Indonesia is preparing for a major shift in how mobile phone users register their SIM cards through a new biometric SIM registration Indonesia policy that will become fully mandatory on July 1, 2026. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) in collaboration with the Association of Indonesian Telecommunications Operators (ATSI), aims to improve the accuracy of subscriber identity, enhance security across the digital ecosystem, and reduce the prevalence of mobile-based cybercrime.

Under the new system, all new users who activate a SIM card starting in 2026 will eventually be required to register using facial recognition biometrics, a significant upgrade from the current system that relies primarily on National Identification Number (NIK) and Family Card (KK) data. The transition to biometric verification represents a critical step in the Indonesian government’s effort to modernize telecommunications infrastructure, improve consumer trust, and address vulnerabilities in current registration processes that are exploited by fraudsters and cybercriminals.

Background: Why Biometric SIM Registration Indonesia Matters

The concept of biometric SIM registration Indonesia involves linking a mobile SIM to a person’s unique facial features as part of the identity verification process. This method is designed to be more secure and less prone to manipulation than traditional approaches that use static identity inputs like NIK and KK, which can be borrowed, stolen, or misused without the holder’s knowledge.

Telecommunications operators in Indonesia have long grappled with fraudulent SIM registrations, fake identities, and SIM cards that are used for fraudulent activities such as scam calls, spoofing, phishing, and social engineering attacks. These risks are compounded by the explosive growth of mobile usage and digital services, which have made mobile numbers a central element of personal and financial identification across online and offline platforms.

According to government and industry data, millions of scam calls and fraud attempts occur each month, resulting in significant losses for consumers and undermining confidence in digital systems. By requiring biometric verification, the government expects to ensure that SIM cards are issued only to verified individuals, thereby reducing the opportunities for criminal exploitation of telecommunications services.

Timeline and Phased Implementation

The rollout of biometric SIM registration Indonesia will occur in two distinct phases:

1. Voluntary Hybrid Registration (January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026)

Starting January 1, 2026, new SIM customers will be able to register their SIM cards using either the traditional system (NIK and KK) or by using the new facial recognition biometric method. This hybrid period is designed to allow operators to test the technology, provide socialization and training, and give users time to become familiar with the new process.

During this phase, prospective customers can choose between a conventional approach or use biometric verification via facial scanning. Operators will implement systems that allow registration through mobile applications, interactive kiosks at retail stores, and assisted in-store processes for users who may have older mobile devices without camera functionality or internet access.

2. Full Mandatory Biometric Registration (July 1, 2026 Onwards)

Effective July 1, 2026, all new SIM card registrations for customers in Indonesia will be required to use the biometric facial recognition process. This means that users will no longer be able to register using NIK and KK alone. Once the transition period concludes, every new SIM activation must go through biometric authentication to be successfully issued.

It is important to note that the biometric requirement applies only to new customers activating SIM cards from January 1, 2026 onward. Existing SIM holders are not required to re-register under the new system, and the rule does not apply retroactively.

How Biometric SIM Registration Indonesia Works

The biometric SIM registration Indonesia process is centered on facial recognition technology, which captures and verifies the unique features of an individual’s face and compares them with official identity records held by government databases such as those managed by the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

When a new customer purchases a SIM card, they will be prompted to undergo a biometric scan using a compatible smartphone or a registration terminal provided by the telecom operator. The captured facial image will then be matched against the NIK and KK database to confirm identity authenticity. Upon successful match, the SIM card is activated and linked directly to the person’s biometric identity.

Operators are also required to adopt security standards that ensure the data captured is protected. These include measures such as liveness detection — a feature that verifies that the biometric data comes from a live person rather than a photograph — and adherence to international security certifications like ISO 27001 for data protection.

Expected Benefits of the New System

The introduction of biometric SIM registration Indonesia is expected to deliver multiple benefits for consumers, operators, and the broader digital economy:

Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention

One of the primary goals of the biometric SIM overhaul is to reduce the rampant abuse of mobile numbers for fraudulent purposes. By ensuring that SIM registrations are tied to unique biometric identifiers, it becomes significantly harder for criminals to create fake accounts or misuse mobile numbers to commit fraud, phishing attacks, or identity theft.

Improved Database Accuracy and Network Integrity

Biometric verification helps telecom operators clean up their subscriber databases by reducing the number of inactive or fraudulent accounts. This, in turn, allows for more accurate planning and efficient use of network resources, ultimately improving service quality for legitimate users.

Greater Trust in Digital Services

As SIM cards are often used for critical digital services such as financial transactions, two-factor authentication, and online identity verification, stronger SIM verification contributes to more secure digital ecosystems. Consumers can have greater confidence when using mobile-based services knowing that their SIM profile and linked identity are authenticated and protected.

Alignment With Global Best Practices

Many countries around the world are exploring or implementing biometric identity systems as part of broader digital identity frameworks. Indonesia’s move toward biometrics in SIM registration places it among the forward-looking nations adopting integrated cybersecurity and identity solutions that align with emerging global standards.

Challenges and Considerations

While the biometric SIM registration Indonesia policy promises significant benefits, there are also challenges that must be navigated:

Privacy and Data Protection Concerns - With biometrics at the heart of identity verification, concerns about data privacy, storage security, and misuse of biometric information are naturally raised. Ensuring robust data protection regulations and transparency in how biometric data is used and stored will be essential to building public trust.

Public Awareness and Education - The success of the new system depends on how well the public understands the registration process and why it matters. Socialization campaigns, clear user guidance, and customer support will play a crucial role in helping people adapt to the new requirements without confusion or resistance.

Technology Accessibility - Not every prospective SIM buyer has access to modern devices capable of biometric facial recognition. To address this, operators must provide alternative registration channels, such as assisted in-store services or kiosks in underserved regions, ensuring equitable access for all customers.

What This Means for Consumers

For consumers, the shift to biometric SIM registration Indonesia brings both convenience and responsibility. While the new system will streamline identity verification and reduce instances of fraud affecting mobile numbers, consumers must ensure their devices support the required biometric capture capabilities or seek assisted registration through operator channels.

Existing SIM card users will not need to re-register under the new rules, providing reassurance that current phone numbers will remain valid without immediate action. However, anyone planning to purchase a new SIM card after January 1, 2026 should prepare to comply with the biometric requirement for activation.

The biometric SIM registration Indonesia policy marks a pivotal transformation in how mobile connectivity and identity management intersect in the digital age. By mandating facial recognition for SIM activation starting July 1, 2026, Komdigi and telecommunications partners aim to strengthen cybersecurity, protect consumers, and enhance the overall integrity of telecommunications ecosystems.

Although challenges remain around privacy, accessibility, and public understanding, the shift toward biometrics represents a proactive effort to align Indonesia’s digital infrastructure with evolving threats and opportunities in the global digital economy. As the implementation unfolds, the effectiveness of the new system will depend on how well stakeholders manage the transition and uphold the balance between enhanced security and individual rights.