How to Check if an Indonesian Number Is Still Active
Credit goes through but the data package is refused? The number may be in its grace period. Each operator's dial code to check the active period, what grace period and blocked mean, and what to do next.
Credit Goes Through, the Package Is Refused: Why?
An Indonesian prepaid number has an active period (masa aktif). While it lasts, the number takes credit, data packages and extensions. When it runs out, the number enters its grace period (masa tenggang): usually 30 days (XL gives 50). During the grace period the number still receives calls and text messages, and it still takes credit. But the operator refuses data packages and other purchases until the active period is extended.
That is why a credit top-up succeeds while a data package for the same number is refused with a message like "wrong destination number" or "make sure the destination number is active". The number is not wrong. It is just not active.
Once the grace period is over too, the number is blocked (hangus). A blocked number usually refuses credit as well, until it is unblocked.
How to Check from the SIM
The active period can only be checked from the phone that holds the SIM. Open the Phone app, type the operator's dial code (USSD) and press call. The reply shows the remaining credit and the date the active period ends. All of these codes are free.
- Telkomsel (simPATI, Kartu As, Loop): *888#, or the MyTelkomsel app.
- by.U: no dial code. Open the by.U app; the U-Plan screen shows the active period.
- Indosat (IM3): *888#, or the myIM3 app.
- XL: *808#, or the myXL app.
- Axis: *808#, or the AXISnet app.
- Tri: *888*50#, or the bima+ app.
- Smartfren: *999#, or the MySmartfren app.
The code *#06# is not the one: it shows the IMEI, the phone's own serial number, and says nothing about the SIM.
Someone else's number cannot be checked from outside. The operators offer no way to do it. If you top up family in Indonesia, ask them to dial the code above and send you the date.
What the Reply Means and What to Do
- Active period still running (the date is in the future): the number is active. A refused package then has another cause, for instance a package the operator does not offer to that number. Try a different package, or try again later.
- Grace period (the date has passed, the SIM still has signal): the number has to be reactivated first. Top up any amount of credit, or extend the active period without buying credit. Both usually arrive within 1 minute. After that the data package can be bought again.
- Blocked (no signal, or the dial code offers to unblock): the number has to be unblocked before anything can be sent to it. On Telkomsel, dial *888# from the SIM: a blocked number is offered Buka Blokir (unblock) right there; confirm it and the number is back. *888*89# goes straight to that step, and IM3 and Tri use the same code. XL and Axis unblock through the myXL or AXISnet app, or at an XL Center. The operator asks for the identity the SIM was registered with: the Indonesian ID card and family card, or the passport for a SIM registered on one. This works for a limited time only; after that window the number is recycled and sold to someone else.