TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) is in discussions with cellular operators on consumer rights and protection related to the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) regulations.

"Protection of consumer rights is our concern," said Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Johnny G Plate, at the Parliament Complex, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020.

After being ratified with the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Industry last October, the regulation on IMEI will be in effect starting from April 18.

Discussions with the cellular operator on how to handle consumer complaints when cell phones become out of commission due to the IMEI not being registered in the system, took place some time ago.

Currently, the checking of the IMEI number is done by the Sibina system, managed by the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin).

The Ministry has been considering both a blacklist or whitelist, as means to overcome the problem of the IMEI not being registered, with both methods having their own respective implications. Considering the expensive price of the mobile phone, further discussions on consumer protection are deemed necessary.

“In the next two weeks, (the discussions) will be completed. After that, we decide on whether to use a whitelist or blacklist," Johnny remarked on the discussions with cellular operators.

Johnny went on to state that, the people do not need to worry about IMEI, as all official cell phone products have a legalized IMEI.

However, through this regulation, people who buy cellphones from abroad, either when traveling or buying online, are now required to register their IMEI and pay tax obligations.

ANTARA | DIO SUHENDA (INTERN TRANSLATOR)