In 2026, Indonesia made a significant change to how mobile phones are registered and activated across its telecommunications ecosystem by issuing Ministerial Regulation (Permenkomdigi) Number 7 of 2026. This regulation mandates that all new SIM cards, whether physical, eSIM, prepaid or postpaid—must be registered using advanced biometric SIM registration Indonesia procedures that include facial recognition technology. The policy reflects a broader effort to strengthen national digital security, deter rising digital fraud, and ensure accountability in telecommunication services.

This shift comes after years of reliance on traditional identity verification methods based on the Indonesian national identity number (NIK) and family card data, which have proven vulnerable to misuse. Under the new regulation, identity verification is no longer a mere formal administrative step. Instead, biometric SIM registration Indonesia becomes a core security requirement. Meutya Hafid, Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital, emphasized that this new framework aims to build a safer, transparent, and accountable digital ecosystem that better protects citizens across the archipelago.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the policy, its implications, how it will be implemented, concerns raised by stakeholders, and what this new standard means for mobile users and the broader telecommunications industry in Indonesia.

The Drivers Behind Biometric SIM Registration Indonesia

In recent years, Indonesia has witnessed an alarming rise in digital fraud, including identity theft, phone scams, spam messaging, and other cybercrimes that exploit anonymous mobile phone numbers. Traditional SIM card registration procedures based on NIK and family data were often manipulated by fraudsters who used proxy identities or borrowed information without consent. Authorities attributed these loopholes to a lack of accountability in the system, making it easier for bad actors to exploit, mass-generate anonymous numbers, and perpetrate crimes such as smishing, spoofing, and impersonation.

To counter this trend, biometric SIM registration Indonesia makes facial recognition a mandatory part of the process. This technology captures a distinctive biometric print—typically a “faceprint”—that is far more difficult to forge or manipulate compared to numeric identity data alone. By linking each mobile number to an individual’s unique biometric profile and verified national identity, Komdigi (Ministry of Communication and Digital) intends for every SIM card to be directly attributable to a real person, decreasing anonymity and enhancing traceability across digital networks.

Another key driver is the concept known globally as Know Your Customer (KYC). Initially adopted in financial services to prevent fraud and money laundering, KYC principles are now applied to telecommunications to ensure that each mobile user is accurately identified and authenticated before service activation. Facial recognition is foundational to KYC in this context, providing a technological backbone for accountability and digital trust.

Core Requirements of the Biometric SIM Registration Indonesia Policy

At its core, biometric SIM registration Indonesia requires several pivotal changes to how mobile services are delivered and activated:

Mandatory Facial Biometrics: All new SIM card registrations for Indonesian citizens must be authenticated with biometric face recognition data tied directly to their NIK. This applies uniformly across prepaid, postpaid, and eSIM services.

Inactive SIM Distribution: SIM cards are to be sold in an inactive state. They are only activated once the customer completes the biometric verification process, ensuring the number cannot be used anonymously.

Maximum Number of SIMs: The regulation also limits the number of prepaid SIM cards a single individual can register to three per operator. This measure targets misuse such as mass recruitment of SIMs for automated fraud.

Inclusion of Foreign Nationals: Foreigners must present valid passports and relevant residence permits for registration. This extension of the biometric mandate to non-Indonesian residents ensures consistency and accountability across all user demographics.

Special Provision for Minors: For individuals under 17 who lack their own national ID yet require mobile services, the biometric data of a parent or legal guardian must be used to complete registration.

Right to Check and Control: The policy grants mobile users the right to review and control all numbers registered against their identity and submit requests to block any number used without consent.

Together, these requirements modernize the registration process, aligning it with international best practices in identity authentication while addressing endemic issues with fraudulent subscriptions.

Implementation Timeline and Transitional Arrangements

Komdigi structured the implementation in phases to ease adaptation by users and service providers. Starting January 1, 2026, new SIM customers could voluntarily choose biometric registration under a hybrid system. Under this transitional model, users could still register SIM cards with more traditional methods such as the old SMS-based process or take advantage of the new biometric pathway.

This voluntary approach allowed telecom operators to onboard customers gradually while testing and refining the new face recognition systems. After a six-month trial phase, full enforcement of mandatory biometric SIM registration was scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026, subject to readiness and avoidance of major operational obstacles.

Operators have been preparing backend infrastructure, ensuring that data flows securely from collection points to government identity databases managed by the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil). This integration ensures that facial biometric data is verified against established national records, improving accuracy and security.

Benefits and Strategic Implications

Enhanced Security: By tying mobile numbers to verified biometric identities, Indonesia aims to sharply reduce the prevalence of scams and digital fraud that exploit anonymous phone numbers. Law enforcement and security analysts have welcomed this as a strategic step toward stronger digital governance.

Greater Accountability: With biometric SIM registration Indonesia now required, users are more accountable for activities conducted via their mobile numbers. This helps regulators and operators track and deter misuse effectively.

Consumer Protection and Trust: Mandatory face recognition seeks to prevent unauthorized use of another person’s identity, reducing incidents of SIM cloning and fraudulent registration that compromise both financial and personal data security.

Alignment with Global Security Standards: KYC principles and biometric verification are widely adopted in financial services and some advanced telecommunication markets. Indonesia’s move situates its mobile ecosystem alongside these global best practices.

Challenges and Concerns Surrounding Biometric SIM Registration

Despite clear benefits, the shift to biometric SIM registration Indonesia generates debate and concern among privacy advocates and civil liberties groups. Facial recognition technology, while powerful, raises questions about data protection, misuse, and unauthorized access. Biometric data, unlike passwords, cannot be changed if compromised, leading to concerns about potential long-term privacy risks.

Additionally, some stakeholders highlight the digital divide. Rural populations, elderly citizens, or those without access to modern smartphones may face barriers to completing facial biometric registration without additional support. The government and operators will need to provide accessible options, such as in-store registration facilities or assistance programs.

Ensuring the security of biometric databases and compliance with international data protection standards such as ISO 27001 is also critical. Service providers and Komdigi must guarantee that personal data is stored securely, mitigating risks of breaches.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Telecom Security in Indonesia

Indonesia’s move to enforce biometric SIM registration Indonesia is part of a broader digital governance strategy that prioritizes security, trust, and accountability. As digital economies expand, mobile numbers become integral to financial services, social networks, and digital identity frameworks. Verified biometric data strengthens trust and resilience against fraud while supporting digital transformation goals.

Looking forward, policy refinement, public education campaigns, and technical safeguards will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of this new system while minimizing challenges. Cooperation between government agencies, telecommunication companies, and civil society will shape how this regulation affects millions of users in the long term.

In summary, biometric SIM registration in Indonesia marks a critical evolution in mobile security and public policy, representing a substantial step toward a more secure and accountable digital future.