The Indonesian government is preparing new measures to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. One of the latest proposals from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) could significantly change how citizens register SIM card, introducing biometric verification such as face recognition into the process. This means that a new SIM card registration would not only require the typical National Identification Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (KK), but now it could also include facial identification to ensure the authenticity of the registrant.
Wayan Toni Supriyanto, Director General of Post and Informatics at Kominfo, shed light on this new approach. “With face recognition, it will be an additional requirement. So, NIK and KK will be accompanied by the registrant’s actual face,” Wayan explained during an interview at the Kominfo office in Central Jakarta on Monday, October 14, 2024. This proposal aims to strengthen the security framework and reduce instances of phone-based fraud.
The implementation of biometrics in SIM card registration is currently in the trial phase, but Wayan is confident about its success. “We are still in the trial phase for using biometrics, but the cellular operators are ready, and so far, the trials are going smoothly,” he remarked.
The government’s goal is clear: to make it harder for anyone to use SIM cards for fraudulent activities by tying phone numbers directly to biometric data.
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“Numbers can no longer be used by others because they will be registered using NIK, KK, and face recognition,” Wayan stated. This added security layer would not only curb misuse but also make it easier for law enforcement to track down individuals engaged in illegal activities through their phone numbers.
“If the number is involved in scams, hoaxes, or activities that violate the law, authorities will be able to quickly identify the person behind it,” Wayan noted, emphasizing the law enforcement potential of this system.
For now, Kominfo is still coordinating with the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) under the Ministry of Home Affairs to fully integrate biometric data into the SIM card registration process. “Once coordination with Dukcapil is completed, we will begin public coordination as we gradually shift to biometric registration,” Wayan explained.
While this new system might require many Indonesians to re-register their SIM cards to meet the biometric data requirements, Wayan remains optimistic about its eventual success. “It will take time, but we believe this new policy will be successfully implemented,” he assured.
Despite potential logistical challenges, Kominfo believes the additional biometric verification could be the key to addressing phone-based fraud and enhancing digital security in Indonesia. With this approach, both the public and government will benefit from a more secure telecommunications infrastructure.
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