The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has officially launched biometric registration for new SIM cards using facial recognition technology. The system was introduced at FX Sudirman in Central Jakarta on Friday, 29 May, and will be fully implemented by all mobile operators across Indonesia from 1 July 2026.
Director General of Digital Ecosystem Edwin Hidayat Abdullah said the registration system is now ready for nationwide deployment.
“Biometric SIM card registration for new registrations can now be fully implemented nationwide, with no further restrictions until 1 July 2026,” Edwin said, as quoted by Kumparan.
Under the new scheme, customers purchasing a new SIM card will be required to verify their identity using facial biometric data. The verification process will be conducted through a dedicated platform provided by each mobile operator.
Edwin explained that users will first enter their mobile phone number and National Identity Card (KTP) number before completing facial verification.
“Then, for new SIM card registration, they enter their phone number and their ID card number. After that, the biometrics will be generated. A facial photo will be taken, a photo will be taken, and then the photo will be sent,” Edwin said.
The facial data will then be matched against records held by the Population and Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil).
“Dukcapil responded, ‘Okay, 96 per cent accurate,’ and immediately responded to the location, then the verification process was completed. Once the verification process was completed, it was done. Immediately, a message saying, ‘Congratulations, your card has been activated,'” he said.
According to Komdigi, the process has been tested over the past year and is intended to strengthen identity verification for mobile users.
Government Cites Identity Protection as Main Objective
Komdigi said the introduction of biometric registration aims to reduce the misuse of personal identity data in SIM card activation.
Edwin stated that authorities have previously discovered cases where identity information was used without the knowledge of the legitimate owner.
“Because we’ve encountered many cases, such as those that occurred during police raids in East Java, where SIM card activations were carried out using illegally obtained ID cards (KTP) or family card numbers. This makes those phone numbers untrustworthy,” Edwin explained.
He said stronger verification measures would help improve trust and accountability in digital communications.
“It protects the identities of mobile users, so we feel secure when we talk on the phone or interact online, knowing we’re talking to the right person,” he continued.
According to Edwin, similar biometric verification systems have already been implemented in several countries in Southeast Asia and Africa.
He also noted that trials of the technology began in January 2025 with three major operators: XL, Telkomsel, and Indosat.
“Thank God, this registration process is much faster than using NIK and KK numbers,” Edwin stated.
The government expects the new registration mechanism to improve the accuracy of subscriber data while reducing opportunities for fraudulent registration practices.
Existing Users Not Yet Required to Register Biometrically
While biometric verification will become mandatory for new SIM card registrations from 1 July, the requirement does not currently apply to existing mobile subscribers.
Edwin said the government has decided to adopt a voluntary approach for current users while evaluating the readiness of supporting infrastructure.
“First, (for existing card users) it’s voluntary. Why voluntary? Because it’s still for new registrations,” Edwin said.
He explained that the government wants to ensure mobile operators and Dukcapil systems can handle larger volumes of verification requests before expanding the programme further.
“Why voluntary? Because of the 300,000 daily, I want to check the system’s readiness at the mobile operator (OPsel), and everything requires verification from the Civil Registration Office (Dukcapil),” he said.
According to Komdigi, around 300,000 new SIM cards are registered every day across Indonesia. The ministry is monitoring system performance before considering broader implementation.
“New user registration can now begin fully nationwide; there will be no more concessions starting 1 July 2026,” Edwin said.
Komdigi is also encouraging users who complete biometric registration to review whether their National Identity Number (NIK) or Family Card (KK) number has been used to register unknown mobile numbers.
“If you find any, please report it for immediate deactivation,” Edwin said.
Cover: Magnific (previously Freepik)
