Area Code 61 – Medan

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The country calling code +62 is assigned to Indonesia under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan. The national destination code (NDC) 61 is a geographic area code serving the city of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province, along with its surrounding metropolitan region. Medan is the largest city on the island of Sumatra and the fourth-largest in Indonesia, functioning as a major economic, commercial, and administrative hub. The 61 area code covers the municipalities of Medan, Binjai, and Deli Serdang Regency, encompassing a population of over 4 million within the greater metropolitan area.

Dialing Formats and Number Structure

Within Indonesia, calls to Medan are placed using the trunk prefix 0 followed by the area code 61 and the subscriber number. The local subscriber number typically consists of 7 to 8 digits, resulting in a total national significant number (NSN) length of 9 to 10 digits when including the area code. For example, a local Medan number might be formatted as (061) 123-4567 when dialed domestically. Internationally, callers must use the country code +62, drop the leading trunk prefix 0, and dial +62 61 123 4567.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers within Medan: Depending on the specific telephone exchange and operator, local calls may be placed using only the subscriber number (7-8 digits) without the area code. However, for clarity and to avoid misdialing, it is recommended to dial the full national format: 061 followed by the subscriber number.
• Domestic callers from outside Medan: Dial 0, then 61, then the subscriber number. Example: 0 61 123 4567.
• International callers: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from most countries, or +), then 62, then 61, then the subscriber number. Example: +62 61 123 4567.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

As of the latest ITU-T and national regulatory updates, there is no overlay area code for Medan. The 61 code is exclusively assigned to the Medan geographic region. However, with the growth of VoIP and mobile services, geographic number portability may allow subscribers to retain their 61 numbers even if they relocate, subject to operator policies. For fixed-line services, the area code remains an integral part of the national dialing plan and is mandatory for calls originating outside the local calling area.

Technical and Regulatory Notes

The Indonesian numbering plan is administered by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) and the Indonesian Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (BRTI). The 61 area code is allocated to fixed-line PSTN services, including traditional copper and fiber-optic connections. While some VoIP providers may offer numbers with the 61 code, the geographic significance is maintained for emergency services and regulatory compliance. Callers should always verify the correct number length and format with their service provider, as local dialing procedures may vary slightly between operators.