If you have received a call, text, or WhatsApp message starting with the digits +62 857, you are communicating with someone using a mobile phone in Indonesia through the Indosat Ooredoo network.
The number breakdown is straightforward: 62 is the official country calling code for Indonesia, and 857 is the mobile prefix (or Mobile Network Code) assigned to the mobile carrier Indosat Ooredoo. While most communications from this code are legitimate, the prominence of Indonesian numbers in international messaging apps has led to an increase in global scams.
This guide will demystify the country code 62 857, help you understand who is calling, and provide essential safety tips.
Breakdown of the +62 857 Code
The sequence +62 857 provides two key pieces of information about the source of the call or message: the country and the mobile network operator.
- The Country: +62 is Indonesia
The prefix +62 is the internationally recognized telephone country code for Indonesia, a nation spanning thousands of islands in Southeast Asia.
- Official Name: Republic of Indonesia
- ISO 3-Letter Code: IDN
- ITU Country Code: +62
- The Mobile Operator: 857 is Indosat Ooredoo (IM3)
The three digits immediately following the country code (excluding the initial domestic trunk code ‘0’ often used within Indonesia) identify the carrier:
| Code Segment | Identity | Details |
| +62 | Country Code | Indonesia |
| 857 | Mobile Prefix | Indosat Ooredoo (specifically associated with the IM3 brand) |
Therefore, any number starting with +62 857 originated from a subscriber on the Indosat Ooredoo network.
Context: Why You Might Receive a Call from +62 857
Receiving an international call or message can be confusing. Here are the most common scenarios that lead to contact from a country code 62 857 number:
- Legitimate Personal or Business Contact
- Friends, Family, or Colleagues: You may have a personal connection in Indonesia using a mobile line from Indosat.
- Business Operations: Companies operating in or around Indonesia often use local mobile numbers for customer service, especially if they are communicating over platforms like WhatsApp, which is highly popular in Indonesia.
- Travel or Hotel Booking: If you are planning or booking a trip to Bali, Jakarta, or other Indonesian destinations, confirmation texts or calls may come from a local number.
- International Scams and Fraudulent Activity (Crucial Warning)
The unfortunate reality is that Indonesian phone numbers are frequently leveraged by scammers for international fraud attempts, particularly via WhatsApp, due to the high volume of mobile usage in the region.
The scams are often variations of:
- Investment/Crypto Schemes: Messages promising high, guaranteed returns on minor investments.
- “Wrong Number” Scams: The scammer pretends to have dialed the wrong number and attempts to build a rapport, eventually leading to a financial request.
- Family/Friend Emergency: A fraudster may claim to be a friend or family member in distress, needing money immediately.
Action Plan: Securing Yourself Against +62 857 Scams
If you receive an unexpected message or call from +62 857, follow these security steps:
- If the Contact is Unexpected
- Do Not Answer Unknown Calls: If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
- Do Not Engage with Messages: Never reply to an unsolicited message from a strange international number, even with the word “STOP.” A response confirms your number is active and encourages more spam.
- Never Share Personal Information: Refuse any request for personal details, account passwords, verification codes, or banking information.
- If You Suspect Fraud (Recommended Action)
- Block the Number: Immediately block the +62 857 number on your mobile device and within the messaging app (like WhatsApp).
- Report to WhatsApp: Use the built-in reporting features in WhatsApp to report the number as spam or fraudulent.
- Search the Message: Copy and paste any text from the message (excluding the number itself) into a search engine to see if others have reported the exact scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calling a +62 857 number expensive?
The cost of calling a +62 857 mobile number depends entirely on your mobile plan’s international calling rates to Indonesia. Since it is an international mobile number, it will almost certainly incur a per-minute charge unless you have an international calling package or use a VoIP service like WhatsApp or Skype.
How do I dial a mobile number in Indonesia from another country?
To dial a mobile number in Indonesia, you use the following format:
- International Exit Code (e.g., 011 for the US, or just the + sign).
- Country Code 62.
- Mobile Prefix (e.g., 857), followed by the subscriber’s number.
Example (for an Indosat number): +62 857 XXXX XXXX
Are other mobile prefixes in Indonesia used by the same carrier?
Yes. Indosat Ooredoo uses a few prefixes besides 857, including 814, 815, 816, 855, 856, and 858. Other major carriers like Telkomsel and XL Axiata use different prefixes, primarily starting with 81, 82, 83, and 87.
Conclusion
The country code 62 857 identifies a mobile phone user in Indonesia on the Indosat Ooredoo network. Knowing this information can help you identify business contacts or friends. However, always exercise extreme caution with unsolicited communication from international numbers to protect yourself from common mobile scams prevalent on global messaging platforms.
