SIM Card Registration Overhauled as Komdigi Uncovers New Biometric Fraud Scheme

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has discovered a new form of abuse in SIM card registration using biometric data. Certain individuals are activating cards with their own facial identities before selling them to customers, who are then left at a loss when the number is later unregistered. “The card is activated with their face, taken by the customer, and after the customer uses it, it gets unregistered, so the customer loses out,” explained Director General of Digital Ecosystem Edwin Hidayat Abdullah in an official statement cited from the Komdigi website on Monday (20/7/2026). He stressed that this practice is prohibited because the mobile number is not registered under the real owner’s name.

Edwin added that the implementation of customer registration requires cooperation from all parties so that this new registration method can be carried out transparently and correctly. Despite finding this abuse of the SIM card registration process, Edwin confirmed that many parties are already compliant with the rules. He expressed hope that those who have not yet complied will soon adjust. “More are complying than not, but hopefully those who are not will gradually disappear and we can operate even better,” Edwin said.

This new registration method replaces the previous system that used the Population Identification Number (NIK) and Family Card (KK) number. New users can now register by taking a facial photo for verification, along with their mobile number and ID card (KTP). The public can complete biometric SIM card registration through outlets, partners, and platforms owned by mobile operators. This new procedure is stipulated in the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Regulation No. 7 of 2026 concerning Customer Registration for Mobile Cellular Telecommunications Services.