As of November 2016, there are are 766,000 porn websites blocked in Indonesia, but also 2,120 betting sites and about 100 radical websites. If you are a sex-addict, a gambler or a fanatic, you can make your life much less miserable by spending less than 5$ a month on a VPN.
I had already written about the best VPNs in Indonesia a few months ago, but since then I've been invited by a company called LiquidVPN to try their services (they have a 7 Days free trial). This review will be about my experience with them and how it helped me access blocked websites in Indonesia.
To make sure everyone can understand this post, I will keep my explanations as simple as possible, especially on the technicalities. Please leave a comment below if you think I left out something important or if you require additional information.
I had already written about the best VPNs in Indonesia a few months ago, but since then I've been invited by a company called LiquidVPN to try their services (they have a 7 Days free trial). This review will be about my experience with them and how it helped me access blocked websites in Indonesia.
To make sure everyone can understand this post, I will keep my explanations as simple as possible, especially on the technicalities. Please leave a comment below if you think I left out something important or if you require additional information.
What is a VPN and why you need one?
A VPN client is a small software that you can install on your computer or your phone in order to access a VPN (or Virtual Private Network). When you connect to a VPN, you can surf the web anonymously, from another location than Indonesia and with all your data protected.
In the case of Liquid VPN, the software looks like this:
When you click on the connect button, you will access the internet through a server (here in Singapore). From this moment on, the websites you visit will not know that you are in Indonesia and instead they'll assume you are in Singapore. Since the connection is encrypted and anonymous, there is also no way for third parties to know who you are and what you are doing online.
The benefits of using a VPN in Indonesia are particularly important for 3 main reasons:
In the case of Liquid VPN, the software looks like this:
When you click on the connect button, you will access the internet through a server (here in Singapore). From this moment on, the websites you visit will not know that you are in Indonesia and instead they'll assume you are in Singapore. Since the connection is encrypted and anonymous, there is also no way for third parties to know who you are and what you are doing online.
The benefits of using a VPN in Indonesia are particularly important for 3 main reasons:
- Access websites blocked by the Indonesian government
Almost all porn websites are blocked in Indonesia, including the most famous ones like PornHub, XHamster, YouPorn or XVideos. As soon as a new one is popular, it will get banned almost immediately. Sex-oriented forums and dating sites like internationalsexguide.info or AdultFriendFinder may also be inaccessible.
- Bypass regional restrictions affecting Indonesia
Some internet content may not be available from Indonesia, not because of the government, but because of the content providers themselves. For instance, I cannot watch TV replays from a French TV channel because it only allows viewing from Europe. This is a common problem with many streaming services (Netflix, BeIN Connect, etc).
The leading betting website betfair.com also do not allow bets coming from Indonesia.
When using a VPN, it is very easy to bypass those restrictions as you can simply connect from a server in the country of your choice. This can be done in just one click:
Changing your location is very easy with Liquid VPN |
- Protect your identity from the Electronic Information and Transaction Law of 2008
When you surf the web in Indonesia either from a laptop or a mobile phone, you are not anonymous. Your internet provider knows who you are and which websites you visit (even if you are in incognito mode). Worse, he may communicate that information to your employer or to the government. Western countries spy on the internet and there is no reason to think that Indonesia does not. If you are used to exchange sensitive information or to visit unorthodox websites, using a VPN is a necessary protection for your privacy.
Furthermore, after Indonesia voted the law on Electronic Information and Transaction in 2008, it has become more easy to accuse anyone of defamation, insult or blasphemy. If you enjoy political discussions about Indonesia on forums or on the comment section of news sites, I really advise to to remain as anonymous as possible.
Furthermore, after Indonesia voted the law on Electronic Information and Transaction in 2008, it has become more easy to accuse anyone of defamation, insult or blasphemy. If you enjoy political discussions about Indonesia on forums or on the comment section of news sites, I really advise to to remain as anonymous as possible.
If you are regularly traveling to Asia, the VPN will also help you in almost every countries as each have their own restrictions: China blocks pretty much everything (Google, Facebook, Youtube - and even Jakarta100bars.com), Malaysia blocks porn and opposition websites, Thailand blocks any websites criticizing the monarchy, etc. In almost all Asian countries, at least a few people have been arrested for writing "inappropriate" comments on Facebook.
Liquid VPN Features
Servers
Servers
I was not familiar LiquidVPN because it does not have (and it does not wish to have) servers in Indonesia. As they explained to me, they prefer having servers only in locations where the internet is not under attack from the local authorities. As I later found out, the fact that they don't have a server in Indonesia did not affect my speed at all (I connected from their Singapore server instead). The only issue I had was to connect to the streaming website LayarKaca21.tv as it is only accessible from Indonesia.
See more: Liquid VPN Servers Location.
Privacy
Liquid is one of the most serious options when it comes to the protection of their users' privacy. The main reason for that is that they do not keep logs from your connection, meaning that even they do not know which websites you visited. Also, they have a Modulating IP feature that modify your IP address continuously while you are surfing. This makes it impossible for anyone to track your whereabouts.
There are several privacy and protection features that would please more demanding users. I invite you to check this page for more information: Liquid VPN Features.
Accessing Blocked Website in Indonesia with Liquid VPN
My most important concern when using a VPN is: Can I surf any websites, even those that are blocked? Can I use any streaming websites (like Netflix)? Can I download movies and torrents fast?
I can answer YES to all of these questions. I managed (for research purpose of course) to access all porn websites I could find, and all the blocked websites mentioned above. I also could watch Netflix USA using my friend's account. I could connect to the torrent website kat.how and I download some movies (only legal ones naturally). Using Liquid VPN did not affect my speed (I was even watching YouTube at the same time). Finally, I visited the website of the French TV channels I mentioned earlier and I could watch all their videos without any restrictions on content.
Is is legal to use a VPN
YES. There are no laws forbidding the use of VPN in Indonesia, even to access illegal websites (like porn). You will not get into any troubles for using one.
Installing and Using Liquid VPN
I was planning to do a very detailed step-by-step guide on how to install and use Liquid VPN but it is so easy that all you need to make it work is a somewhat functioning brain.
Step 1: Register (7 Days Free Trial)
Step 2: Install
After you've subscribed to Liquid VPN, you will need to download the VPN client software from your account on my.liquidvpn.com. You just need to click on "Download Liquid VPN" under the Dashboard tab:
I used LiquidVPN on a MacBook but it also works on a PC or an Android phone.
Step 3: Connect
Once the client software is installed and launched, all you will need to do is click on CONNECT and enter your login/password.
Note: You login/password for the VPN client can be found on the top bar of your account at my.liquidvpn.com.
Step 4: Surf the web freely and anonymously
Once connected, you can now surf any blocked websites and nobody will know what you are visiting (including your boss, your internet provider, etc).
You may switch server location as often as you'd like to and you can also monitor in real-time your traffic speed.
Pricing
See more: Liquid VPN Servers Location.
Privacy
Liquid is one of the most serious options when it comes to the protection of their users' privacy. The main reason for that is that they do not keep logs from your connection, meaning that even they do not know which websites you visited. Also, they have a Modulating IP feature that modify your IP address continuously while you are surfing. This makes it impossible for anyone to track your whereabouts.
There are several privacy and protection features that would please more demanding users. I invite you to check this page for more information: Liquid VPN Features.
Accessing Blocked Website in Indonesia with Liquid VPN
My most important concern when using a VPN is: Can I surf any websites, even those that are blocked? Can I use any streaming websites (like Netflix)? Can I download movies and torrents fast?
I can answer YES to all of these questions. I managed (for research purpose of course) to access all porn websites I could find, and all the blocked websites mentioned above. I also could watch Netflix USA using my friend's account. I could connect to the torrent website kat.how and I download some movies (only legal ones naturally). Using Liquid VPN did not affect my speed (I was even watching YouTube at the same time). Finally, I visited the website of the French TV channels I mentioned earlier and I could watch all their videos without any restrictions on content.
Is is legal to use a VPN
YES. There are no laws forbidding the use of VPN in Indonesia, even to access illegal websites (like porn). You will not get into any troubles for using one.
Installing and Using Liquid VPN
I was planning to do a very detailed step-by-step guide on how to install and use Liquid VPN but it is so easy that all you need to make it work is a somewhat functioning brain.
Step 1: Register (7 Days Free Trial)
After you choose a Liquid VPN plan, you will be invited to create an account on my.liquidvpn.com. This is where you can update your information and set up your VPN (if you have special needs, otherwise just ignore it). This is also where you can contact the support team and read dozens of tutorials and guides.
After you've subscribed to Liquid VPN, you will need to download the VPN client software from your account on my.liquidvpn.com. You just need to click on "Download Liquid VPN" under the Dashboard tab:
Step 3: Connect
Once the client software is installed and launched, all you will need to do is click on CONNECT and enter your login/password.
Note: You login/password for the VPN client can be found on the top bar of your account at my.liquidvpn.com.
Click on "Show VPN Credentials to see your password" |
Once connected, you can now surf any blocked websites and nobody will know what you are visiting (including your boss, your internet provider, etc).
You may switch server location as often as you'd like to and you can also monitor in real-time your traffic speed.
Pricing
Liquid VPN has a similar pricing compared to other VPNs like Hide My Ass or Golden Frog (actually, it is even cheaper if you buy a 12-month plan).
There are 3 packages depending on the number of devices allowed. Here is a summary:
Sidekick Package (2 devices): 7$ per month or 4.75$/month with annual plan
Road Warrior Package (4 devices): 10$ per month or 5.75$/month with annual plan
Ultimate Package (8 devices): 18$ per month or 8.8$/month with annual plan
You can see more details by clicking on this link: Liquid VPN Plans & Pricing.
For most people, 2 devices are normally enough (laptop and phone). This means that with just 57$ (Sidekick package) per year, you can have access to any blocked websites in Indonesia. You'll also enjoy stress-free web browsing, knowing that no one can find out about your online activities.
In case you want to cancel your subscription, you can do it for free after 7 days. If you take a monthly plan, you can cancel any time also.