Jakarta, INTI – Amid rising cases of online fraud involving mobile phone numbers, the Indonesian Telecommunications Service Providers Association (ATSI) has emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the SIM card recycling process. This process allows deactivated numbers to be reassigned to new users, posing a potential risk if misused by malicious actors.
ATSI’s Executive Director, Marwan O. Baasir, stressed that all stakeholders must comply with government regulations. Speaking during a public discussion in South Jakarta on Wednesday, he stated, “We hope oversight continues. Reports should be submitted by operators, and they must also comply with existing regulations.”
Regulatory Framework and Potential Risks
The government has outlined the rules governing SIM card usage through two main regulations. First, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Regulation No. 5 of 2024 limits individuals to owning a maximum of three SIM cards per mobile operator using a single National Identity Number (NIK). Second, Regulation No. 14 of 2018 stipulates that SIM cards inactive for 60 consecutive days will be automatically deactivated.
Once a number becomes inactive, it enters the recycling process and may be reassigned to a new user. Without strict oversight, this creates a loophole that could be exploited for digital fraud.
Community Role and Collaborative Oversight
Marwan added that monitoring should not only be the responsibility of the government and operators, but also involve the public. He urged users to report suspected misuse of recycled numbers by contacting the Ministry of Communication and Digital call center at 159. “If no one reports it, the government won’t know,” he said.
He further called for stronger collaboration between telecommunications providers and the government to ensure a safer digital space for everyone.
Government Commitment and Future Solutions
Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, previously emphasized that limiting SIM card ownership is part of efforts to reduce spam and misuse of data. She also urged mobile operators to regularly update user data to ensure compliance with the three-card-per-NIK rule.
Additionally, Meutya encouraged mobile users to transition to eSIM technology, which offers greater security through biometric verification. This step is seen as a proactive measure to prevent identity theft and increase data protection.
Conclusion
Monitoring SIM card recycling is a crucial step in protecting citizens from increasingly sophisticated forms of digital fraud. Cooperation among the government, telecom operators, and the public is essential to build a safe and accountable telecommunications ecosystem. Innovations like eSIM offer promising solutions for stronger, more adaptive digital security in the future.
Read More:Indonesia Builds Asias First Quantum AI Data Center to Drive Digital Economy