Minister Urges Inclusive Implementation of Biometric SIM Registration

Minister of Communications and Digital Meutya Hafid has asked mobile operators to ensure that biometric SIM card registration can be carried out easily and inclusively, so that efforts to strengthen identity security through the process do not inconvenience the public. “We really entrust that the implementation of the biometric SIM card registration policy remains easy and inclusive for the community. Because the goal is to protect mobile users, not to complicate and make their lives difficult,” Meutya said in Jakarta on Thursday. Meutya said the systems and technology used in the biometric registration process must make it easier for people from all walks of life, including persons with disabilities. “I was very pleased to hear that at some of the operators’ outlets, there are special booths for those who wear hijabs or headscarves. So this is inclusive for everyone,” she said. In addition to the inclusivity aspect, Meutya asked operators to maintain full compliance with the biometric SIM card registration policy by ensuring there are no more new subscriber registrations that ignore the biometric verification process. Meutya appreciated all mobile operators that have achieved full compliance with the implementation of the policy. She called for field supervision to be continuously strengthened so that compliance is maintained across all regions of Indonesia. Meutya also emphasised the importance of protecting the public’s biometric data. She stressed that operators are not permitted to store customers’ biometric data because the entire synchronisation process is carried out through the system of the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil). Furthermore, Meutya asked operators to have a measurable and transparent monitoring system to oversee the implementation of biometric SIM card registration and detect potential violations in the field. She also encouraged strengthening collaboration between the government, mobile operators, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK), and other stakeholders to create a safe digital ecosystem. “This public enthusiasm must be maintained through more education and socialisation in the future,” she said.