Supporting Komdigi's SEMANTIK Programme, Telkomsel Implements Facial Biometric Registration for New Mobile Numbers

Jakarta, VIVA – Telkomsel has officially begun implementing facial recognition-based biometric registration for mobile numbers. The initiative forms part of Telkomsel’s support for the Comfortable Smiles with Biometrics (SEMANTIK) programme by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi), pursuant to Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation No. 7 of 2026, which aims to strengthen subscriber identity validation and protect the public from various forms of digital fraud, including scams and phishing.

Telkomsel Vice President of Customer Care Management, Filin Yulia, stated: “Our focus is on supporting Kemkomdigi through the SEMANTIK programme, to deliver a safer and more convenient registration process for all subscribers. Through biometric registration, we can all play a role in ensuring that every number is linked to the correct identity. In doing so, we hope subscribers and the wider public can feel more at ease when communicating and conducting digital transactions.”

What Changes for Subscribers?

Registration for Indonesian citizens (WNI) is now conducted using their National Identity Number (NIK) combined with facial verification. Registration for subscribers under 17 years of age who are unmarried requires the subscriber’s NIK as well as the NIK and facial verification of the head of household as listed on the Family Card.

Key Information for Subscribers

SIM cards must now be distributed in an inactive state. Activation can only proceed once data has been validated (for Indonesian citizens) or verified (for foreign nationals). The government has limited prepaid number ownership to a maximum of three numbers per identity per operator, with exceptions for specific needs. Subscribers who have completed biometric registration have full control to check all numbers registered under their NIK and may request the blocking of any unrecognised numbers.

How to Complete Biometric Registration (GraPARI and Self-Service)

Subscribers may visit the nearest GraPARI service centre with their national identity card (KTP). Telkomsel service staff are prepared to assist all subscribers, including those without smartphones. Alternatively, self-service registration is available via the webpage tsel.id/registrasibiometrik. After verifying the number to be registered, subscribers simply enter their NIK and take a selfie.

Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

Telkomsel has confirmed that biometric data is used solely for identity verification purposes in accordance with applicable personal data protection provisions and information security standards. The technology deployed meets fraud prevention principles and cyber threat resilience requirements as mandated by the regulator.