Komdigi Mandates Biometric SIM Registration, Closes NIK-KK Access

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is tightening rules on mobile number ownership and registration by requiring all mobile network operators to implement biometric facial recognition verification for new customers. This policy officially takes effect from 1 July 2026 to close loopholes in identity misuse. To ensure the policy runs effectively, Komdigi has requested the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) to close validation access for the National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (No. KK), which have been the primary basis for mobile subscriber registration. Director General of Digital Ecosystem at Komdigi, Edwin Abdullah, stressed that this step was taken after monitoring on 1 July 2026 showed operators were still activating SIM cards using only NIK and No. KK validation without biometric verification. “Starting 1 July, new customer registration must use biometrics. Therefore, we ask all operators to comply with this provision and immediately stop all activations that still use NIK and No. KK validation without biometric verification,” Edwin said in Jakarta. According to Edwin, the transition to a biometric system is not merely an administrative change but a strategic step to strengthen the security of the national digital ecosystem. The system is expected to break the chain of registration practices using other people’s identities, which often trigger digital fraud and cybercrime. “Biometric registration is an important foundation to prevent identity misuse, digital fraud, and various forms of cybercrime,” he added. As a formal measure, Komdigi has sent letters to all mobile operators to stop manual activation and fully switch to facial recognition in accordance with Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 7 of 2026. Additionally, a request letter to close NIK and No. KK validation access for mobile registration was sent to the Directorate General of Dukcapil on 2 July 2026. Previously, on 3 July 2026, the Director General of Digital Ecosystem conducted an unannounced inspection at a shopping centre in Central Jakarta. It was found that only one operator was fully compliant, while two other operators were still serving NIK/KK-based registrations. The team also found SIM cards that had been illegally activated and were ready for sale. Edwin reminded that the success of public data protection depends heavily on the commitment of mobile operators. Komdigi will continue to conduct strict supervision across all regions of Indonesia. The government will not hesitate to impose administrative sanctions on providers who remain stubborn and activate new customers without biometric procedures. “Compliance with biometric registration is not just about fulfilling regulations, but also a shared responsibility to build a safer and more trustworthy Indonesian digital ecosystem,” Edwin concluded.