Komdigi asks Dukcapil to block SIM registration without face recognition
Komdigi’s new policy to improve cyber security
The Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) has taken radical steps in an effort to clear the cyberspace of fraudulent syndicates. This step was carried out by asking the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Ditjen Dukcapil) to close access to validation access to the Population Identification Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (KK) which has been used in registration of conventional cellular SIM cards.
This policy is enforced after the mandatory instruction stating that all mobile network operators must implement new customer registration using biometric verification of face recognition as of July 1, 2026.
strict enforcement of the rules
The Director General of the Komdigi Digital Ecosystem, Edwin Abdullah, explained that this policy was taken after the joint team found evidence that a number of cellular operators were still desperate to open the starter pack activation instantly without complying with facial recognition rules. “Starting July 1, new customer registration is required to use biometrics. Therefore, on July 2, 2026 we have written to the Directorate General of Dukcapil to request closure of access to validation of NIK and regular KK numbers,” he said.
Inspection in West Jakarta Reveals Violations
Edwin revealed that the firmness of Komdigi is not without reason. On Friday, July 3, 2026, the Director General of Digital Ecosystem together with the ranks conducted a surprise inspection (sidak) to one of the shopping centers/malls in the West Jakarta area to monitor compliance in the field. The results were surprising and disappointing.
The Komdigi team found that from the three major operators monitored, only 1 operator was obedient in implementing facial biometric registration. Meanwhile, 2 other operators were found to be able to activate new customers illegally with NIK and No. KK at their outlets. Worse yet, at the location of the mall, the inspection team still found piles of starter packs that had been activated en masse (ready to use cards) and were traded freely to the public.
Foundations to Prevent Digital Scams
Edwin reminded that the biometric registration rules contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Komdigi Number 7 of 2026 are not just a matter of changing administrative procedures on paper. This rule is the main fortress of national cyber defense. “Biometric registration is an important foundation to prevent misuse of the identity of others, digital fraud (phishing), to various forms of organized cyber crime,” he continued.
Ancaman Sanksi bagi Operator Bandel
Komdigi emphasized that a stern warning letter had been sent to the entire board of directors of telecommunications providers. The government ensures that it will not hesitate to impose heavy administrative sanctions until the option to freeze operational permits if there are still stubborn operators and deliberately pass new customers without face recognition.
Findings of Komdigi Sidak in the Field
Some important findings from the Komdigi inspection in the field in July 2026 include:
- Low compliance: Only 1 mobile operator has successfully implemented a full facial biometric verification system.
- Regulatory violations: 2 Operators are found to still serve manual activation using the old NIK/KK type system.
- Illegal card findings: The circulation of ready-to-use fake starter packs is still widespread before being bought by consumers.
