The days of traditional SIM cards may be numbered in Indonesia. As digital threats grow more sophisticated and online crimes like identity theft and phishing surge, the government is urging the public to transition to e-SIM technology in Indonesia, a shift seen as crucial to protecting personal data in the modern digital age.
Although the switch to e-SIM is not yet mandatory, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) is encouraging users with compatible devices to migrate immediately. Minister Meutya Hafid stressed that this step is a proactive way to reduce data-related risks.
“For now, migration is not mandatory. However, we strongly encourage those with e-SIM-compatible devices to switch soon. This is for the sake of personal data security and protection against identity misuse,” Meutya said in an official statement quoted on Monday, April 14, 2025.
She described e-SIMs as “a future-ready solution,” highlighting their integration with digital systems and biometric-based registration, which offers “double protection” against common cybercrimes.
“e-SIM is a future-ready solution. With system integration and biometric registration, this technology provides double protection against data misuse and the rising threat of digital crimes such as spam, phishing, and online gambling,” she added.
Beyond security benefits, e-SIMs are expected to play a key role in boosting Indonesia’s Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and improving operational efficiency in the telecom sector.
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At the same time, Meutya called attention to another pressing issue—misuse of citizen identity numbers (NIK) for excessive mobile number registrations. Under current rules outlined in the Ministry’s Regulation No. 5 of 2021, each NIK is permitted to register a maximum of three numbers per operator. Yet violations persist.
“There are cases where one NIK is linked to more than 100 numbers. This poses a serious risk for digital crimes, and the real owner of the NIK could end up facing the consequences of something they didn’t do,” Meutya warned.
To close this loophole, Komdigi is preparing a new ministerial regulation to tighten oversight of mobile number limits and strengthen identity verification during the registration process.
With biometric verification and digital integration at its core, the e-SIM initiative in Indonesia is designed not just to enhance personal data protection but to combat the misuse of mobile numbers and curb rising cybercrime. While not yet compulsory, the government’s message is clear: for those already equipped, the time to switch is now.
