Availability Of Electronic KTP Blanks In Surabaya Is Running Low

Head of the Department of Population and Civil Registration (Dispendukcapil) Surabaya City Agus Imam Sonhaji ((Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Department of Population and Civil Registration of the City of Surabaya stated that the high demand for Electronic Identity Cards (KTP) has made the availability of KTP blanks in the City of Heroes, East Java, running low.

Head of the Population and Civil Registration Agency (Dispendukcapil) for the City of Surabaya, Agus Imam Sonhaji, in Surabaya, Saturday, said the shortage of blanks was due to the high demand for electronic ID cards, both new prints for 17 year olds, missing or damaged.

"In a day, we can receive 800 to 1,000 requests for electronic ID cards," Agus said as quoted by Antara, Saturday, February 19.

Meanwhile, he continued, his party was waiting for the availability of blanks, as well as waiting for directions from the Director General of Population and Civil Registration of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) for the application of Digital-ID (KTP-Digital).

Regarding the application of Digital-ID, Agus explained, later there will be two types of ID cards, namely electronic ID cards in physical form and Digital-ID which can be stored in cellphones in the form of soft files. So, when blanks are not available as they are today, he said, people can use Digital-ID as the function of a physical ID card.

"For example, the physical ID card has not been printed, residents can use it (Digital-ID). At least it has the same legal force as the physical one, the function is the same. To make it easier for residents later," he said.

For this reason, he continued, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has instructed Surabaya Dispendukcapil ranks to issue a Certificate (Suket) in place of an electronic ID card.

Based on Circular (SE) No. 470/4426/436.7.11/2022 issued by the Surabaya Civil Registration Office, the Mayor requested the Sukket provided as a temporary replacement for the electronic ID card, the validity period is 14 days until early March 2022.

Agus explained that the Surabaya City Dispendukcapil has currently sent approximately 10,000 Sukets to all sub-district and sub-district offices throughout Surabaya. Meanwhile, there are 15,000 electronic ID cards that must be completed by the Dispendukcapil in the next two weeks.

In the SE Dispendukcapil dated February 18, 2022, Agus conveyed to the lurah and sub-district that the replacement of the printed electronic ID card had been partially sent since February 16, 2022. While the rest, will be sent again in the near future.

"Because this Suket can't be issued arbitrarily, wait for an order. There must be an urgent situation like this, then it can be issued," he said.