The results of this daily’s investigation show a weakness in the security of the materials used in state documents. Blank electronic identity cards (e-KTPs) can be found at markets.
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ARSIP/KOMPAS
The citizenship identity number (NIK) appears on a fake electronic identity card (e-KTP) and the bankbook of an account that was opened using the fake card. Fake e-KTPs are made from illicitly sourced blank identity cards, and are virtually indistinguishable from genuine e-KTPs. During the process of opening a new bank account, the bank officer merely looked at the e-KTP and did not verify it using a card reader.
The results of this daily’s investigation show a weakness in the security of the materials used in state documents. Blank electronic identity cards (e-KTPs) can be found at markets.
A thorough investigation must be conducted into the criminally or financially motivated negligence that has led to the leak of blank e-KTPs, which are state documents. This daily’s two-month investigation found blank e-KTPs being sold at Pramuka market and via an online shop.
Responding to the investigative report, Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said that the commercial circulation of blank e-KTPs the Kompas investigative team had uncovered was merely an ordinary crime. The Home Ministry has discovered the perpetrator’s identity and reported the case to the police.
We appreciate Home Ministry’s quick response to our findings. However, we suggest that a thorough investigation still be carried out to dismantle the e-KTP “syndicate” and identify all those involved in leaking and trading in the state documents.
Do not be so quick to be satisfied with the simple conclusion, “It is an ordinary crime”. All parties that have been involved in the illicit procurement of state documents must also be investigated. Moreover, the procurement of e-KTPs has been problematic since the beginning. In addition, the quality of e-KTPs is inadequate.
The circulation of new and used blank e-KTPs is likely due to weak supervision. The blank cards were being traded for Rp 150,000 to Rp 200,000 each, and up to Rp 600,000 for producing fake e-KTPs. Such weakness, of course, runs high risks.
The d-KTP is an important identity document that only state authorities may issue. Citizenship documents cannot be printed and traded by just anyone. This requires criminal sanctions and fines as stipulated in the Population Administration Law. Electronic identity cards are the primary document for engaging in other civil contracts. Getting driving licenses, creating passports and opening bank accounts all require an e-KTP.
Based on this daily’s investigation, all parties appear to have been negligent in care and caution. A genuine but fake e-KTP can be used illicitly just to open a bank account. Even though personal data is stored in the chips embedded in e-KTPs, some parties still request photocopies of e-KTPs because the mandatory installation of card readers has not been enforced.
We encourage the Home Ministry to use this incident as an opportunity to make improvements, audit the security system and ensure the security of state documents and population data. Improvements are needed because of the importance of civil registry documents, especially ahead of the 2019 general election. Without a thorough investigation, the illicit circulation of leaked blank identity cards might trigger political bias that will only add to the complexity of existing problems.
