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The people who still use SMS
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Reliable: Despite the urban myth that internet credits are something affordable and accessible for everyone, some parts of Indonesia still rely on a conventional texting service. (Unsplash/Linkedin Sales Solutions) (Unsplash/Linkedin Sales Solutions)
The short message service, or SMS, is deemed a relic from the past for some, but many still use it on a daily basis.
The short message service (SMS) was once the method of choice to communicate. Many used the service mainly because it was cheaper than phone calls and easy to use. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Indonesians relied on the technology to exchange messages — mostly short and to the point, unlike the more conversational nature of today’s messaging habits.
The service rarely sees much use these days with the emergence of chat applications from WhatsApp to Line that allow people to send long texts, pictures, videos, stickers and many other things that an SMS message cannot. However, there are people who still rely on SMS messaging for various reasons. Most do because they lack access to modern gadgets or decent internet connection (SMS messaging relies on a cellular signal, not the internet).
Salsabila “Salsa” Setya, a 21-year-old from Bekasi, uses SMS messaging to connect with other people, but only when she is away from her house or in an urgent situation.
"I only use SMS for urgent needs,” said Salsa, who admits that she does not often buy internet credit on her smartphone, limiting her connection to only cellular signals. "So, when I'm away, I usually use SMS or regular phone calls to contact people."
"I [mostly send SMS messages] to my mother," the fresh graduate said. "When I'm away, I will send her updates via an SMS."
