Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesia will roll out a new SIM card registration system starting January 1, 2026, introducing facial recognition to strengthen safeguards against digital crime, according to the Telecommunications Providers Association (ATSI).

ATSI Executive Director Marwan O. Baasir said on Wednesday (17/12/2025) that the policy, implemented with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, aims to limit misuse of mobile numbers for fraud, scams, and cybercrime. 

“From 1 January 2025, new customers can choose to register using their national ID data or voluntarily use biometric facial recognition,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The initial phase applies only to new subscribers, while existing users are not required to re-register. Mandatory biometric registration will begin on 1 July 2026.

Registration will be conducted through operators’ applications, with in-store assistance provided for users in remote areas or those using basic mobile phones. The system is expected to improve data accuracy, enhance security, and reduce criminal exploitation of SIM cards nationwide.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)