Biometric SIM Registration Rules Begin 1 July 2026: Existing Users Still Voluntary

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has provided clarification on the implementation of the biometric verification policy for SIM card registration. The policy is confirmed not to be mandatory for existing mobile number users.

Dany Suwardany, Director of Digital Ecosystem Control at Kemkomdigi, stated that for owners of existing numbers, biometric registration currently remains voluntary. The government is still carrying out an in-depth evaluation of the implementation of this method before deciding on the next steps for the existing user base.

“For old numbers, it is not yet mandatory. Its nature is only voluntary,” said Dany during a discussion session in South Jakarta on Tuesday (7 July).

In contrast with existing users, full obligation will apply to those purchasing new prepaid cards or mobile numbers. From 1 July 2026, biometric verification will become the single standard, replacing the manual use of the National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (KK).

Edwin Abdullah, Director General of Ecosystems at Kemkomdigi, emphasised that this step is being taken to protect the public from identity misuse by cybercriminals. He called on all mobile operators to prepare and comply with this provision on time.

Although it is not yet mandatory for existing users, Kemkomdigi strongly recommends that the public carry out biometric verification independently. Dany explained that biometrically verified numbers have a far higher level of security.

Under this system, customers can visit mobile operator outlets to check how many numbers are registered under their NIK. If an unknown, foreign number is found, customers have the full right to request the operator to close that number immediately.

“From 1 July, new customer registration must use biometrics. We ask all operators to comply with this provision and immediately cease all activations that still use NIK and KK validation without biometric verification,” asserted Edwin Abdullah.

The success of this programme is said to depend heavily on the compliance of telecommunications providers in providing adequate verification infrastructure at every customer service point.