Indonesia to Enforce Biometric Registration for New SIM Card Activations Starting July 1, 2026

The Indonesian government has officially mandated biometric registration for all new SIM card activations starting July 1, 2026. The policy aims to strengthen digital identity security and combat cybercrimes such as fraud, phishing, spam calls, and the misuse of mobile numbers registered under fake identities.

Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of the Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, said all mobile network operators are fully prepared to implement the system through their service centers, mobile apps, and official websites. The registration process uses facial recognition technology to verify customers' identities against the national civil registry database managed by the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil).

The government emphasized that biometric data will not be stored by either mobile operators or the Ministry. Facial recognition is used solely for identity verification, with the system complying with international security standards, including ISO 27001 and ISO/IEC 30107-3 liveness detection technology.

Existing mobile subscribers are also encouraged to voluntarily complete biometric re-registration. The new system will allow users to check all mobile numbers registered under their identity and request the deactivation of any unauthorized numbers.

The government expects the policy to create a safer digital ecosystem, enhance public trust in digital services and transactions, and support a healthier and more sustainable telecommunications industry.