New SIM Card Registration Mandatory with Facial Recognition: What You Need to Know

JAKARTA — The government announced the mandatory implementation of facial recognition biometrics for new SIM card registrations. The system aligns with digital transformation efforts requiring secure and trusted digital identities, addressing issues such as spam calls, phishing, OTP misuse, and anonymous SIMs used for illegal activities.

Trials of biometric registration began in early 2026 across service outlets ahead of nationwide enforcement from 1 July 2026, according to Digital Ecosystem Director Edwin Hidayat Abdullah at a press conference at Garuda Spark Innovation Hub in Jakarta on 29 May 2026.

Mobile operators have finalised system adjustments to comply with the regulation via service outlets, apps, and official websites, with no exceptions allowed. Users can verify if their National Identity Number (NIK) or Family Card (KK) is linked to other numbers and report discrepancies for immediate deactivation.

Abdullah stated the policy aims to curb online scams, noting that nearly all cybercrime methods — including scam calls, spoofing, smishing, and social engineering — rely on phone numbers. ‘This biometric measure is for protection and anti-spam,’ he said, citing Indonesia Anti-scam data showing Rp9.5 trillion in losses and 548 reports as of April.