Area Code 254 – Serang/Merak

Overview of Area Code +62 254

Area code 254 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Indonesian numbering plan, assigned to the western part of Banten province on the island of Java. It serves the city of Serang, the provincial capital, and the surrounding regency (Kabupaten Serang), as well as the major port town of Merak, which is the primary ferry gateway to Sumatra. The code covers a significant industrial and logistical corridor, including the Cilegon steel and petrochemical complex and the port of Bojonegara.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The +62 254 area code encompasses the following key administrative areas:

• Kota Serang (Serang City)
• Kabupaten Serang (Serang Regency)
• Kota Cilegon (Cilegon City)
• Kota Cilegon is a major industrial hub, home to PT Krakatau Steel and numerous petrochemical plants.
• Merak Port, a vital ferry terminal connecting Java to Sumatra (Lampung).

This region is part of the Banten province, which was formerly part of West Java until its separation in 2000. The area code is distinct from the neighboring Jakarta metropolitan area codes (021, 0251 for Bogor, etc.).

Dialing Formats

To call a fixed-line number in the Serang/Merak area, the dialing format depends on the caller's location:

• Local calls (within the 254 area): Dial only the local subscriber number (typically 7-8 digits). For example, if the local number is 1234567, dial 1234567.
• Domestic long-distance calls (from other Indonesian area codes): Dial 0 followed by the area code and the local number. For example, from Jakarta, dial 0 254 1234567.
• International calls (from outside Indonesia): Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 or +), then the Indonesian country code 62, then the area code without the leading 0, and the local number. For example, from the United States, dial 011 62 254 1234567 or +62 254 1234567.

Note that the leading 0 in the domestic format is a trunk prefix and is not part of the international number.

Overlay and Numbering Changes

As of the latest ITU-T recommendations, there is no overlay code for the 254 area. Subscribers in Serang and Cilegon share the same area code, and local numbers are typically 7 to 8 digits long. However, due to increasing demand, some numbers may have been migrated to 8 digits. Always verify the exact number length with the local provider.

Caller Instructions

For local callers: If you are within the 254 area, you can dial the local number directly without the area code. However, if you are using a mobile phone, it is often simpler to dial the full domestic format (0 254 ...) to ensure proper routing.

For international callers: Always drop the leading 0 and use the country code 62. Ensure you have the correct local number, as some businesses may list their number with the area code in parentheses, e.g., (0254) 1234567.