Electronics

1. Handphone

   Mobile phone

   Usage

   Almost always shortened to "HP" (pronounced "ha-peh"), in speech and in writing. The formal word "ponsel" is rare in daily use

2. Tablet

   Usage

   Used as-is from English. You may be asked to take it out at airport security

3. Laptop

   Usage

   Use it when asking whether you can work in a cafe. Indonesia keeps the English word, unlike Malaysia's "komputer riba"

4. Komputer

   Computer

   Usage

   A desktop machine — the word you need at an internet cafe ("warnet")

5. Charger

   Usage

   Everyone says "charger"; "pengisi daya" is the formal written form. Show it to borrow one at your lodging

6. Kabel charger

   Charging cable

   Usage

   Show the connector type (Type-C or Lightning) along with the word

7. Powerbank

   Power bank

   Usage

   The English word works. It must go in your carry-on, never in checked baggage

8. Adaptor colokan

   Plug adapter

   Usage

   Indonesia runs 230V on round two-pin sockets (type C/F). Flat North American or Japanese pins will not fit

9. Colokan listrik

   Power socket

   Usage

   Show it when asking where you can charge in a cafe or airport. The formal word is "stopkontak", from Dutch

10. Baterai

    Battery

    Usage

    Covers both dry cells and built-in batteries. "Baterai habis" means the battery is dead

11. Wi-Fi

    Usage

    Pronounced as in English. "Ada Wi-Fi?" asks whether there is Wi-Fi

12. Password Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi password

    Usage

    Show it and staff will write it down for you. The formal word is "kata sandi", but everyone says "password"

13. Kartu SIM

    SIM card

    Usage

    Bought at the airport or a phone shop. By law you must register it ("registrasi") with your passport

14. Kartu memori

    Memory card

    Usage

    For buying an SD card for your camera; "kartu SD" also works

15. Headset

    Earphones

    Usage

    In Indonesia "headset" covers earbuds and headphones alike; "earphone" is understood too

16. Speaker

    Usage

    Borrowed straight from English. Also handy when explaining that your lodging is too noisy

17. Kamera

    Camera

    Usage

    Used when checking whether photography is allowed at a temple or museum

18. Senter

    Flashlight

    Usage

    Needed for the pre-dawn climbs at Bromo and Ijen, and during blackouts. Malaysian Malay says "lampu suluh"

19. AC

    Air conditioner

    Usage

    Pronounced "ah-say". When booking a room the price hinges on "kamar AC" versus a fan-only room

20. Remot

    Remote control

    Usage

    Borrowed from "remote". Show it when the air-con or TV remote is missing

21. Kipas angin

    Electric fan

    Usage

    Budget rooms often have only a fan. Check for it before you book

22. Kulkas

    Refrigerator

    Usage

    From Dutch "koelkast". Use it to ask whether the room has a fridge. Malaysian Malay says "peti sejuk"

23. Televisi

    Television

    Usage

    In speech people usually just say "TV" (pronounced "tay-vay")

24. Microwave

    Usage

    The English word works. Useful when asking a convenience store to heat something up

25. Teko listrik

    Electric kettle

    Usage

    For boiling water in your room. Do not say "pemanas air" — that is the shower water heater

26. Mesin cuci

    Washing machine

    Usage

    Ask whether your lodging has one. A laundry shop is "laundry" or "binatu". Malaysian Malay says "mesin basuh"

27. Pemanas air

    Water heater

    Usage

    Budget rooms often have only cold water. Use it to check whether "air panas" (hot water) is available

28. Setrika

    Iron

    Usage

    For borrowing an iron at your lodging. Malaysian Malay spells it "seterika", one letter apart

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