2026 Biometric SIM Registration Rules, Violators Threatened with Sanctions
New policy of SIM card registration with biometric verification
The government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has implemented new rules regarding SIM card registration. Starting July 1, 2026, all new customers are required to perform biometric verification using facial recognition technology. This is an important step in strengthening the security of telecommunications services in Indonesia.
Elimination of NIK and KK Validation Methods
Previously, registration of the first SIM card used the validation of the Population Identification Number (NIK) as the main method. However, this rule will be terminated along with the implementation of facial recognition-based biometric verification. All new customers are required to undergo the process, which aims to prevent the use of other people’s identities in the registration process.
Kemkomdigi asked all cellular operators to stop the registration mechanism that only relies on NIK and Family Card Number (KK). Activation without biometric verification is no longer allowed. The government has also sent an official letter to all cellular operators to immediately adjust the registration system.
NIK Validation Access Closing
Kemkomdigi has coordinated with the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration. On July 2, 2026, the ministry sent a letter asking for the closure of access to validation of NIK and family card numbers for new customer registration. This step is carried out so that the registration process can only use biometric verification. Thus, the old system can no longer be used for activation of new cards.
The policy is part of the implementation of the Regulation of the Minister of Communication and Digital Number 7 of 2026. The government hopes that the entire process will run uniformly in all operators.
Inspection of Finding Operators Not Compliant
The Director General of the Digital Ecosystem conducted a surprise inspection at a mall in Central Jakarta on July 3, 2026. During the inspection, it was found that one operator had implemented biometric registration according to the rules. However, there are still two operators that allow registration using a NIK and family card number. The officer also found a SIM card that was active and ready to use.
The results of the inspection are used as material for evaluating operator compliance. Supervision will continue to be carried out periodically to ensure that all operators comply with applicable regulations.
new policy objectives
Kemkomdigi emphasized that biometric verification was implemented in order to improve the security of mobile service users. This system is expected to be able to prevent misuse of identity when registering a new number. In addition, the government wants to strengthen the protection of the community in the digital space.
“We invite all operators to make community protection a priority. Compliance with biometric registration is not only fulfilling regulations, but also a form of shared responsibility to build a safer and more reliable Indonesian digital ecosystem,” said the Kemkomdigi representative.
Benefits of Biometric Verification
According to Kemkomdigi, the use of biometric data has broader benefits than the previous registration system. Face verification can reduce the risk of identity falsification when activating a new number. “Biometric registration is an important foundation for preventing identity abuse, digital fraud, and various forms of cyber crime,” he added.
This step is expected to increase public confidence in telecommunications services. A more secure system also helps reduce misuse of cellular numbers. The policy is part of the national digital transformation.
Sanctions for violators of the rules
Kemkomdigi confirmed that it will continue to oversee the implementation of biometric registration throughout Indonesia. Operators who still activate new customer numbers without biometric verification may be subject to administrative sanctions. Sanctions are given in accordance with the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations.
The government hopes that all telecommunications service providers comply with these rules. With the compliance of all operators, the customer registration system is expected to be safer. This step also aims to provide better protection for the community.
Conclusion
The implementation of SIM card registration based on biometric verification is the government’s new step in strengthening the security of telecommunications services in Indonesia. With the support of all operators and sustainable supervision, this policy is expected to prevent misuse of identity while creating a safer and more reliable digital ecosystem.
