Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has initiated a nationwide push for accelerated migration to embedded SIM (e-SIM) technology. The transition is critical in combating data breaches and identity misuse, which increasingly threaten digital users.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid emphasized that the shift to e-SIM is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic response to global digital transformation demands prioritizing security and efficiency. “e-SIM is the future. With integrated digital systems and biometric registration, this technology offers dual protection against data abuse and rampant digital crimes such as spam, phishing, and illegal online gambling,” Meutya affirmed during a public socialization event for the upcoming Ministerial on e-SIM and Data Updating. (04/14)
Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are embedded directly into devices, enabling seamless communication under a single National Identity Number (NIK). Under Ministerial Regulation No.5 of 2021, users are allowed a maximum of three numbers per mobile operator or nine across three different operators.
“There have been cases where a single NIK was used to register over 100 mobile numbers. This poses serious risks for digital crime and can lead to innocent citizens bearing the consequences of actions they never committed,” Meutya warned.
To address this, the Ministry will issue a new regulation that intensifies monitoring and enforcement of NIK-based registration limits while strengthening identity verification during the registration process. Minister Meutya also expressed appreciation for mobile operators, including Telkomsel, Indosat, XL Axiata, and Smart Telecom, for providing in-store and online e-SIM migration services. The government encourages operators to proactively educate the public as part of the National Movement for Digital Data Clean-up.
“For now, migration is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend that users with e-SIM-compatible devices make the switch as soon as possible. It’s a vital step toward securing personal data and preventing identity abuse,” she concluded.
