Komdigi Clarification Regarding Purchase of Used Cellphones and Blocking Voluntary IMEI

Discourse of the Ministry of Communication and Digital About the Used Cellphone Name Transfer System

Along with the development of technology, issues related to the transfer of name systems for used or second phones began to appear on social media. Several social media users uploaded information stating that the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) would apply a similar rule with the name of the motorized vehicle.

This news spread widely on the Instagram platform. one of the uploads from the @mak account***** mentions that:

“Komdigi said that the sale and purchase of used cellphones will be similar to a motorbike, there is a change of name. ‘This cellphone switched from the name A to the name B, in order to avoid misuse of identity,” wrote the account on Saturday (4/10/2025).

The upload triggered various responses from the public. Many people are worried because this system is considered complicated and not in accordance with today’s habits, where the purchase of used cellphones usually does not require documents such as changing the name of the vehicle.

explanation from the Director General of Digital Infrastructure Kemkomdigi

Responding to the issue, the Director General of Digital Infrastructure of the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi), Wayan Toni, gave a clarification. He emphasized that the discourse related to the blocking and re-registration services of the IMEI was not the rule of changing the name of the cellphone as in motorized vehicles.

“We need to straighten it out, it’s not true that it seems as if the Ministry of Communication and Information will require every cellphone to have a sign of ownership such as a motorcycle BPKB,” Wayan said in a press release from Komdigi on Saturday (4/10/2025).

He explained that this system is voluntary. For those who want to get more protection if the phone is lost or stolen, they can follow this procedure. “This is a follow-up to the aspirations of the people whose identity is often misused when cellphones are lost or stolen,” he added.

IMEI function in consumer protection

Wayan explained that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) functions as the official identity of the device that has been registered in the government system. With this system, cellphones resulting from criminal acts can be blocked so that they no longer have economic value for criminals.

“With IMEI, the public can be calmer. If the cellphone is lost or stolen, the device can be reported and blocked. If it is found again, it can be reactivated. So this is not a new burden, but additional protection for the community, “explained Wayan.

IMEI also has other benefits, such as:

• Preventing Illegal Cell Phones (BM)
• Protect consumers from fraud
• Ensuring quality and official warranty
• Helping officers reduce the crime of cell phone theft

The decision making process is still ongoing

Wayan added that the discourse is still in the stage of receiving input from the community. Currently, this policy has not been discussed at the leadership level.

“Our director conveyed this in an academic discussion forum at ITB, the aim was to hear input from academics, practitioners, and the community before there was a further decision,” explained Wayan.

Komdigi reiterated that the IMEI blocking policy discourse was carried out voluntarily and in an effort to protect consumers and maintain the security of the Indonesian digital ecosystem.

“And not adding to the bureaucratic rules that burden the community,” concluded Wayan.