“We recorded that 30.2 million SIM cards have been registered as of today [Wednesday] at 4:30 p.m.,” said Ahmad Ramli, the ministry’s director general for post and informatics technology, during a press conference.

He lauded the figure as an achievement amid concerns over the use of the two identification numbers some said could be problematic owing to the absence of laws protecting personal data.

According to London-based digital agency We Are Social in January, of the 371 million subscribers in Indonesia; 98 percent of them are prepaid customers.

Read also: SIM card registration can be done online, here's how

The ministry requires all prepaid mobile phone numbers to be registered using their NIK and KK numbers between Oct. 31 and the end of February next year. Those that had registered using only their NIK are required to reregister by sending their KK number via text message to 4444.

Ahmad said, however, that customers might encounter problems while registering their numbers through text message or online owing to the high number of people trying to register at the same time.

“Don’t worry, there is still time until February next year. You should follow the instructions should you fail to register,” he added. (ipa)

Popular

Java airports grounded by low demand, poor planning

‘Beyond the Plate Vol. 2’: Borderless culinary creativity

Malaysia says China ready to sign SEA nuclear weapons-free treaty