Despite Indonesia having the fourth largest population in the world, Netflix is yet to hit the one million mark in terms of subscribers in the region. And that is also considering the fact that more than half the population in the country has access to the internet.

What could be the reason for this? Well, there are two reasons actually.

The first is due to Telkom, a state-owned telecommunications and ISP company, banning its users from accessing Netflix.

Seeing as Telkom is the biggest ISP in the country you can see how that can affect Netflix’s growth.

Then the second reason is due to the limited content that is available on Netflix Indonesia. This becomes quite clear when you compare it with Netflix US which has the best collection of movies and titles.

But guess what? I have a single solution to both of these problems and I am going to be giving it to you in this post.

Therefore, regardless of whether you are a Telekomunikasi subscriber looking for a way to access Netflix or you are a Netflix subscriber in Indonesia looking for a way to access the American library, don’t worry. I have you covered.

The Easy Way to Watch Netflix US in Indonesia

The simple solution to both blocks is by using a VPN software. It encrypts your internet traffic so that nobody, including your ISP, can see your online activities.

This means that Telkom Indonesia will have no way of knowing when you connect to Netflix and thus, they cannot block you.

Then the VPN gets you into the American Netflix library by spoofing your IP address so that it seems like you are connecting to the US.

This all sounds complex but I can assure you it’s the easy part. The real test is choosing the best VPN from a list of 60+ possible solutions. Luckily for you, we have done all the hard work.

After testing all the popular VPN software, we have come up with jus one that works best. Express VPN.

I will tell you later in the post why it’s an excellent option but to summarize, it is easy to use, has multiple servers in the US to choose from and has consistently managed to stay off Netflix’s VPN detection radar.

Netflix Indonesia vs Netflix US

The last time I checked, Netflix US had a total of 5,879 titles. That is 1,195 more titles than the Indonesian library which has a library size of 4,684. Netflix is always adding and removing content every day so the numbers may keep varying.

But, we can agree that the difference is a significant one.

Also, considering that there is a decent amount of titles that are only available on the Indonesian library that would mean that the number of movies and shows that are available on Netflix US but are blocked in Indonesia is more than 1,195.

Why Does Netflix Block Content in Indonesia

It’s because they are obligated to do so by the contracts they sign with the content owners.

In case you did not know, Netflix does not own most of the titles in their catalog. They just buy the streaming rights from Movie Studios, Television Networks, and independent producers.

Since content licensing and copyright laws vary in different countries, the movie owners usually prefer to restrict the viewing of their content to just the country where they are situated. So a movie created by a US-based studio will most likely be viewable only in the US.

Netflix has no choice but to also enforce these restrictions.

Also, it may happen that Netflix already owns the rights to a title in the US but then another streaming service like Prime Video beats them and gets the exclusive rights to stream the same title in Indonesia.

In this case, the title will be available on Netflix US but blocked on Netflix Indonesia.

Another reason that could lead to the blocking of content is if there is no demand for it in the region. A sitcom that is largely popular in the US may not be as popular in Indonesia. It would, therefore, make no sense for Netflix to buy the rights to stream the title in the country.

Finally, Netflix can block content if it’s against a country’s political policies and cultural practices.

Why Does Telkom Indonesia Block Netflix

The Telecommunication company claimed it was because Netflix was displaying violence and explicit adult content in their movies and shows. But there have been arguments that the move is politically driven.

Telkom also owns a cable service in the country and mass penetration of Netflix would mean reduced business for them. There have been talks of a possible partnership between Telkom and Netflix but nothing conclusive.

Some IndiHome users also claim to be now able to access Netflix but Telkom has not come out officially to confirm this.

Is Unblocking Netflix Using a VPN Illegal

Well, it’s definitely not in the same category as video piracy so you won’t get arrested for it. Also, you won’t lose your Netflix account if found using a VPN.

But don’t celebrate yet. Netflix has come up with techniques that enable them to detect VPN connections and they will consequently block you from accessing their site until you turn off the VPN.

This is why you cannot take any chances when choosing a VPN solution.

How Does a VPN Software Unblock Netflix

Like I mentioned earlier, it works by altering your IP address to one in the US.

An IP address is a unique identification number allocated to the device that you use to connect to the internet. It contains your location information and it’s how Netflix is able to tell that you are connecting from Indonesia and will consequently direct you to the Indonesian library.

When you use a VPN, it acts as a middle man between your device and the internet. So, instead of your connection request being sent directly to the web it first passes through the VPN server that you select. In this case, it’s the US server.

The VPN will then discard your original IP address and assign you a new one that corresponds to the location you are connecting to.

When the connection request finally reaches Netflix they will think you are connecting from the US.

Why is Express VPN the Best for Accessing American Netflix in Indonesia

Well, for starters, they have been the most consistent in unblocking Netflix compared to the other solutions. You don’t have to worry about being discovered because Express VPN is always one step ahead of Netflix.

Admittedly, there are times when they have been detected. But they update their IP addresses so fast that it never inconveniences you.

These are some other reasons why this VPN is perfect for Netflix unblocking.

Ease of Use

This is how you use Express VPN to unblock Netflix US.

First, download their application depending on the device you will be using to watch Netflix. Then once it is installed, you will see the option to select the server location. Double click on your preferred location and Express VPN will automatically connect.

Alternatively, you can just select the location and click the connect button. It is a big and very conspicuous round button.

Multiple Device Compatibility

Whichever device you are using, I am willing to bet that it is compatible with Express VPN.

 The VPN works for Android and iOS mobile phones, Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, and it can also be installed on Samsung Smart TV, Amazon FireStick, Playstation, and other similar devices.

But the best part is that it can be configured on your router allowing you to protect all other connected devices.

Excellent Streaming Speeds

Due to encryption and the additional routing of data through the VPN servers, a decrease in connection speeds is to be expected when using a VPN.

Nevertheless, Express VPN manages to strike the perfect balance so that the effect on your speed is not noticeable. You will still be able to get uninterrupted streaming in full HD.

Multiple Server Locations

Express VPN has 28 servers just in the US and an overall total of 3000+ servers in 160 different locations. And what that means is that they have multiple IP addresses to allocate which makes it harder for Netflix to detect when you are connecting via their servers.

Excellent Customer Support

Up to now, it still amazes me how responsive the Express VPN support is. They have a 24/7 live chat option and it takes less than a minute for their agents to respond to your queries.

Therefore, if the VPN is not working with Netflix, get in touch and they will immediately recommend another server that you can use.

30-day Money-back Guarantee

You can use express VPN risk-free for 30-days. If there is anything unsatisfying about the product during this period then ask for a full refund. It’s guaranteed.

Unblocks Other Streaming Services in Multiple Locations

It’s not just Netflix which imposes geographical restrictions. If you are in Indonesia and you have subscribed to another streaming service like Prime Video, you can use Express VPN to access their American content.

The VPN also has servers in multiple other countries like Canada and the UK where you can view exclusive content that would otherwise be inaccessible in Indonesia.

Traffic Encryption

Express VPN supports OpenVPN connection protocol which is further reinforced through AES 256-bit encryption. This will be particularly useful to the Telkom Indonesia subscribers since they need a VPN that offers complete anonymity while online.

Encryption combined with IP spoofing allows you to bypass any form of internet censorship including accessing Netflix in regions where it has been banned.

Conclusion

It’s not fair that Indonesia has fewer titles than the US but what’s even worse is that they have to pay almost the same subscription fee. Netflix is working towards making its library available worldwide but I can’t say that the prospects are good.

So, until that is possible, we are stuck using an unblocker. Express VPN currently stands as the top solution and hopefully, they will continue outclassing the Netflix VPN detection algorithms.