Komdigi Announces Biometric SIM Registration to Take Effect on 1 July 2026

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has confirmed that biometric SIM card registration using facial recognition technology will take effect from 1 July 2026. Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at Komdigi, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, stated the policy is ready for implementation following trials since January 2026.

“I have travelled across Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan—though not yet Papua—to verify the system’s readiness nationwide. Alhamdulillah, it is ready,” Edwin said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Previously, registration relied solely on the National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card (KK) numbers. He said this system was no longer secure enough, citing numerous cases of identity data misuse for illegal SIM activation.

During trials, three mobile operators—Telkomsel, Indosat, and XLSmart—have implemented facial recognition requirements at their outlets. “Those without physical stores are still handling it manually,” he added.

The government collected consumer feedback during trials, and he claimed the registration process is faster than using NIK and KK.

“Facial recognition registration is similar to the previous process, with most consumers completing it in under a minute,” Edwin said.

The system can also detect NIK and KK numbers being illegally used by other mobile numbers. If misuse is found, consumers can request deactivation.

Additionally, the government has requested all mobile operators implement anti-scam protection systems to prevent digital fraud. However, he noted operators already have anti-fraud systems in place.

According to Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) data, digital fraud losses reached Rp9.5 trillion by April 2026, with over 548,000 reports received.

“All mobile operators now have anti-scam tools. This is part of their business responsibility to protect consumers,” Edwin said.

He added that three operators were also asked to prepare voluntary registration mechanisms for existing active numbers, allowing consumers to update and verify their data. He stated biometric use is a protective measure, aligning with the constitutional mandate that the state exists to protect citizens before achieving general welfare.