Ban on Photocopying e-KTP is Not a New Rule, Has Been in Effect Since 2013

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Photocopying electronic resident identity cards or e-KTPs has become one of the public complaints when handling bureaucratic matters. One such case was experienced by Dea (21), who was still asked for a photocopy of her e-KTP to participate in the Free Health Check (CKG) programme at a community health centre (puskesmas). Although she had registered online, which also required personal identification such as the Family Card number and e-KTP. “At that time, I registered online, which required a photocopy of KK/KTP, and filled in personal details. After arriving at the puskesmas, I had to bring photocopies of KK/KTP again, and fill out the form again,” she said on Wednesday (3/12/2025). She emphasised to user institutions not to require photocopies of e-KTP or electronic ID cards from the public anymore. “The e-KTP is equipped with sophisticated technology, a chip. That chip has the data in it. Actually, the e-KTP no longer needs to be photocopied,” said Teguh in Depok, West Java, on Wednesday (6/5/2026). Once again, the Ministry of Home Affairs urged all user institutions not to require e-KTP photocopies anymore. “Inviting user institutions, whether hotels—for example, when checking into a hotel, you’re still asked for a photocopy, right? Why don’t hotels use card readers, for instance? Why hospitals? Why various offices also don’t (use them)? Use card readers, use reading devices,” Teguh stressed. The Minister of Home Affairs at that time, Gamawan Fauzi, emphasised that e-KTPs must not be photocopied to prevent damage. “It must not be clipped (with a stapler) or mishandled. Don’t photocopy it because it’s plastic, it can get damaged,” said Gamawan after signing a memorandum of understanding with Bank Indonesia (BI) regarding the use of e-KTP, on Monday (6/5/2013). That circular was addressed to government work units and business entities to prevent damage to the data on each resident card.