Jakarta, INTI — In a decisive move to cleanse Indonesia’s digital space, the government has officially launched a national migration toward e-SIM technology. Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that the shift to Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (e-SIM) is a critical step in combating data breaches and identity misuse — challenges that increasingly threaten national digital integrity.
“The transition to e-SIM is not only inevitable but essential. It aligns with the global digital revolution, demanding stronger security and operational efficiency,” said Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya during a press briefing in Jakarta.
What Is e-SIM?
e-SIM, or Embedded SIM, is a technological evolution from traditional physical SIM cards. Unlike conventional SIM cards that must be inserted manually, e-SIM is embedded directly into devices and activated digitally.
Key Advantages of e-SIM Technology
- Prevents misuse of National Identity Numbers (NIK) and data breaches
- Supports the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem
- Enhances operational efficiency within the telecommunications industry
- Strengthens data integrity and verification systems
- Minimizes digital crimes including fraud, spam, phishing, and illegal online gambling, which often exploit unverified mobile numbers
Regulating SIM Usage: Limiting Numbers per NIK
Aligned with Ministerial Regulation No. 5 of 2021, the government has enforced restrictions on SIM card ownership per NIK (Indonesian ID number):
- Maximum of 3 numbers per operator
- Up to 9 numbers across 3 different operators
This policy is aimed at curbing:
- NIK misuse
- Identity forgery
- Criminal activities using unverified mobile numbers
Government Applauds Telco Operators Support
Minister Meutya extended appreciation to Telkomsel, Indosat, XL Axiata, and Smart Telecom for their proactive support in enabling both offline and online e-SIM migration services across the country.
With over 280 million people and 350 million mobile numbers circulating in Indonesia, this e-SIM migration marks the beginning of a national digital hygiene initiative. The government is committed to cleaning up and restructuring the nation’s mobile data systems to protect citizens’ rights in the digital realm.
Through integrated digital registration and biometric verification, e-SIM technology provides layered protection against the growing threat of digital crimes such as identity theft, phishing attacks, and fraudulent online activity.