Komdigi Explains Mobile Number Registration via Facial Recognition
Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, confirmed that SIM card or mobile number registration using facial recognition technology will be implemented on 1 July 2026. Consumers can purchase SIM cards at offline outlets or online stores.
Edwin said during a press conference in Jakarta, streamed on YouTube by Komdigi on Friday, 29 May 2026: ‘You can buy a number anywhere, whether at outlets or via the operator’s website.’
After obtaining the SIM card, consumers can activate it through the mobile operator’s app. They then enter their National Identity Number (NIK). ‘Each operator differs,’ he said. ‘Some use a PUK code (Personal Unlocking Key), others require a specific number, followed by an OTP (One-Time Password).’
Next, consumers will be asked to perform facial recognition. The facial data is then verified by the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil). If facial recognition accuracy matches 96% with the NIK identity, verification is complete. ‘Then a notification appears confirming the verification is finished,’ Edwin said.
He claimed the registration process takes less than a minute on average, based on Komdigi’s trials. ‘I’ve observed hundreds of processes across Jakarta, Java, Central Java, East Java, West Java, Sumatra, West Sumatra, Aceh, Kalimantan, and Yogyakarta—all completed in under a minute,’ he said.
Edwin stated that during trials, around 1.6 to 1.7 million users have used the technology. He asserted the policy is ready for implementation following trials since January 2026.
During trials, three mobile operators—Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata—have applied the facial recognition requirement at their outlets. ‘Those without physical outlets are still handling it manually,’ he said.
During trials, the government collected consumer complaints and experiences. He claimed the facial registration process is faster than using NIK and Family Card.
‘Facial recognition registration is no different from previous methods, with consumers completing the process in under a minute on average,’ he said.
He added the system can check if a consumer’s NIK and Family Card are being illegally used by other numbers on mobile operators. If misuse is detected, consumers can request deactivation.
Besides biometric registration, the government has requested all mobile operators implement anti-scam protection systems to prevent digital fraud in Indonesia. However, Edwin noted operators already have anti-fraud systems.
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. It’s part of their business responsibility to protect consumers,’ Edwin said.
He added that three mobile operators were also asked to prepare voluntary registration mechanisms for long-activated 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.