 or 119 for Ambulance/Medical, 113 for the Fire Department, and 115 for Search and Rescue (Basarnas).
