Kemkomdigi Reveals Sanctions for Operators Failing to Implement Biometric Registration

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) will impose sanctions on mobile operators that have not implemented biometric verification methods in the registration process for new mobile number customers, effective from 1 July 2026.

Dany Suwardany, Director of Digital Ecosystem Control at Kemkomdigi, explained that the government will implement tiered sanctions, starting with written warnings.

“The administrative sanctions will be applied progressively, beginning with a written warning,” Dany stated during a discussion titled ‘Biometric SIM Card Registration’ in South Jakarta on Tuesday.

He added that the administrative sanctions will proceed through a series of steps up to the third written warning, with each stage separated by an interval of seven working days.

“We hope it does not reach the stage of business activity suspension, provided that mobile operators remain compliant. We are working alongside operators to conduct continuous monitoring,” said Dany.

Dany explained that to support the implementation of mandatory biometric SIM registration, Kemkomlar has sent a letter to the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) to restrict mobile operators’ access to validating SIM card registrations using only NIK (National Identity Number) and KK (Family Card) numbers.

As part of its oversight, the Ministry is also conducting unannounced inspections (sidak) at various mobile operator outlets, shopping centres, and SIM card vendors to ensure that biometric-based registration is being implemented according to regulations.

“Moving forward, we will continue to monitor. We will conduct checks or unannounced inspections in several cities, both on Java and outside Java, to ensure the level of compliance from mobile network operators,” Dany concluded.