Who Bears the Cost of the Rp 3,000 Face Scan Fee for New Mobile Numbers?

Users of new mobile numbers will be required to undergo registration using facial verification starting from 1 July 2026. This process is not free. The payment structure is stipulated in Government Regulation Number 10 of 2023 regarding the Types and Tariffs of Non-Tax State Revenue applicable to the Ministry of Home Affairs. This regulation sets a fee for web-based power verification.

Specifically, web services using Face Recognition biometrics are charged Rp 3,000 per biometric. However, this cost will not be charged to mobile users. Instead, mobile operators such as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, and XL Axiata will pay this fee to the Population and Civil Registration Office (Dukcapil) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This was confirmed by the Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Edwin Hidaya Abdullah. He stated that this is part of the business responsibility of mobile operators. “There is no charge to customers. It has been agreed that this is part of the business responsibility of mobile operators and the state’s obligation to protect the public engaged in data exchange,” Edwin said during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (29/5/2026).

Edwin also ensured that the verification fee for these numbers will not become a new burden for mobile operators, noting that their businesses will grow alongside increasing consumer trust. “So, are mobile operators burdened by bearing the cost for the public? Not really. Why not? Because as people’s trust in mobile usage grows, their businesses grow as well,” Edwin explained.

The Indonesian Mobile Telecommunications Provider Association (ATSI) also stated that the Rp 3,000 fee per mobile number is currently being covered by the operators. “For the time being, yes,” said ATSI Vice Chairperson Reski Damayanti.

Edwin confirmed that users of new numbers must register SIM cards using face recognition technology. Previously, registration trials had been conducted since January 2026, with usage reaching 300,000 per day by April 2026. Edwin noted that this new registration process is easier and faster, claiming the process can be completed in less than a minute. “Previously, registration relied on the eyes, and you couldn’t input the number incorrectly. Now, all you need is a smile,” said Edwin.