Why Must You Use an ID Card When Checking into a Hotel?

When checking into a hotel, travellers are usually required to show their National ID Card (KTP) as proof of identity. This hotel check-in regulation has been in place for a long time to ensure the authenticity of guests’ identities and the comfort of all hotel guests staying there. Through the KTP, hotel staff can match guests’ personal data during room bookings and the check-in process. Hotels also guarantee the confidentiality of guests’ personal KTP data and generally do not retain the ID card during the stay. As a result, all guests can feel more secure and comfortable because every hotel occupant’s identity has been clearly verified. “Many things relate to security, not just criminality, but also concerns about minors and the presence of prostitution,” said Yusran. The KTP, as the primary identity document for Indonesian citizens, can serve as an initial step to prevent prostitution, especially involving underage guests. “It’s also important to know that local governments use the KTP as an indicator during raids,” he explained. “Hotels will certainly refuse; it’s impossible to accept a guest without clear identification that could disturb other guests, causing worry for other guests and management,” he added. To date, there is no other valid ID card option that can replace the KTP for hotel check-ins. For information, this statement was given by Yusran in response to the opinion of the Director General of the Population and Civil Registration Service (Dukcapil), Teguh Setyabudi, who suggested that the public use identities other than the KTP when checking into hotels. Teguh stated that the electronic KTP (e-KTP) has an electronic chip that stores population data, so it should not be photocopied or handed over casually, including for hotel check-in verification before staying. “The government can’t speak one by one. The government has central and local levels; we (hotels) must deal with local governments (pemda),” said Yusran. “Don’t let there be conflicts with local governments because that identity is used for guest security, even though there is indeed the Personal Data Protection Law,” he concluded.