The Indonesian government introduced an innovation called IKD (Digital Population Identity), a digital ID card for Indonesian citizens. News about this innovation surfaced in early December 2023 and is expected to gain more attention among the public in 2024.
The process of transitioning from the physical e-KTP to IKD is outlined in Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 71 of 2022, which covers standards, specifications, electronic identity card blanks, and the implementation of Digital Population Identity.
The transition from e-KTP to IKD has sparked widespread discussion in Indonesian society within weeks. An Instagram and Twitter post by the Ministry of Communication and Information that read “Sayonara E-KTP, Welcome to IKD” initially gained attention and went viral.
This upload has sparked various opinions within the public sphere. While some perceive this digital transformation as needless, emphasizing the existing e-KTP format could be optimized with better technological infrastructure, simplifying population administration processes.
Conversely, there are supporters of digital transformation, yet they express concerns about its hurried implementation. They note that the absence of comprehensive nationwide socialization regarding the digital ID Card program in all Indonesian regions by the end of 2023 could be an issue.
However, the post was swiftly removed. The Director General of Information and Public Communication at the Ministry expressed uncertainty about the post (11/12/2023), labelling it as disinformation, and investigating its source.
Everything You Need to Know About IKD, Indonesian Digital ID Card
The digital ID card system (IKD) has left many Indonesians uncertain about the replacement and transition process. Here’s a condensed guide to help clarify the key aspects of IKD:
Will the Digital ID Card (IKD) replace the e-KTP?
According to the Director General of Population and Civil Registry, Teguh Setyabudi, the introduction of digital ID cards (IKD) doesn’t aim to replace the existing e-KTP. These documents complement each other, considering varying smartphone usage among Indonesians.
While the government doesn’t mandate IKD activation, it encourages participation in digital transformation. IKD will evolve alongside infrastructure enhancements, network system improvements, and security enhancements.
What are the requirements for making an IKD?
To obtain an IKD or digital ID card, Indonesians need to download the ‘Identitas Kependudukan Digital’ app from their smartphone’s PlayStore/AppStore. Essential data required includes:
- An active email address
- ID Number for Indonesian (NIK)
- An internet-enabled mobile phone
- An active mobile phone number
How to Apply for an IKD?
To replace your e-KTP with an IKD or digital ID Card, follow these steps:
- Visit the Disdukcapil (Population and Civil Registry) office with an internet-connected cellphone.
- Inform the officer about your intention for Digital ID Card(IKD) registration.
- Download the IKD application, and fill in the required data (NIK or ID Number, Email, Phone Number).
- Take a selfie for verification purposes.
- Scan the QR Code provided through the Population and Civil Registry office.
- Check your registered email, and enter the activation code and captcha to activate your IKD.
