Owning multiple mobile numbers in Indonesia is about to become far more controlled. The government has officially introduced new rules that limit how many phone numbers one person can hold. Under the latest regulation from the Ministry of Communication and Digital, each individual is now allowed a maximum of three mobile number ownership per cellular operator in Indonesia. The move is aimed at tightening identity controls and reducing digital misuse.
The policy is set out in Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2026 on the Registration of Telecommunications Service Subscribers through Cellular Mobile Networks. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid said the cap applies specifically to prepaid numbers and is enforced per customer identity at each mobile service provider.
“This is a concrete step to curb the widespread misuse of identities and excessive ownership of mobile numbers,” Meutya said, as quoted from Komdigi’s official website on Monday (26/1/2026).
Beyond limiting ownership, the regulation also changes how SIM cards are registered. All registrations must now use biometric data. According to Meutya, subscriber registration must follow strict Know Your Customer principles, with accuracy and accountability at the core. Facial recognition technology is required to ensure that every registered number is linked to a legitimate and verified identity.
For Indonesian citizens, registration must be completed using a national identification number along with facial biometric data. Foreign nationals are required to register using their passport and valid residence permit documents. Different rules apply to minors as well.
“For customers under the age of 17, registration is carried out by involving the identity and biometric data of the head of the household,” Meutya said.
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The government is also addressing the circulation of anonymous mobile numbers. Under the new rules, starter SIM cards must be distributed in an inactive state. Activation is only possible once the registration process has been completed and validated. The goal is to stop active numbers from being used without a clear and verified identity.
Telecommunications service providers are given additional responsibilities. They must provide tools that allow customers to check how many mobile numbers are registered under their identity. If a number is found to be registered without the knowledge or consent of the rightful national ID holder, customers have the right to request that the number be blocked.
Data protection is another key focus. The government has stressed that service providers are fully responsible for safeguarding customer data. This includes maintaining confidentiality, applying international information security standards, and operating fraud prevention systems to protect users from digital crime.
Recognizing that many customers were registered under older systems, the government will also offer re-registration services. This applies particularly to subscribers who previously registered using only a national ID number and Family Card. These users will be required to transition to the new biometric-based registration system in line with the updated rules.
Compliance will be closely monitored. Telecommunications providers that fail to meet registration requirements will face administrative sanctions. These penalties do not remove their obligation to correct any violations found during supervision.
“Biometric-based registration, limits on mobile number ownership in Indonesia, and the public’s right to check and control numbers registered under their identity form an important foundation in narrowing the space for digital crime in Indonesia,” Meutya said.
With these measures in place, the government is signaling a tighter, more accountable digital ecosystem, where mobile access comes with clearer responsibility and stronger identity protection.
