Area Code 356 – Rembang/Tuban

Overview of Area Code +62 356

Area code 356 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) within the Indonesian public switched telephone network (PSTN), assigned under the international country calling code +62. It serves the northern coastal region of East Java, specifically covering the administrative regencies of Rembang and Tuban. These areas are part of the broader Pantura (Pantai Utara) region, known for their historic ports and agricultural output.

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The code 356 encompasses two distinct regencies: Kabupaten Rembang and Kabupaten Tuban. Rembang is located on the north coast of Central Java, but its eastern districts fall under the coverage of this East Java-oriented code due to historical telecommunication boundaries. Tuban Regency is administratively part of East Java Province. Major towns served include Rembang city, Lasem, and Tuban city. The area is bordered by the Java Sea to the north, with significant fishing and salt production industries.

Dialing Formats and Caller Instructions

For callers within Indonesia (domestic calls), the area code is dialed with a leading 0, followed by the subscriber number. The complete domestic format is: 0-356-XXXXXXX. For example, to call a fixed line in Tuban, one would dial 0356-XXXXXXX.

For international callers, the country code +62 replaces the leading zero. The international format is: +62-356-XXXXXXX. For instance, a caller from abroad would dial +62 356 XXXXXXX (without the initial 0). Subscriber numbers in this region typically consist of 5 to 7 digits, depending on the local exchange capacity and historical number allocation.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T E.164 national numbering plan updates, there is no overlay code for area 356. The code remains a standalone geographic NDC. However, the rapid expansion of VoIP and mobile services has led to increased number portability, but fixed-line numbers under 356 remain tied to the geographic location for routing purposes. Callers should note that while mobile numbers in Indonesia also begin with 08, they are non-geographic and not associated with this area code.

Practical Usage Notes

When calling from a mobile phone within Indonesia, it is essential to include the area code even if the caller is in the same region, as mobile networks do not automatically add the local prefix. For international callers, always drop the first zero of the area code when using the +62 country code. This ensures correct routing through the international gateway.