According to him, online fraudsters exploit unvalidated mobile numbers, with the pattern of changing the number every time they are detected to avoid tracking.
"We want to break the chain first. So, digital crime mostly originates from unvalidated SIM cards, and the pattern is usually the same. The number is detected, discarded, and replaced with a new one. That's why the main target for implementing this regulation is new numbers," Meutya said.
However, Meutya asked cellular operators to continue serving existing customers who wish to re-register or update their data using biometric methods.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital began implementing a biometric-based mobile number registration policy in January 2026 in line with the issuance of the Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 7 of 2026.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has granted a transition period until the end of June 2026 for this policy to be implemented throughout Indonesia. Starting in July 2026, all mobile phone number registrations will use facial recognition biometrics.
"So, in big cities, we hope to start this January. But in more remote areas, we're giving cellular operators until June at the latest to deploy their athletes or outlets that are capable of biometric testing," Meutya said.
