Minister claims 10 million users registered for biometric SIM cards

Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid stated that as of 22 July 2026, 10 million mobile subscribers have registered their SIM cards using biometric verification methods. “So, a total of 10 million new subscribers have had their biometric data recorded, which means their NIK is now more secure,” Meutya said during the Declaration of Joint Commitment for the Full Implementation of Biometric Data-Based Subscriber Registration in Jakarta on Thursday. Biometric SIM card registration makes it easier for the public to detect if their National Identity Number (NIK) is being used by someone else, providing greater protection against identity theft. The Ministry of Communication and Digital is targeting mobile operators to add another 10 million subscribers to the biometric registration system within the next month. Minister Meutya noted that this target can be achieved not only by registering new subscribers but also by re-registering existing customers who have not yet completed biometric verification. “So, if the 10 million target comes from old subscribers who haven’t registered biometrically, that is also welcome. The important thing is that we check next month that another 10 million data entries have been biometrically verified,” she explained. The biometric SIM card registration is part of the implementation of the Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 7 of 2026 concerning the Registration of Telecommunication Service Subscribers via Cellular Mobile Networks, which applies the Know Your Customer (KYC) principle through the use of biometric data. The government asserts that this policy aims to reduce the use of fake identities in SIM card registration while suppressing the potential misuse of mobile numbers for various digital crimes. Meutya also requested that mobile operators maintain compliance with the policy and ensure the registration process remains easy, inclusive, and does not burden the public. “Because the goal is to protect mobile users, not to complicate and make their lives difficult. So, please ensure the systems and technology used truly facilitate and are inclusive,” she said.