Director General of Digital Ecosystem at the ministry, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, said the ministry has taken a series of preparatory steps to ensure the biometric SIM registration is implemented smoothly, securely, and without burdening the public.
“The role of the ministry is crucial to ensure that this biometric registration policy can be implemented in a coordinated manner, both in terms of infrastructure, regulation, and public understanding,” Edwin told ANTARA here on Friday.
He explained that the ministry has issued official letters to all mobile network operators, instructing them to prepare the supporting infrastructure for biometric registration.
The move aims to provide convenience and comfort for the public during the registration process.
In addition to infrastructure readiness, the ministry is also preparing public communication materials and strategies as part of the policy’s socialization.
Outreach efforts are being carried out through various channels, including discussions and talk shows with experts broadcast live on the ministry’s official YouTube channel to ensure broad public access.
Edwin noted that pilot projects for biometric SIM registration have been conducted since 2024, particularly at mobile operators’ outlets for SIM replacement services.
In early 2025, another pilot was held at the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Jakarta and was attended by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid.
Toward the end of 2025, the ministry conducted additional biometric registration trials at mobile operators’ outlets nationwide to further strengthen implementation readiness.
Edwin said the rollout of biometric SIM registration will be carried out in stages. In 2026, implementation will focus on mobile operators’ outlets so that users can receive direct assistance from on-site officers.
The phased approach is intended to allow sufficient time for public education, considering that not all telecommunications users are familiar with biometric methods.
According to Edwin, biometric registration is necessary to improve the validity of customer data, curb the misuse of mobile numbers, and enhance overall digital service security.
During a six-month transition period following the enactment of the new ministerial regulation on telecommunications customer registration, the public will still have the option to register independently using a national identification number and family card number via SMS 4444 or a web portal.
Alternatively, registration can be completed using a national identification number and biometric data through mobile operators’ portals.
“The ministry has also requested mobile operators to provide biometric registration web portals with clear guidelines and step-by-step instructions to ensure the process is easy and convenient for the public,” Edwin said.
Related news: Biometric-based SIM registration to limit digital fraud: Ministry
Translator: Adimas Raditya Fahky P, Farhan, Primayanti
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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