On Friday, April 11, 2025, Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid officially enacted Ministerial Regulation No. 7 of 2025 on the utilization of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology in telecommunication services. In a statement alongside the release, she emphasized that although the migration to eSIM is not yet mandatory, it provides the first comprehensive legal framework to support digital identity security and curb cybercrime related to physical SIM card misuse.
The regulation mandates that all mobile network operators (MNOs) develop and maintain secure eSIM provisioning systems, whether proprietary or GSMA‑compliant, and imposes strict obligations on protecting eSIM profiles in accordance with consumer protection and data privacy laws. By embedding subscriber identity modules directly into devices, the government aims to future‑proof Indonesia’s telecom infrastructure and align with global trends in Internet of Things (IoT) and machine‑to‑machine communication.
Alongside the ministerial regulation, Meutya Hafid highlighted concerns over the widespread abuse of Indonesia’s National Identity Number (NIK) in SIM registrations. Current rules limit each NIK to a maximum of three numbers per operator, yet instances have surfaced where single NIKs were tied to hundreds of active lines. The new eSIM framework will be supplemented by a forthcoming regulation tightening NIK‑based registration and strengthening biometric verification during onboarding.
Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest MNO, welcomed the directive. Saki H. Bramono, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility at Telkomsel, stated, “Telkomsel fully supports the Ministry’s efforts to accelerate migration to eSIM and update customer data as part of broader digital security initiatives.” He noted that Telkomsel has expanded eSIM migration services across its GraPARI outlets and via its online portal, aiming to simplify the transition for customers with compatible devices.
Similarly, XL Axiata affirmed its readiness to adopt eSIM and biometric registration. Rajeev Sethi, President Director & CEO of XL Axiata, remarked, “We continue to innovate with technologies like eSIM and face‑recognition biometrics to deliver more secure, efficient, and trustworthy services.” XL Axiata’s trials since September 2024 integrate eSIM provisioning with real‑time biometric validation against the national population database, ensuring no single NIK exceeds the three‑number limit per operator.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) also threw its weight behind the regulation. Steve Saerang, SVP Head of Corporate Communications at Indosat, told Liputan6, “We support the government’s progressive move to strengthen security through eSIM and biometric verification.” Indosat has begun implementing face‑recognition checks for eSIM migration, adding an extra layer of protection while maintaining physical SIM services for those not yet able to transition.
Smartfren has likewise acknowledged the new rule through its customer blog, outlining activation steps for eSIM on compatible devices. In their April 2025 post, Smartfren reaffirmed the ministry’s guidance, urging users whose smartphones support eSIM to migrate soon “to ensure better security and convenience,” and detailing both online and in‑store activation processes.
Despite the enthusiastic operator responses, actual eSIM adoption remains nascent. Government data indicate that fewer than 5 percent of Indonesian smartphone users have migrated to eSIM, hampered by device compatibility, public awareness, and the persistence of physical SIM habits. To address misconceptions about compulsion, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria clarified that while registration for new lines may require eSIM, existing physical SIM holders are not legally obliged to switch, positioning eSIM as an optional—but strongly encouraged—feature.
Looking ahead, collaboration between Komdigi and the major MNOs will be crucial. Joint efforts will focus on consumer education campaigns, expanded biometric registration pilots, and continuous refinement of provisioning systems. As Indonesia pursues a more secure and efficient telecommunication ecosystem, the success of eSIM will hinge on seamless implementation, robust operator support, and public confidence in this next‑generation SIM technology.
