The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has introduced strict new regulations limiting cellular prepaid numbers ownership. Each customer is now allowed to register a maximum of three phone numbers per cellular operator. This rule is enforced alongside mandatory biometric registration for all prepaid SIM cards.
The regulations are contained in the Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2026 concerning registration of telecommunication service customers through mobile cellular networks. Minister Meutya Hafid emphasized that these measures aim to combat digital crimes and identity misuse comprehensively. She explained that restricting the number of registered phone numbers and requiring biometric verification strengthens identity authenticity.
Maximum Number Ownership and Biometric Registration
Under the new rules, every individual represented by their National Identification Number (NIK) can only own up to three prepaid cellular numbers per operator. This limitation applies uniformly across all cellular service providers in Indonesia. Additionally, all SIM card activations must be processed using biometric data, specifically facial recognition technology, to ensure precise customer identification.
The government requires mobile operators to uphold Know Your Customer (KYC) principles strictly and responsibly through biometric data collection. This step aims to prevent mass identity fraud and unauthorized multiple registrations that have been exploited in various fraudulent activities.
Identification Standards for Indonesian Citizens and Minors
The biometric registration system mandates Indonesian citizens to use their NIK along with facial recognition for validation. Foreign nationals must register using a valid passport and official stay permits. For minors under 17 years of age, the registration process involves biometric and identity data from the head of the family to ensure proper oversight and compliance.
Facial biometric technology thus becomes the cornerstone of verification, significantly enhancing the accuracy and trustworthiness of registration data. This reduces the risk of false identities and unauthorized SIM card usage.
Public Oversight and Data Security Protocols
A critical aspect of the new regulation is the distribution of SIM cards strictly in an inactive state. Activation is only permitted after successfully completing biometric registration and identity verification. This prevents the circulation of unregistered or anonymous active numbers, which are often used for illicit purposes.
Telecom operators must also provide facilities that allow customers to check their registered numbers linked to their NIK. This transparency gives the public full authority to verify and manage their registered phone numbers effectively.
Control Mechanisms to Prevent Misuse and Crime
If customers discover phone numbers registered under their NIK without consent, they have the right to request immediate blocking of those numbers. This provision is crucial to mitigating identity theft and number misuse in scams or criminal acts. Any number proven to be involved in unlawful activities must be deactivated promptly by the service provider.
The regulation also includes official complaint mechanisms for customers to report any misuse. Such proactive measures strengthen consumer protection and reinforce the telecom sector’s accountability in sustaining lawful operations.
Implementation, Compliance, and Sanctions
Security and confidentiality of customer data are paramount under this policy. Operators are required to implement international data security standards along with fraud prevention systems. These protocols safeguard biometric and personal data from breaches or unauthorized access.
Existing customers who registered using only their NIK and family card are mandated to re-register using the updated biometrics system. This re-registration ensures full compliance with the latest requirements set out in 2026.
Non-compliance with biometric registration rules and ownership restrictions invites administrative sanctions on telecom operators. These penalties underscore the government’s commitment to enforcing responsible number ownership and protecting citizens’ identities rigorously.
Summary of Key Regulatory Points:
- Maximum three prepaid numbers per customer per operator.
- Mandatory facial recognition biometric registration for all new SIM activations.
- SIM cards distributed in inactive status pending registration validation.
- Public access to number registration records tied to their NIK.
- Legal rights for customers to block unauthorized numbers.
- Secure handling of personal and biometric data by operators.
- Re-registration requirement for previously registered customers.
- Administrative sanctions for operators violating the rules.
These comprehensive regulations mark a significant leap toward improving the security and integrity of Indonesia’s telecom sector. They demonstrate the government’s proactive approach in addressing digital identity fraud, enhancing consumer protection, and promoting responsible telecommunication services nationwide.