Whether you’re sending packages across Java, shipping to remote islands, or need to get your goods to Jakarta’s international airport for export, understanding domestic shipping rates in Indonesia is crucial for both businesses and individuals.
At Cakra Express, while we specialize in international shipping from Surabaya, we understand that many of our clients need reliable domestic shipping to position their goods for international export or to serve the local market. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about domestic shipping costs in Indonesia.
Understanding Domestic Shipping Pricing in Indonesia
How Domestic Rates Are Calculated
Indonesian domestic shipping rates depend on five key factors:
- Weight Calculation
- Actual weight vs. volumetric weight
- Formula: Length × Width × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000
- Carriers charge based on whichever is higher
- Distance Zones
- Zone 1: Within same city (Rp 9,000-15,000/kg)
- Zone 2: Within same province (Rp 12,000-20,000/kg)
- Zone 3: Within same island (Rp 15,000-25,000/kg)
- Zone 4: Between islands (Rp 20,000-40,000/kg)
- Zone 5: Remote areas (Rp 30,000-80,000/kg)
- Service Level
- Economy: 4-7 days
- Regular: 2-4 days
- Express: 1-2 days
- Same-day: Available in major cities
- Package Type
- Documents: Often cheaper flat rates
- Parcels: Standard pricing
- Cargo: Bulk rates available
- Special handling: Electronics, fragile items cost more
- Insurance
- Optional: 0.2-0.5% of declared value
- Mandatory for high-value items
- Maximum coverage varies by carrier
Major Domestic Shipping Carriers in Indonesia
JNE (Jalur Nugraha Ekakurir)
Overview: Indonesia’s largest and most established courier service with 7,000+ service points.
Services & Rates:
- REG (Regular): Rp 18,000-22,000/kg, 2-3 days
- OKE (Ekonomi): Rp 14,000-18,000/kg, 3-5 days
- YES (Yakin Esok Sampai): Rp 35,000-45,000/kg, next-day
- CTC (City to City): Rp 10,000-15,000/kg, same-city
Strengths:
- Widest coverage including remote areas
- Reliable tracking system
- Strong reputation for safety
- Express international connections
Best for: Important documents, valuable items, remote destinations
J&T Express
Overview: Rapidly growing carrier popular with e-commerce sellers, 7,500+ drop points.
Services & Rates:
- EZ (Regular): Rp 16,000-20,000/kg, 2-3 days
- FAST: Rp 30,000-35,000/kg, 1-2 days
- Cargo: Negotiable bulk rates for 10kg+
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Strong e-commerce integration
- Extensive urban coverage
- Convenient drop-off locations
Best for: Online sellers, bulk shipments, urban deliveries
SiCepat Express
Overview: Tech-forward courier focusing on e-commerce logistics.
Services & Rates:
- REG (Regular): Rp 15,000-19,000/kg, 2-3 days
- BEST (Besok Tiba): Rp 32,000-38,000/kg, next-day
- GOKIL (Cargo): Rp 5,000-8,000/kg for 50kg+ shipments
Strengths:
- Lowest regular rates
- Excellent mobile app
- Real-time tracking
- Cargo specialization
Best for: Cost-conscious shippers, bulk cargo, tech-savvy users
Anteraja
Overview: Newer player with aggressive pricing and modern technology.
Services & Rates:
- Regular: Rp 14,000-18,000/kg, 2-4 days
- Next Day: Rp 30,000-35,000/kg, 1 day
- Economy: Rp 10,000-14,000/kg, 4-6 days
Strengths:
- Competitive pricing
- Free pickup service
- Good customer service
- Flexible delivery options
Best for: Budget shipments, flexible timelines, subscription boxes
POS Indonesia
Overview: State-owned postal service with unmatched rural coverage.
Services & Rates:
- Pos Kilat Khusus: Rp 17,000-21,000/kg, 3-4 days
- Express Next Day: Rp 40,000-50,000/kg, 1 day
- Pos Standar: Rp 8,000-12,000/kg, 5-7 days
- Paket Jumbo: Rp 4,000-6,000/kg for 20kg+ items
Strengths:
- Reaches every district in Indonesia
- Government backing
- International mail connections
- Lowest rates for heavy items
Best for: Rural deliveries, international mail prep, heavy cargo
Shipping Routes and Pricing
Popular Domestic Routes
Java Internal Shipping:
- Jakarta ↔ Surabaya: Rp 18,000-22,000/kg (2-3 days)
- Jakarta ↔ Bandung: Rp 10,000-14,000/kg (1-2 days)
- Surabaya ↔ Malang: Rp 9,000-12,000/kg (same day)
- Jakarta ↔ Yogyakarta: Rp 15,000-19,000/kg (2-3 days)
Java to Other Islands:
- Jakarta → Medan: Rp 25,000-32,000/kg (3-4 days)
- Surabaya → Denpasar: Rp 20,000-25,000/kg (2-3 days)
- Jakarta → Makassar: Rp 28,000-35,000/kg (3-4 days)
- Surabaya → Balikpapan: Rp 30,000-38,000/kg (3-5 days)
Inter-Island Shipping:
- Medan → Padang: Rp 18,000-23,000/kg (2-3 days)
- Makassar → Manado: Rp 35,000-45,000/kg (4-5 days)
- Denpasar → Mataram: Rp 22,000-28,000/kg (2-3 days)
- Pontianak → Palembang: Rp 40,000-50,000/kg (5-6 days)
Remote Area Surcharges:
- Papua: +50-100% additional charge
- Maluku: +40-80% additional charge
- Small islands: +30-60% additional charge
- Mountain areas: +20-40% additional charge
How to Calculate Your Shipping Costs
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
- Measure Your Package
- Actual Weight: Use a scale
- Volumetric Weight: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000
- Billable Weight: Higher of the two
- Determine Your Route Zone
- Same city: Zone 1
- Same province: Zone 2
- Same island: Zone 3
- Different island: Zone 4
- Remote area: Zone 5
- Choose Service Level
- Economy: Base rate × 0.8
- Regular: Base rate × 1.0
- Express: Base rate × 1.8
- Same-day: Base rate × 2.5
- Add Additional Services
- Insurance: 0.2-0.5% of value
- COD service: Rp 2,500-5,000
- Special handling: +20-30%
- Pickup service: Rp 0-10,000
Real Example Calculations
Example 1: Small Package (Documents)
- Route: Jakarta to Surabaya
- Weight: 0.5kg documents
- Service: Regular (JNE REG)
- Calculation: Minimum 1kg × Rp 20,000 = Rp 20,000
- With insurance: Rp 20,000 + Rp 2,000 = Rp 22,000
Example 2: E-commerce Package
- Route: Surabaya to Denpasar
- Actual weight: 2kg
- Dimensions: 30×20×15cm = 1.5kg volumetric
- Billable weight: 2kg (actual is higher)
- Service: J&T Express Regular
- Calculation: 2kg × Rp 22,000 = Rp 44,000
Example 3: Bulk Shipment
- Route: Jakarta to Medan
- Weight: 50kg electronics
- Service: SiCepat GOKIL (cargo)
- Calculation: 50kg × Rp 8,000 = Rp 400,000
- Special handling: +20% = Rp 480,000
Cost-Saving Strategies
For Individual Shippers
- Compare Rates Online
- Use comparison sites like Cekongkir
- Check carrier apps for promotions
- Look for member discounts
- Optimize Packaging
- Use smallest possible box
- Avoid excessive padding
- Consider envelope for documents
- Timing Your Shipments
- Avoid peak seasons (Lebaran, Christmas)
- Ship mid-week for better rates
- Combine multiple items
- Choose the Right Service
- Use economy for non-urgent items
- Regular service is usually sufficient
- Express only when necessary
For Business Shippers
- Negotiate Volume Contracts
- 100+ packages/month: 10-15% discount
- 500+ packages/month: 15-25% discount
- 1000+ packages/month: 25-35% discount
- Use Multiple Carriers
- Different carriers for different routes
- Leverage competitive pricing
- Maintain service redundancy
- Implement Shipping Software
- Automate rate comparison
- Bulk label printing
- Integrated tracking
- Optimize Operations
- Scheduled pickups
- Consolidated shipping
- Strategic warehouse locations
Special Item Shipping Rates
Electronics & Gadgets
- Additional handling: +20-30%
- Mandatory insurance: 0.5% of value
- Special packaging required
- Batteries may require special documentation
Food & Perishables
- Express service recommended
- Cool box rental: Rp 50,000-100,000
- Limited to certain routes
- Not available for international transit prep
Documents & Important Papers
- Often flat rate pricing
- Faster processing times
- Higher insurance limits
- Signature confirmation included
Fragile Items
- Special handling fee: +25%
- Extra packaging materials
- Limited liability without insurance
- Photo documentation recommended
Oversized Cargo
- Measured by volume not weight
- Cargo service required for 30kg+
- May require special vehicles
- 2-7 day delivery times
Connecting Domestic to International Shipping
While domestic shipping serves the local market, many businesses use it as the first step in their international logistics chain. Here’s how domestic shipping connects to international services:
Using Domestic Shipping for Export Preparation
Step 1: Consolidation Send products from various Indonesian cities to our Surabaya facility for international shipping. This is often more cost-effective than shipping internationally from multiple locations.
Step 2: Documentation Domestic shipping to our facility gives you time to prepare international documentation while goods are in transit.
Step 3: Repackaging We can receive your domestic shipments and repackage them according to international shipping standards.
Why Choose Cakra Express for International Shipping?
After your domestic shipment reaches Surabaya, we provide:
- Express International Services: FedEx, DHL, UPS partnerships
- Competitive Rates: Direct contracts mean better prices
- Complete Documentation: We handle customs paperwork
- Door-to-Door Service: From Surabaya to 220+ countries
Related International Shipping Guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest domestic shipping option?
For regular shipments, SiCepat REG and Anteraja Regular offer the lowest rates. For bulk shipments over 20kg, POS Indonesia Paket Jumbo provides the best value at Rp 4,000-6,000/kg.
How accurate are delivery estimates?
Major carriers achieve 85-90% on-time delivery for regular services within Java. Inter-island and remote area deliveries have 70-80% accuracy. Always add buffer time for important shipments.
Can I ship internationally from any Indonesian city?
While possible, it’s often more expensive. Consolidating shipments to major hubs like Jakarta or Surabaya (where we’re located) typically saves 20-30% on international shipping costs.
What’s the maximum weight for regular shipping?
Most carriers handle up to 30kg via regular service. Above that, you’ll need cargo services. International shipments through Cakra Express can handle any weight through our freight forwarding services.
How do I track my domestic shipment?
All major carriers provide tracking numbers. Use their websites, apps, or third-party tracking sites like Cekresi.com. For shipments heading to international destinations through us, we provide consolidated tracking.
Is insurance worth it?
For items over Rp 1,000,000 value, insurance is recommended. It typically costs 0.2-0.5% of declared value and provides peace of mind, especially for items that will continue to international destinations.
What items cannot be shipped domestically?
Prohibited items include: weapons, explosives, narcotics, flammable liquids over 100ml, and certain batteries. If planning international shipping, additional restrictions apply – check our documentation guide.
How can I reduce shipping costs for my business?
- Negotiate volume contracts with carriers
- Optimize packaging to reduce volumetric weight
- Use zone skipping by consolidating to hubs
- Consider slower services for non-urgent items
- Partner with a logistics provider like Cakra Express for international needs
What’s the difference between regular and express service?
Regular service (2-3 days) costs Rp 15,000-22,000/kg and suits most needs. Express service (1 day) costs Rp 30,000-45,000/kg and guarantees next-day delivery to major cities. For international connections, regular service is usually sufficient.
Can I schedule a pickup?
Yes, most carriers offer free pickup for business accounts or for a small fee (Rp 5,000-10,000) for individual shippers. At Cakra Express, we provide free pickup for international shipments within Surabaya.
Summary: Choosing the Right Domestic Shipping Service
Selecting the best domestic shipping option depends on your specific needs:
- For Reliability: Choose JNE, especially for valuable items
- For Price: SiCepat or Anteraja offer the best rates
- For E-commerce: J&T Express has the best marketplace integration
- For Remote Areas: POS Indonesia has the widest coverage
- For International Prep: Ship to hubs where international forwarders like Cakra Express operate
Remember, domestic shipping is often just the first step in your logistics journey. For businesses looking to expand internationally, combining efficient domestic shipping with expert international forwarding services ensures your products reach customers worldwide.
Ready to Ship Beyond Indonesia?
While domestic shipping connects you across the archipelago, international shipping opens the world. At Cakra Express, we specialize in making international shipping from Surabaya simple, reliable, and affordable.
Our International Services:
- Express delivery to 220+ countries
- Documentation assistance and customs clearance
- Competitive rates through FedEx, DHL, and UPS partnerships
- Special handling for electronics, food products, and more
Whether you’re shipping across Java or across the globe, understanding shipping rates helps you make informed decisions and control costs. Start with reliable domestic shipping, and when you’re ready to go global, Cakra Express is here to help.
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