Komdigi Mandates Biometric SIM Registration, Closes NIK-KK Access
The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is tightening regulations on mobile number ownership and registration by requiring all mobile network operators to implement biometric facial recognition for new customers. This policy officially came into effect on 1 July 2026, aimed at closing loopholes for identity misuse.
To ensure the effectiveness of this policy, Komdigi has requested the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) to close access to National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card (No. KK) validation, which has previously served as the primary basis for mobile subscriber registration.
The Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at Komdigability, Edwin Abdullah, emphasised that this step was taken after monitoring on 1 July 2026 revealed that some operators were still activating starter packs using only NIK and KK validation without biometric verification.
“Starting 1 July, registration for new customers must use biometrics. Therefore, we request all operators to comply with this provision and immediately cease all activations that still use NIK and KK validation without biometric verification,” Edwin stated in Jakarta.
According to Edwin, the transition to a biometric system is not merely an administrative change but a strategic move to strengthen the security of the national digital ecosystem. The system is expected to break the chain of practices involving registration using other people’s identities, which often triggers digital fraud and cybercrime.
“Biometric registration serves as an important foundation to prevent identity misuse, digital fraud, and various forms of cybercrime,” he added.
As a formal measure, Komdigi has issued letters to all mobile operators to cease manual activation and switch entirely to facial recognition in accordance with Komdigi Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2026. Additionally, a request to close NIK and 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 the Digital Ecosystem conducted a sudden inspection at a shopping centre in Central Jakarta. It was discovered that only one operator was fully compliant, while two others were still providing registration based on NIK/KK. The team also found starter packs that had been illegally activated and were ready for sale.
Edwin reminded that the success of protecting public data depends heavily on the commitment of mobile operators. Komdigi ensures it will continue to conduct strict supervision across all regions of Indonesia.
The government will not hesitate to impose administrative sanctions on providers that remain non-compliant by activating new customers without biometric procedures. “Compliance with biometric registration is not only about meeting regulations but is also a shared responsibility to build a safer and more trusted Indonesian digital ecosystem,” Edwin concluded.