Biometric SIM Card Registration to Commence on 1 July: A Step-by-Step Guide
From 1 July 2026, all new SIM card subscribers will be mandatory required to complete registration using biometrics. This system utilises facial recognition that is verified directly against the Dukcapil (Civil Registry) database.
According to the Indonesia Information Portal, the registration process will take only 5 to 10 seconds, significantly faster than the previous method which took 20 to 30 minutes. In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law No. 27 of 2022, biometric data will not be stored by either mobile operators or the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi).
The Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at Kemkomdigi, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, emphasised that this policy will be fully effective nationwide once all mobile operators are declared ready, with no further extensions permitted. “New registration will be fully effective nationally; there will be no more leniency as of 1 July 2026. We also view this as part of the business responsibility of all mobile operators to introduce security systems against anti-scam measures,” said Edwin.
Based on information from the Kemkomdigi Legal Documentation and Information Network (JDIH), the registration process using the new biometric-based identity standard involves the following steps:
Enter the National Identity Number (NIK).
Population data validation, where the system matches the NIK with Dukcapil data.
Biometric verification (face recognition) to match the identity.
Confirmation and activation; if valid, the number becomes active immediately.
Understanding SIM Swap Fraud
Have you ever suddenly lost signal only to find your bank account compromised? This could be a SIM swap scam. SIM swapping is a cybercrime where perpetrators take over a mobile number by activating a new SIM card in your name to access banking accounts. Consequently, balances can be drained without the victim’s knowledge. This crime typically occurs when perpetrators steal data through phishing or apply for a SIM replacement using fraudulent identities, leading to the deactivation of the original SIM and the interception of OTP codes.
Warning signs to watch for include:
Sudden loss of signal without reason.
Inability to receive SMS or calls.
Notifications of suspicious transactions.
Unsolicited password reset requests.
To protect yourself from SIM swap tactics, do not enter personal data into suspicious links, enable two-step verification, change passwords regularly, never share OTP codes, and contact your operator immediately if your number suddenly becomes inactive.