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

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has clarified the implementation of biometric verification for SIM card registration. The policy will not yet be mandatory for existing mobile number users. Director of Digital Ecosystem Control at Kemkomdigi, Dany Suwardany, stated that for old numbers, biometric registration is currently still voluntary. The government is conducting an in-depth evaluation of the method’s implementation before deciding on further steps for the existing user base. “For old numbers, it is not yet mandatory. It is still voluntary,” Dany said during a discussion in South Jakarta on Tuesday. In contrast, full mandatory compliance will be enforced for new SIM card or mobile number purchases. Starting 1 July 2026, biometric verification will become the single standard, replacing manual registration using the National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (KK). Director General of Digital Ecosystem at Kemkomdigi, Edwin Abdullah, emphasised that this measure is taken to protect the public from identity misuse by cyber criminals. He called on all mobile operators to prepare and comply with the regulation on time. Although not yet compulsory for existing users, Kemkomdigi strongly recommends that the public voluntarily undergo biometric verification. Dany explained that biometrically verified numbers offer a significantly higher level of security. Under this system, customers can visit mobile operator outlets to check how many numbers are registered under their NIK. If any unknown numbers are found, the customer has the full right to request the operator to terminate those numbers immediately. “Starting 1 July, biometric registration will be mandatory for new customers. We urge all operators to comply and immediately cease all activations that still rely on NIK and KK validation without biometric verification,” Edwin Abdullah asserted.