Gov’t Implements IMEI Control for Telecommunication Devices

Infographics of IMEI checking (Source: Ministry of Industry).

The Indonesian Government enforced International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) control for telecommunications devices such as mobile phones, handheld computers, and tablet computers (HKT).

This is in accordance with Minister of Communications and Informatics Regulation Number 1 of 2020 on Control of Telecommunication Devices Connected to Cellular Mobile Networks through IMEI.

“To ensure consumer protection, controlling IMEI on telecommunications devices and using devices that meet standards or legal can provide legal certainty to operators in connecting legal devices to telecommunications networks,” reads a release received by setkab.go.id editorial.

The IMEI control policy, according to the release, was held jointly with Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communications and Informatics and supported by all cellular telecommunications operators.

Since the enforcement of this regulation, the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system as an IMEI information processing center has been built by the Indonesian Cellular Telecommunications Association (ATSI) to integrate the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) system of 5 operators.

“System improvements are carried out continuously to ensure the readiness of IMEI control,” the release reads.

On 15 September 2020, at 17.00 Western Indonesian Time, the CEIR and EIR systems have completed the system stabilization process and the Implementation of National IMEI Control will fully operate on 15 September 2020 at 22.00 Western Indonesian Time. All HKT devices in which the IMEI are not registered in the CEIR system will not receive cellular mobile telecommunication network service.

“Therefore, people who will buy HKT devices should ensure that their IMEI is listed on the packaging and device and check the IMEI of their device at http://imei.kemenperin.go.id,” it reads.

The consumers should also test the device to be purchased by inserting the SIM card to make sure that the device is getting a signal from the operator. “If you don’t get a signal, you should be aware that the device is not registered,” the release reads.

For online purchases, make sure that the seller can guarantee the IMEI of the device. Both offline and online traders are responsible for the devices being traded.

For people who buy the devices online through shipments or carry devices from abroad or from the Free Trade Zone through airports and ports, they are required to declare, fulfill tax obligations and register the IMEI of the device via https://www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html or via the Customs Mobile Application which can be downloaded from the Play Store. Activation of the device with an Indonesian SIM card can be done in a maximum of 2 x 24 hours.

For the record, to submit service complaints, the customers can contact the call center of a telecommunications operator or visit a telecommunications operator service outlet. For matters relating to policies and regulations as well as other matters beyond the authority of telecommunications operators related to IMEI control, the customers can contact Ministry of Communications and Informatics Call Center at 159. (PR of Ministry of Communications and Informatics/Ministry of Industry/Ministry of Trade/Ministry of Finance/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Mia M. Bonaedy