Yes, for those of you that are asking … yes, of course, there is television in Indonesia!
Television Stations
The Indonesian government’s state television channel is Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI). Private TV stations include:
- ANTV
- B Channel (Jakarta and Java only )
- Bali TV (local coverage in Bali only)
- Global TV
- Indosiar
- Kompas TV
- Metro TV
- MNC TV
- Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia (RCTI)
- Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV)
- Trans 7
- Trans TV
- TV One
Many of the TV stations feature frequent news broadcasting and some include foreign programming. Thus, Indonesian viewers have one government station and a good selection of private television stations to view programming on.
Programming on the government channel is dominated by documentaries, music, culture and the news, with no advertising and only a small amount of foreign programming. The private TV channels offer a wide range of local and foreign programming, with frequent commercial interruptions.
Most expatriates do not rely heavily on local Indonesian television for entertainment. The primary reasons are the language barrier and the high volume of advertising interruptions on local channels. However, many expatriates who employ household staff may choose to provide access to local television, as Indonesian staff typically prefer local programming such as sinetron (soap operas), variety shows, and local news.
Some differences between TV in Indonesia and at home:
Subtitles on foreign programs can help you to learn Bahasa Indonesia, though be forewarned that the translations are not always accurate.News broadcasting on private stations has improved significantly over the years, with increasing competition between networks.Most commercials are in the Indonesian language.Foreign films are occasionally shown on local channels, often later in the evening or on weekends.Popular programming includes Indonesian soap operas (sinetron), as well as imported content from India, Korea, and Latin America.Government ceremonies and speeches may pre-empt regularly scheduled programming.
News Programming
Both the government and private television stations broadcast their own news programs. Metro TV is widely regarded as Indonesia’s closest equivalent to an international-style news channel and offers some programming in English. Other major stations provide comprehensive local news coverage in Bahasa Indonesia.
Private TV stations are generally seen to have broader and more dynamic local news coverage than the government station. With continued competition between networks, the quality of reporting, interviewing, and production continues to improve.
TV Systems
Indonesia now operates on a digital terrestrial broadcasting system (DVB-T2), following the transition from analog television. Electricity is supplied at 220 volts and 50 Hz.
International brands of televisions are widely available, and most homes today use Smart TVs, allowing direct access to streaming platforms and online content.
If you bring a television from overseas, it will generally function without issue for streaming and connected devices. However, compatibility with local broadcast signals may vary depending on the model.
Streaming and Online Entertainment
For most expatriates, streaming services have become the primary way to access entertainment in Indonesia.
Popular platforms available include Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, as well as local services such as Vidio and Vision+.
These platforms offer a wide selection of international content, often with subtitles in multiple languages, making them far more accessible than local television for non-Indonesian speakers.
Internet and Home Connectivity
Reliable internet is essential for home entertainment in Indonesia. Common fibre internet providers include:
IndiHome (widely available, government-linked)Biznet (popular with expatriates for speed and reliability)MyRepublicCBN
Service quality can vary significantly depending on your location. Even within the same city, connection speed and reliability may differ from one neighbourhood to another.
It is highly recommended to speak with your neighbours or others in your housing complex to find out which provider they are using and whether they are satisfied with the connection. This local insight is often the most reliable way to determine which service will work best in your specific area.
In many cases, the house or apartment you rent will already have some form of internet connectivity installed. However, the speed and reliability may not meet your expectations, particularly if you rely heavily on streaming or work from home. If you choose to upgrade the service or change providers, this is typically done at your own expense, as the landlord has already fulfilled their obligation by providing a basic connection.
Cable TV
Within certain areas in Jakarta, particularly in middle and upper class housing complexes, apartments, and commercial buildings, cable television is available through providers such as First Media and Transvision.
If fibre infrastructure has already been installed in your area, you can subscribe and access a wide range of international channels without the need for a satellite dish.
Programming typically includes international news, movies, sports, documentaries, children’s programming, and local channels. Many providers offer bundled packages that include both television and internet services.
Satellite Pay Television
In the past, satellite television was a common solution for accessing international programming in Indonesia. Today, its use has declined significantly in major cities due to the widespread availability of fibre internet and streaming services.
In urban areas such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, most expatriates rely on high-speed internet combined with streaming platforms rather than traditional satellite or pay TV services.
Satellite television remains relevant primarily in areas where reliable fibre or cable infrastructure is not yet available. This includes more remote regions of Indonesia, as well as certain industrial or project-based locations.
In these situations, satellite services can still provide access to international channels and are often used by companies operating in remote areas to supply television access to staff housing or camps.
For expatriates living outside major cities, satellite television may still be a practical option, particularly if internet speeds are not sufficient to support streaming.
TV Coverage outside Jakarta
While the government television station, TVRI, is accessible throughout most of Indonesia, private television coverage can vary depending on the region.
Satellite dishes are still commonly used in more remote areas to ensure access to both local and international programming.
Many multinational companies operating in remote locations provide satellite television access within staff housing or camps.
Physical Media
Physical media such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs are still available in Indonesia, though their use has declined significantly due to the popularity of streaming services. Most expatriates rely on digital platforms for their entertainment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Netflix in Indonesia?
Yes, Netflix and other major streaming platforms are widely available and commonly used by expatriates.
Can I watch international sporting leagues in Indonesia?
Yes, international sporting leagues such as the English Premier League, American football (NFL), basketball (NBA), and hockey (NHL), as well as major international sporting events, are available in Indonesia. Access is typically through cable providers, sports streaming platforms, or subscription-based services. Many expatriates choose to watch sports through streaming services, depending on availability and broadcast rights.
Do I need cable TV in Indonesia?
Not necessarily. Most expatriates rely on streaming services combined with high-speed internet rather than traditional cable TV.
Is internet fast enough for streaming in Indonesia?
In major cities and expat residential areas, fibre internet is generally reliable and supports high-quality streaming. Performance can vary depending on your specific location and provider.
Can I watch TV from my home country?
Yes, many expatriates access international content through streaming platforms or other online services.
Is local Indonesian TV useful for expats?
Local TV can be helpful for learning Bahasa Indonesia and staying informed about local events, but most expatriates prefer international content due to language and programming style.
