Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), Meutya Hafid, has issued a new ministerial regulation promoting the use of embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) technology, urging eligible smartphone users to make the switch for enhanced security.
The regulations was outlined under the Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2025 on the Utilization of eSIM Technology. It marks the country’s first legal framework encouraging the public to transition from physical SIM cards to digital eSIMs.
The announcement was made during a government-hosted public outreach event on Friday in Jakarta. “Starting today, Regulation No. 7 of 2025 is in effect, giving us a legal basis to support eSIM use,” said Hafid. “We know not all phones in Indonesia support this yet, but for those that do, we encourage users to migrate.”
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are digitally embedded into devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. They allow users to download their mobile network profile directly to the device, eliminating the need to insert or swap physical cards.
Minister Hafid emphasized that security is a key reason behind the push for eSIM adoption. She said eSIMs are significantly harder to misuse particularly in cases of phone theft or identity fraud. eSIM could also help mitigate the misuse of Indonesia’s national ID numbers (NIK), which are required for mobile registration.
“With eSIMs, especially when paired with biometric registration, the risk can be greatly reduced,” she said. “Biometric integration can also prevent cases where one’s national ID is used without consent, an issue we’ve seen reported frequently.”
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Although the government is not mandating eSIM adoption, Hafid said she hopes the benefits will be incentive enough for users to make the transition voluntarily.
“This move is about stronger data protection and improved security against scams, phishing attacks, and the unauthorized use of personal information,” she explained.
Hafid also highlighted the broader advantages of eSIM technology, calling it a “solution for the future.” Besides its security features, eSIM is praised for its convenience, users can switch carriers or phone numbers digitally without changing a physical SIM card. It also saves physical space in devices, enabling slimmer phone designs and reducing plastic waste.
eSIMs are not just more practical, the technology is more sustainable, more secure, and harder to steal or exploit. As cyber threats and digital crimes such as online gambling, phishing, and spam continue to rise, the Indonesian government views eSIM adoption as a crucial step in strengthening national digital resilience.
(Raidi/Agung)
