Ministry accused of stalling e-KTPs

BANDAR LAMPUNG: Citizens have complained about the delayed distribution of their electronic identification cards, known as e-KTP, which they began processing three months ago.

“My ID card has expired and I have to apply for a business permit, which requires an ID card. If we end up like this, what’s the point of arranging the national e-KTP program?” Muhammad Hidayat, a resident, said on Thursday.

He said that he had come to the Municipal Population Service and Civilian Affairs Agency many times to ask about his e-KTP.

“They are both saying almost the same. They say the e-KTPs are still at the Home Ministry in Jakarta. They are waiting for a permit for their distribution,” he said.

The national e-KTP program aims to avert double citizenship. The first phase of the program is expected to cover 97 million citizens in 197 regencies and municipalities, while the second phase will involve another 105 million citizens in 200 regencies and municipalities.

Syahril Sanusi, head of the Population and Civilian Affairs Agency, said that they had written twice to urge the ministry to distribute the e-KTPs as soon as possible.