Online streaming websites and apps available in Indonesia
Spending a lot of time at home means that we need to adjust to forms of entertainment that don’t involve a lot of people. As much as we might miss going to the cinemas to catch the latest blockbuster or watching our favorite bands play live, our electronic gadgets with online streaming will be our saviors for a while. The upside is that at least we’ll finally have time to watch that movie or series your friends keep recommending.
We’ve put together a list of 8 online streaming websites and apps Indonesians can check out while quarantining- ranging from the popular Netflix to the local movie streaming site Bioskop Online. You can watch a variety of compelling movies, live football matches, addictive K-dramas and C-dramas, as well as nostalgic Disney animations.
1. Netflix – the world’s most popular streaming site that includes local films too
Image credit: @freestocks
Netflix is probably the most popular streaming service in the world right now, and it offers a variety of series, documentaries, and movies – including Indonesian ones – spanning different genres.
There are four types of plans to choose from: Mobile (Rp. 54,000, ~USD3.64), Basic (Rp. 120,000, ~USD8.09), Standard (Rp. 153,000, ~USD10.32), and Premium (Rp. 186,000, ~USD12.54). The mobile plan is great for those who prefer watching shows on their phones or tablets, whereas the basic plan is geared towards those who just want to have access to content for themselves – without high definition viewing options.
However, you’ll get better value for money with the standard or premium package if you’re sharing your plan with your SO, friends, or family members. The former allows you to stream simultaneously on up to 2 screens on 2 devices in HD, while the latter lets you use up to 4 devices and watch shows on 4 screens at the same time in Ultra HD.
To keep track of your favorite shows or movies, or if you’re the type who likes to have a to-watch list on hand, simply add titles to the “My List” feature. The app is available on Google Play and App Store, and you can pay via credit card
2. Viu – for fans of K-Dramas and J-Dramas who prefer not to sign up for an account
Image credit: @viuindonesia
Sometimes you just can’t be bothered to create yet another new account to catch up on some K-dramas. This is where Viu can come to the rescue, as you don’t need to be a member to enjoy the available content – which is also available for Android and iOS.
Star Stealer’s cast
Image credit: Viu
But if you want to access some premium content – such as Viu Original series from Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and also Indonesia – you’ll need to set up an account and pay a monthly subscription that costs Rp. 30,000 (~USD2.04). The plus side of getting this plan is you’ll get to watch your favorite actors without being interrupted by ads, and you can test out their online streaming subscriptions with a free 30-day trial if you need time to decide.
An upcoming Viu Original to look out for is Star Stealer – a homegrown 10-episode comedy series airing from 30th September 2020 onwards. Starring Syafira Hadad as 20-something sole breadwinner Kania who works at a bubble tea shop to pay off her sick father’s debts, it features a group of young people scrambling to earn a living – and dragging Kania into their hijinks along the way.
Reply 1988 (2015)
Image credit: @reply_1988_
Viu is also ideal for fans of K-dramas such as Reply 1988 and Descendants of the Sun, as well as J-dramas such as Tokyo Love Story. In addition to movies and series, you can stream the latest K-variety shows with English and Indonesian subtitles – these shows are available within a few days after they’re broadcast in South Korea.
3. WeTV – popular Chinese series with Indonesian subtitles
Image credit: @wetvindonesia
WeTV offers Chinese dramas such as Go Ahead and My True Friend, as well as films & shows from around Asia with English or Indonesian subtitles. You don’t need to sign up in order to stream, so if you prefer to wait for an entire series to be released before watching the whole thing in one go, then you can simply watch the free shows and movies on the website or download the app to your phone or Android TV.
But if you want early access to new episodes and exclusive content, a VIP package may be for you. There are three types: 1 month (Rp. 15,000, ~USD1.02), 3 months (Rp. 35,000, ~USD2.38), and 1 year (Rp. 159,000, ~USD10.80). Android users can pay via Google Play credit, GoPay, or even Telkomsel, and iOS users can use their Apple account.
4. HBO Go – watch HBO shows at the same time as the US for only Rp. 60,000 per month
Image adapted from: HBO Go Asia
HBO is often associated with cable television, but these days many people tend to turn to their laptops and gadgets for entertainment – making HBO Go, the network’s on-demand website and app, a more convenient choice for fans of series such as the horror-themed Lovecraft Country and the drama and comedy I May Destroy You at Rp. 60,000 (~USD4.03) a month.
Even if you like the thrill of waiting for the newest episode or movie to air, you can watch it at the same time as the US – though this might mean you’ll need to wake up super early or stay up really late.
I May Destroy You (2020)
Image credit: HBO
There are many ways you can subscribe, the easiest being Google Play and the App Store. But you can also sign up through operators such as First Media, Indi Home, and Telkomsel.
Subtitles in multiple languages are available for the movies, series, documentaries, and HBO Asia Original series listed on the website and app.
5. Disney+ Hotstar – Disney originals, Marvel blockbusters, and musicals for Rp. 199,000 a year
Image adapted from: Disney+ Hotstar
Fans of superhero movies and wholesome Pixar flicks should consider subscribing to Disney+ Hotstar. Recently launched to the Indonesian audience, this streaming service offers a Rp. 39,000 (~USD2.62) monthly plan or a Rp. 199,000 (~USD13.37) annual plan.
To get started, download the app on Google Play or App Store, and there are various payment options available including credit card, bank transfer, OVO, or even at your nearest Alfamart or Indomaret outlet.
Inside Out (2015)
Image credit: IMDb
There are a bunch of movies such as Inside Out, Coco and Frozen that kids will love, and adults can also take a trip down memory lane by watching Disney classics ranging from Fantasia 2000 to the 1998 Mulan. Those who are into the Star Wars and Marvel franchise can also enjoy The Mandalorian and Avengers. Other than international hits, there are lots of Indonesia-exclusive content such as Sabar Ini Ujian and Rentang Kisah to choose from as well.
Audio and subtitle options for Indonesian speakers are available.
6. Mubi – for cinephiles into rare arthouse movies from around the world
Image adapted from: Mubi
Movie buffs who are on the lookout for a non-mainstream cinematic experience might want to take a look at what Mubi has to offer. This streaming site’s film curators pick one movie a day, which will then be available on the site for 30 days for members to watch. So in a way, it’s like having a movie ticket that’s valid for a whole month.
Ema (2019)
Image credit: Mubi
The movies you get to see are from different time periods and places around the world – making Mubi a great place to expand your knowledge of world cinema. There are film festival gems and also retrospectives for those who want to to learn about a particular director’s body of work.
You can try the free 7-day trial before committing to a monthly membership of USD10.99 (~Rp. 163,000), which you can cancel any time. You can also save up to 27% by opting for the USD95.88 (~Rp. 1,420,000) yearly membership. Payments can be made via credit card or PayPal.
Mubi is available on Google Play and App Store, as well as Smart TVs.
7. Mola TV – for sports lovers who also want to catch up on movies and series
Image credit: @molatv.sport
Whether you’re into the English Premier League or the German Bundesliga, Mola TV is the perfect streaming service for Indonesian football fans who don’t want to miss their favorite teams in action. Besides football, you can also watch other sports matches such as badminton, tennis, basketball, and martial arts.
Mola TV users can access the programs for free, but with limitations. In order to stream all the live sports competitions as well as replays, shows, and movies, there are various membership plans on offer.
You can sign up for the kids & movies package (Rp. 12,500, ~USD0.84/month or Rp. 50,000, ~USD3.37/year), sports package (Rp. 250,000, ~USD16.86/season), or the all-inclusive premium entertainment package (Rp. 65,000, ~USD4.38/month or Rp. 500,000, ~USD33.72/year). The premium package also grants you access to HBO Go content.
The apps can be downloaded via Google Play or App Store, and you can make payments via the respective e-stores.
8. Bioskop Online – pay Rp. 5,000 via GoPay or OVO per movie to watch curated Indonesian films
Image adapted from: Bioskop Online
Bioskop Online features a wide variety of Indonesian films ranging from popular flicks to critically acclaimed titles. As this is a newly launched website, the catalog will gradually grow every month.
Similar to watching a movie at the cinemas, you’ll need to purchase an online “ticket.” It is valid for 48 hours, and prices start from a mere Rp. 5,000 (~USD0.34) – which you can pay for using convenient e-payment apps such as Gopay and OVO.
To keep yourself posted on the latest additions to Bioskop Online’s online streaming library, be sure to follow them on Instagram.
Online streaming websites and apps available in Indonesia
You might now be tempted to subscribe to more than one online streaming website, but don’t forget that some of them offer free trials or limited free access so you can take your time deciding on the right one for you.
For those who’re still deciding what to watch first, here are some of our movie and TV picks:
- 8 Indonesian movies to watch on Netflix
- 20 international series on Netflix
- 8 Indonesian movies on Bioskop Online
Cover image adapted from: Mubi, IMDb, @reply_1988_, and HBO
Enjoying The Smart Local Indonesia? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more stories like this.