Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are popular with Indonesian residents to access the web in their country. If you are traveling or moving to Indonesia it’s important to find a secure VPN provider to protect your privacy online. We reveal the best VPNs for Indonesia that can provide strong security features, plus allow you to access your websites and streaming services from back home.

One of the reasons for a large number of VPN users could be Indonesia’s frequent blockage of popular sites like Reddit, Vimeo, Netflix, and Imgur for promoting content deemed vulgar and obscene. The Indonesian government takes a hard line toward pornography and pro-LGBT material. In one instance it even forced social media app LINE to remove certain stickers from its store.

Internet advocacy body Freedom House says Indonesia’s internet is only “partly free” with regular interruptions to content and arrest of bloggers cited as concerns.

That’s why we recommend using a VPN to browse the web in Indonesia. It’s an excellent piece of software that masks your true location by routing internet traffic via an intermediary server. A VPN encrypts said traffic flowing to and from your device so that nosy surveillance agencies like the NSA and budding hackers are kept at bay.

Additionally, for those in Indonesia that want to access international geo-restricted content such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer or other popular streaming services a VPN is a great solution.

We’ll cover each recommended VPN in detail, but if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here is a quick round-up of our top choice VPNs.

Best VPNs for Indonesia:

  • NordVPN Our top choice VPN for Indonesia. Massive network of fast and secure servers. All traffic is encrypted and no logs are stored. Includes 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark A low-cost provider with impressive security features, solid speeds, and no connection limits.
  • ExpressVPN Blazingly fast speeds for streaming and downloading. Unblocks most restricted, censored, and geo-blocked sites and services. Strong on privacy and security.
  • CyberGhost Easy to use apps are great for beginners and non-technical users. Privacy and security are more than adequate. Hit good speeds during testing.
  • IPVanish All traffic is encrypted. Users can sign up anonymously. Speeds are good for streaming.
  • VyprVPN Over-zealous on security and privacy. User-friendly apps and achieves good speeds. A bit pricey.
  • Hotspot Shield Great for high speed online tasks like streaming and torrenting. Plenty of server locations in 80+ countries.

A VPN is also a handy option for expatriates living in Indonesia looking to unlock local media content from back home such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, or BeIN Sports.

How to choose the best VPN for Indonesia

There are so many VPNs on the market it can be very hard to decide which one is right for you. We’ve carefully researched each VPN on our list and checked for specific criteria so we know it’s one of the best VPNs for Indonesia. Our ranking of VPNs is based on the following factors:

  • Speed and reliability of service
  • Strong encryption parameters
  • No usage logs
  • Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease
  • Servers in Indonesia
  • Apps for Android and iOS

We discuss our methodology further below in this article.

The best VPNs for Indonesia – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Indonesia.

Best VPNs for Indonesia

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is one of the older VPN providers because it’s been in the industry for over a decade. This experience has helped it garner a big pool of users and continually fine-tune the product.

The company also declines to retain any information about users – which means there’s no data about browsing habits, choice of servers, or time of connection. In a couple of instances, it has received official requests to hand over customer data but this policy meant that it simply wasn’t able to. Privacy advocates will be pleased.

NordVPN operates over 5,000 servers in 60 countries – with options to connect to specific requirements such as anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, and Tor over VPN.

There are two servers based in Indonesia so local residents might find that to be a handy option for unlocking content while traveling abroad.

It’s able to overcome the Netflix VPN ban and works with both Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Nord’s encryption standards are among the best in the business – it uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled.

There’s support for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR INDONESIA:NordVPN is our top pick. A great value option which unblocks most geo-restricted content. Great privacy and security credentials. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fast enough speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
  • Strong encryption and no logs make for top security and privacy
  • Allows 6 simultaneous connections on one account
  • Unblocks most popular geo-locked streaming services
  • Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux and Android

Cons:

  • The Desktop app takes some getting used to

Our score:

Here’s our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark boasts more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Indonesia included. It’s generally very fast, and unblocks a wide range of geo-blocked services from abroad, so whether you’re looking to torrent, stream, or just browse safely, this is a great option. What’s more, it’s very reasonably priced and allows you to secure all of your devices at once.

This VPN takes your security very seriously. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, automatic wifi protection, and leak protection to ensure that your activities are never exposed to snoopers. Further, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it can’t tell anyone what you get up to online. 24/7 support is on-hand over live chat.

Surfshar has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration is required for supported routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost provider that nevertheless boasts strong security features, impressive speeds, and the ability to browse freely in Indonesia. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast enough for uninterrupted streaming

  • Works well with major services like Netflix

  • Great range of security features

  • No-logs policy

  • Connect all of your devices at once

  • Has the occasional slow server

Check out our in-depth Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a simple, easy-to-use VPN but don’t let its minimalist design fool you. The service offers blazing fast speeds coupled with sturdy encryption, making it one of the best VPNs in the market today. It’s a bit pricier than the rest but you get what you pay for in terms of customer service and quality of the product.

The company operates over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries including a few in Indonesia, although it doesn’t specify exactly how many. This means local residents can access content like MyRepublic when traveling abroad. All you have to do is log in to the service, select a server in Indonesia, and then access local entertainment like you normally would.

If you’re feeling skittish about factors like anonymity while browsing the web, then ExpressVPN’s policy of not storing any traffic logs should ease your concerns. The only information it does store is some minimal metadata pertaining to the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used”. This is stored for troubleshooting, claims the company. Your individual IP address will never be logged.

Encryption standards are similarly strong. ExpressVPN deploys 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company refers to as a ‘network lock’, meaning all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops unexpectedly – keeping it secure.

The service works with Netflix without any problems. It’s similarly compatible with both Hulu and BBC iPlayer and supports torrenting.

There are apps for Android and iOS as well as desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

HIGH SPEEDS, STRONG SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a highly versatile service. Optimized for high-speed connections. Scores high above its rivals for unblocking geo-restricted content. Hard to beat on privacy and security. 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

  • Fantastic speeds for downloading and streaming

  • High-grade encryption, security and privacy throughout

  • Keeps no traffic logs of personal data

  • Access geo-restricted content from anywhere

  • Not the cheapest provider in this list

  • Doesn’t offer much control over advanced functionality

Here’s our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is an ideal VPN for beginner users as it’s easy to set up and doesn’t come with a ton of embedded security options. Prices are within mid-range so it won’t burn a hole in your wallet, either.

The company is headquartered in Romania and has a policy of not logging any user behavior. Romanian law doesn’t force VPN companies to store data, either. However, CyberGhost was recently acquired by an Israeli firm based in the UK so this might affect the terms of use. We’ll keep you updated if we hear more.

There’s a decent selection of servers with over 3,674 of them in 59 countries. The company’s website says new locations are being added constantly. There are 8 servers to chose from in Indonesia, and a few more at nearby locations such as Singapore and Japan.

Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.

The service isn’t able to unblock content on US Netflix but does work on BBC iPlayer.

When it comes to security and encryption protocols, CyberGhost Pro ranks within the top-tier. It uses 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default along with 2,048-bit RSA keys and MD5 HMAC authentication.

There’s an internet kill switch included, which means web traffic will be halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.

BEGINNERS’ CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. Can struggle with unblocking some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Scored very highly in our speed testing

  • Operates 8 Indonesian servers

  • Kill switch on all apps and keeps no logs

  • Beginners find their apps easy to set up and use

  • Doesn’t unblock all major streaming sites

  • May be less suitable for experienced users

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is another speedy VPN service that won’t compromise on encryption parameters or privacy. It’s completely logless – meaning there’s no retention of user data of any nature. The only time it records some information is when an account is registered for the first time – absolutely nothing after that.

Encryption protocols are strong too. IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The last feature means that even if a malicious entity forces its way into your account, it’ll still not be able to figure out the details of your past web sessions. Your data will remain encrypted and secure.

Included within the service is an internet kill switch which adds an additional layer of security. This means web traffic is temporarily halted if the connection drops so there’s no open window for prying eyes to snoop in.

Servers are stable and secure with speed a paramount focus. There are over 1,200 of them spread across 60 countries. At the moment there isn’t an option to connect to an Indonesian server but there are 80+ present in the Asian continent so IPVanish should still deliver on your requirements.

Users find it to be an excellent choice for BBC iPlayer.

There are apps for both iOS and Android as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.

IPVanish is similarly popular with Kodi users because it allows them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is also remote control friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.

EASY TO USE:IPVanish is great for families. Generally solid for folks who need the highest standard of privacy. Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast speeds during our tests for downloading and streaming

  • Operates a network of more than 1,100 servers in 60+ countries

  • Keeps no logs whatsoever

  • Strong encryption makes apps secure and private

  • Doesn’t offer a cryptocurrency payment method

  • No true live chat support

Read our full review of IPVanish.

6. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN puts a great deal of emphasis on its proprietary technology with its flagship Chameleon ™ feature making it one of the few services able to circumvent China’s Great Firewall. The feature scrambles OpenVPN metadata so deep packet inspection cannot recognize it.

VyprVPN owns and manages entire data centers to help it secure all traffic flowing through its servers. This decision stands in contrast to other VPN companies that utilize a combination of renting and outsourcing server space to 3rd party companies.

All traffic is encrypted via the OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES, 2,048-bit RSA keys without perfect forward secrecy, and SHA256 authentication.

VyprVPN includes an internet kill switch by default which means internet traffic will be halted temporarily if the connection drops.

However, some users might not like VyprVPN’s policy to store data, specifically “the user’s source IP address, the VyprVPN IP address used by the user, connection start and stop time, and total number of bytes used.”

But the company explains that all such information is only stored for 30 days and is used to improve the overall service. Under no circumstances will it store the content of the traffic. Its robust tech also means hackers will find it difficult to break through – so your data should be safe and secure in most circumstances.

There are over 700 servers, including some in Indonesia. Apps are available for both Android and iOS as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.

EASY TO USE:VyprVPN is reliable. Good speeds and uptime as all servers are owned by VyprVPN. Great privacy and security. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates servers out of Jakarta

  • Speeds are fast and stable

  • High-end encryption and streaming speeds

  • Other VPNs have more options for advanced configuration

  • Slightly more expensive than some VPNs

  • No cryptocurrency payment method

Read our full review of VyprVPN.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield is a VPN provider based in the USA that is especially good for those looking to stream. The VPN is lightning fast thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. This means it is also a good option for those who want to torrent and play online games with a VPN. In our tests, we found it to work with popular online streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

The VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Those apps are fairly basic when it comes down to features, but they still provide all the basic features necessary for gaining online privacy and freedom whether at home or on public wifi. This includes OpenVPN connections with strong AES encryption and a killswitch to cut your net should the VPN accidentally drop out.

A single subscription will allow you to use the VPN on up to 5 devices, which is a fairly limited number compared to some of the other options in this guide. Servers are located in 80+ countries which give you plenty of options, and this includes servers in Indonesia to get a local IP address. You can test it yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAST CONNECTIONS:Hotspot Shield has a proprietary VPN protocol designed for fast speeds. Servers in Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia. Works with most streaming platforms. Easy to use apps for all popular devices. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee to trial the service.

  • Fast VPN protocol

  • Servers in 80+ countries

  • Easy to use

  • Works with streaming services

  • IPs in Indonesia

  • Some connection logs

  • Based in the US

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Our methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Indonesia

There are a number of reasons why you might need a VPN in Indonesia. We know how frustrating it can be to regularly encounter geo-restricted and government-censored online content. You also run the risk of being penalized for your online activities. The good news is that a VPN addresses both of these issues and more, as we’ll address in our methodology as laid out below.

  • Global network: Having access to a global network of servers means you can access even more online content! This means that you’ll be able to bypass both restrictions whether due to geographical location or censorship. The best VPNs for Indonesia have servers in dozens of countries including the US, UK, and Australia.
  • Speed: Not all VPNs are fast enough for streaming and torrenting. We’ve tested the fastest VPNs, all of which provide unlimited bandwidth. You can use them to stream in 1080p HD and, in some cases, 4K, all without lag or buffering. If you’re suffering from ISP throttling, you may even experience faster connections as a result.
  • Unblocking: With so many websites blocked in Indonesia, you need a VPN service with strong unblocking ability. That way, you can continue to access social media, streaming platforms, and more without restriction. We’ve tested the VPNs in this post ourselves and found they work well even with the difficult-to-unblock Netflix!
  • Security: A VPN encrypts your data so it cannot be compromised by hackers or snoopers. You should also be protected from leaks. While many VPNs provide these security features, the best VPNs for Indonesia provide even more. Some include Double VPN servers while others offer password managers and ad blockers.
  • Privacy: Worried about government surveillance in Indonesia? Look for a VPN with a no-logs policy. This means that only you have access to your data. We’ve studied some 140 VPN logging policies to find those which best protect your privacy (and those that are worth avoiding!). Note some VPNs even accept payment in Bitcoin.
  • Ease of use: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use a VPN! In fact, the VPNs listed in this post all offer beginner-friendly apps and, in some cases, browser extensions. From signup to set up, the whole process shouldn’t take more than a minute. Better still, all of them offer live chat and email support around the clock if you need help.
  • Value for money: Most VPNs don’t offer all of the above. Even fewer tick every box while providing good value for money. Our research has led us to find those that provide you with everything you should expect from a VPN while remaining affordable. Be sure to use our VPN discount coupons so you can save a little extra!

In order to find out if a VPN offers all of the above (and to what extent), we test them for ourselves. Our VPN testing methodology covers everything from speed to security so we can help you find the right VPN for your needs.

Should I use a free VPN?

Some users might be tempted to opt for a free VPN because, well, it seems like there’s no cash transaction involved. Our advice is to remain wary and tread with severe caution.

Free VPN services are in the business of making money. They spend hard cash for marketing, servers, staff salaries, office space and other overheads. In this case, the most likely route for monetization is via unsuspecting users.

A lot of seemingly free VPNs have been caught inserting tracking cookies, mining that data, and selling it to third-party advertisers. You’ll be bombarded with a ton of invasive advertisements that are likely to cause a migraine. And you run the real risk of contracting a malware infection. At the same time, a free VPN won’t safeguard your privacy and anonymity the way a paid one will. So it’s possible your personal browsing habits will be exposed.

The VPNs mentioned in this article have impressive encryption standards with a wide array of servers. Free ones offer a tiny fraction of the same perks. We recommend you avoid these services and cough up a few dollars for a premium experience. If you’re still unsure, check out our best VPNs with a free trial.

Some VPNs to avoid in Indonesia

Indonesia has definitely curtailed internet freedoms which is why most people opting to use a VPN there will put great emphasis on their privacy and anonymity online. Unfortunately, there are a few VPNs out there that have willingly forked over user data at the request of authorities and generally done very little to maintain a professional approach. We think it’s best if you avoid them. Here are three such examples:

1. PureVPN

Recent media reports state that VPN provider PureVPN collaborated with law enforcement agencies to help identify one of its users. It dug into detailed session logs for this.

PureVPN and the FBI joined forces after an unnamed 24-year-old woman filed a complaint about falling prey to an online blackmailing plot. She suspected her roommate, Ryan Lin, to be behind the plot.

The FBI traced the activity back to PureVPN, who then used its logs to identify the culprit. Ryan was arrested. At the time, however, PureVPN had a ‘no-logs’ policy which puts a real question mark on its ethics.

2. HolaVPN

Another VPN service with poor customer standards is Israel-based Hola. The company, which operated a popular VPN extension for Chrome, once had a userbase of almost 50 million. Shockingly, it turned this into its advantage by leveraging it into a huge botnet.

What this meant was that Hola users had some of their bandwidth devoted to things like DDoS attacks and the distribution of pirated content without their knowledge.

As far as we know there haven’t been any arrests for people viewing porn in the largest country in Southeast Asia, but it’s better to tread carefully. Four women were picked up from a nightclub under these laws - accused of dressing indecently. Such incidents are few and far between but we recommend you keep your guard up.

Using a paid VPN - any of the ones in our top picks - should do the job. Just connect to a server in Europe or North America - these regions are generally the most liberal when it comes to porn - and the rest should be sorted.

In 2014, the Ministry of Communication and Information allowed internet service providers to block “negative” content at their own discretion without any specific approvals from the government. These opaque guidelines resulted in nationwide blackouts of sites like Imgur, Reddit, and Vimeo.

The government even arbitrarily blocked 800,000 websites citing pornography and gambling as major concerns.

Another aspect of curbing internet freedoms is the Act on Electronic Information and Transaction 2008, which we earlier said had attracted controversy but was subsequently upheld by the country’s highest court. Article 27 of this Act criminalizes ‘anyone distribution and/or transmitting and/or creating access to defamatory electronic documents and/or information with or without any intention’. The legislation - poorly worded and opaque - has been derided by human rights activists, privacy advocates, journalists, and others in civil society.

Our research suggests there have only been one or two arrests for online commentary in Indonesia, but these laws are draconian. Stay safe by using a VPN.