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View all search resultsIndustry backs biometric SIM card registration, seeks lower fees
As Indonesia begins biometric SIM card registration for new subscribers, operators and cybersecurity experts say the policy's success will depend on infrastructure readiness, digital literacy and strong data protection.
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A user uses facial recognition on a smartphone in this undated photograph. (Shutterstock/Hadrian)
T
elecommunications operators and cybersecurity experts largely back Indonesia's new biometric SIM card registration system as a tool to combat online fraud but warn that its success will hinge on infrastructure readiness, digital literacy and robust data protection, while urging the government to lower verification fees.
The biometric registration requirement, which took effect on Tuesday for new mobile subscribers, is stipulated under Communications and Digital Ministry Regulation No. 7/2026.
The Indonesian Telecommunications Providers Association (ATSI), which supports the policy, said biometric verification would improve customer data accuracy and make it harder for fraudsters to exploit anonymous mobile numbers.
However, the association is asking the government to reduce the roughly Rp 3,000 (17 US cents) verification fee charged for each facial authentication, arguing that higher costs borne by operators could affect the affordability of telecommunications services.
"Just imagine, we're charged that much simply to register subscribers with the government. That's why the matter is still under discussion, and we appreciate Dukcapil for being open to talks on the issue," ATSI executive director Marwan O. Baasir told The Jakarta Post on Thursday, referring to the Home Ministry’s Population and Civil Registration Service.
"We hope the fee can be made more affordable so people can access communication services more easily and at a lower cost as broadband has become an essential tool for people's daily lives.”
The association urged the government continue limiting biometric registration to new subscribers. Requiring Indonesia's roughly 300 million existing mobile numbers to be re-registered, he said, could overwhelm registration systems and confuse customers.
