Mobile Operators Prepare to Facilitate Biometric Verification for Existing Phone Numbers

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Communications and Digital (Kemkomdigi) stated that the government and mobile operators operating in Indonesia have agreed to prepare for facilitating facial biometric verification for existing SIM card users.

This step complements previous measures requiring facial biometric verification for new phone numbers to confirm actual identity during registration.

“Thankfully, the process has gone well over the past five months, and all operators have agreed to begin voluntary biometric verification for existing numbers,” Edwin said in Jakarta on Friday.

Edwin noted that the process remains voluntary for existing users, unlike new number registrations which are mandatory.

However, facial biometric verification benefits both existing and new users by protecting them from telecom-related crimes, including fraud, phishing, and identity theft.

“This safeguards existing users, who can also check if their numbers are being used fraudulently. Therefore, the system requires three operators to prepare for those wishing to voluntarily register their existing numbers,” Edwin added.

The Indonesian Telecommunications Providers Association (ATSI) reported that during the trial period from January to April 2026, 1.4 million new numbers were registered using facial biometric verification.

With positive public response during the trial, the government has mandated nationwide facial biometric registration for new SIM cards starting 1 July 2026.