Jakarta, INTI – The rise of online fraud, identity misuse, and the circulation of unregistered or fake mobile numbers has prompted the government to take firm action. The Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) has announced a new regulation on mobile number registration that will be implemented gradually starting next year. Under this policy, mobile number owners especially those activating new numbers will no longer be able to register using only their National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card (KK). They will also be required to undergo facial recording (face recognition) as part of identity verification. This measure aims to close loopholes in mobile number misuse and strengthen national digital security.
Why Is Facial Recording Required?
Until now, mobile number registration using NIK and KK has often been misused by various parties. Population data is frequently used without consent, invalid numbers circulate widely, and digital criminals can easily switch numbers to deceive victims. Komdigi asserts that biometric verification using facial recognition will ensure:
- the customer’s identity is truly valid,
- the digital ecosystem becomes more secure,
- identity misuse and illegal numbers can be significantly reduced.
This regulation is expected to serve as a new safeguard against spam, online fraud, and even online gambling practices that have long exploited weaknesses in mobile number registration.
Key Provisions in the New Mobile Number Registration Rules
Komdigi outlined several core requirements that will be included in the Draft Ministerial Regulation (RPM), including:
1. For Indonesian Citizens Aged 17 and Above or Married
Registration must include:
- Mobile number (MSISDN)
- NIK
- Facial recording (face recognition)
2. For Indonesian Citizens Under 17 and Not Married
Because they do not yet have a national ID or personal biometrics, registration requires:
- Mobile number
- NIK
- NIK and biometrics of the head of household listed in the Family Card (KK)
3. eSIM Users
Still required to register using:
- Mobile number
- NIK
- Face recognition
The RPM also regulates prepaid and postpaid registration, customer data protection, monitoring mechanisms, and transitional provisions.
Komdigi emphasizes that facial recording will not be mandatory immediately. There will be a transition period as follows:
Within the first year after the regulation is enacted:
Registration may still use NIK + KK, with face recognition being optional.
After 1 year: Registration for new numbers must use NIK + face recognition.
For existing users, there is no requirement to re-register using biometrics. This rule applies only to the purchase and activation of new mobile numbers.
Impact on Users and the Digital Ecosystem
The introduction of biometrics is expected to deliver several positive impacts:
- faster and more accurate registration,
- reduced circulation of illegal or unregistered numbers,
- enhanced digital transaction security,
- lower risk of online fraud.
The public only needs to prepare for facial verification when buying new numbers, while operators will have time to gradually develop biometric infrastructure.
Conclusion
The new mobile number registration regulation requiring facial recording is a strategic step by Komdigi to strengthen Indonesia’s digital security. With biometric verification and stricter procedures, the government aims to build a safer, more trustworthy telecommunications ecosystem free from identity misuse. This policy is expected to address the growing challenges of digital crime while supporting a more inclusive national digital transformation.
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