April 20, 2026 | 03:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairperson of Commission II of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Rifqinizamy Karsayuda, has drawn a comparison between Indonesia’s administrative system and that of Malaysia, which he considers more advanced. According to Rifqi, Malaysia successfully implemented an efficient Single Identity Number (SIN) system long before Indonesia.
The SIN concept integrates the population registration number (NIK) from the Identity Card (KTP) or Family Card as the sole valid identifier for accessing all administrative affairs and public services.
Rifqi noted that Malaysia, despite gaining independence a decade after Indonesia, had established the SIN system for its public services much earlier. He delivered these remarks while presiding over a working meeting with Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto on Monday, April 20, 2026.
"I use Malaysia as an illustration because they are close to us and achieved independence ten years after we did," Rifqi stated in the Commission II meeting room in Senayan, Jakarta.
Rifqi shared insights from his time living in Malaysia between 2007 and 2009, noting that even then, Malaysian citizens simply utilized their identification numbers for various needs. For instance, in transactions such as car exchanges, citizens only needed to provide their ID number.
This number was then verified via fingerprints to ascertain identity, tax compliance history, financial standing, and overall economic conditions. "I honestly viewed it as something luxurious and special at the time. Now, 20 years later, we are still grappling with a similar situation, while they have likely progressed much further," Rifqi remarked.
The NasDem Party politician urged the government to accelerate the transition to a unified data system modeled after Malaysia’s success. The goal is for all public services, including tax payments and other official matters, to be accessible solely through the SIN.
"So, we should no longer need to carry physical cards, not even the KTP," Rifqi said. "By just checking our NIK, all tax records, land certificates, and other data should appear," he added.
During the meeting, Rifqi also announced that his commission has formed a Working Committee for the Draft Population Administration Law (Adminduk Law). However, the formal legislative process remains pending, awaiting the House of Representatives' response to the President regarding the appointment of government representatives for the revision talks.
"Therefore, while we await the President's letter and respect the formal process, today’s meeting is scheduled to discuss the urgency of revising the Adminduk Law as a move to enhance Indonesia’s population administration governance," he explained.
Currently, the government and the House are deliberating the Population Administration Bill to modernize the system and safeguard citizen data. Key points under discussion include fortifying data security, promoting digital verification through electronic documents, implementing the SIN, and simplifying the issuance of birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Read: Indonesia Assures Food Stocks Safe Amid El Nino Threat
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Schedule of Indonesia Team for 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup
28 menit lalu
The Indonesian badminton team prepares for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup in Horsens, Denmark. Check the group stage schedule from April 24 to May 3.
Indonesia's IDX Introduces Liquidity Providers to Boost Trading
31 menit lalu
In the initial stage, the Indonesia Stock Exchange implements the first quotation conducted by Phintraco Sekuritas.
Indonesian Police Bust Syndicate Selling Fake US Dollars as 'Macau Dollars'
5 jam lalu
Indonesian Police revealed the circulation of fake US dollars sold as Macau dollars. Five suspects were arrested, with one supplier still at large.
Indonesia Miss AFF U-17 Semifinals After 0-0 Draw vs Vietnam
7 jam lalu
Indonesia failed to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 AFF U-17 Cup after finishing third in the group following a 0-0 draw against Vietnam.
Indonesia Assures Food Stocks Safe Amid El Nino Threat
9 jam lalu
The Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman stated that the El Nino Godzilla phenomenon is predicted to hit Indonesia for six months.
Indonesia Mulls Adding 24 More Rafale Jets to Fleet
1 hari lalu
This plan, if realized, will add 24 Rafale fighter jets to the existing order of 42, bringing the total to 66 units for Indonesia.
Indonesia Fuel Prices Rise as Pertamina, BP Increase Diesel Rates
1 hari lalu
Indonesian state-owned oil company Pertamina and BP are increasing their fuel prices since Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Indonesia Foils 21.9 Kg Meth Smuggling Operation in Riau
1 hari lalu
A joint team of Indonesian Customs and Excise and the police foil the smuggling of 21.9 kilograms of meth in a hotel in Riau province.
BMKG Warns of High Waves in North Sumatra Waters Until April 22
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that the waters west of the Nias Islands, North Sumatra.
Indonesia Probes Deadly Helicopter Crash in West Kalimantan
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is investigating the PK-CFX helicopter crash in West Kalimantan.
