As we all know, the Identity Card (KTP) serves as the official proof of identity for Indonesian residents. Reflecting technological advancements, the government transitioned from traditional KTPs to electronic KTPs (e-KTP) starting in 2009. An electronic KTP is an identification card equipped with a chip containing the holder’s official identity, issued by implementing agencies. This chip securely stores biodata and biometric information such as photographs, fingerprints, iris scans, and signatures. The biometric system integrated into the electronic KTP is a crucial feature that makes this form of identification virtually impossible to forge. But how does a bioscanner work within this system to ensure identity integrity?
Biometric systems offer a highly secure method of identity verification, significantly reducing the risks of forgery and data duplication. This system is capable of detecting duplicate identity data, effectively preventing issues like inflated population counts or manipulation of demographic information, thus providing a real-time, accurate representation of the population.
Understanding the Biometric Scanner System in e-IDs
Source: Freepik
Biometric ID scanners employ authentication methods utilizing fingerprint scanners, iris scanners, digital signature recognition, facial recognition, and even voice recognition to accurately identify an individual’s identity.
A biometric scanner device captures an individual’s biometric data for their e-ID, including iris patterns, fingerprint scans, and digital signatures. This data is then transformed into digital information that computer systems can interpret and use for verification. The inherent uniqueness of each person’s biometric characteristics makes this system exceptionally difficult to replicate or falsify.
The technology behind biometric ID systems operates authentically through a three-step process:
- Registration: During the initial enrollment, when an individual presents their biometrics, the system records their basic information, such as name, address, date of birth, and National Identification Number (NIK). Subsequently, the system captures and records specific biometric data, including digital signatures, iris patterns, and fingerprints.
- Storage: After acquiring the biometric data, the system transmits this information to a central database via satellite. The central system then securely stores a complete biometric profile, translating it into specific codes or graphical representations within the biometric system. This data is also encoded and stored within the chip embedded in each e-ID card.
- Comparison: When an individual utilizes public services requiring identity verification, the biometric system directly compares the individual’s physical traits with the data stored in the e-ID card’s chip. The computer system cross-references the presented biometric data against the chip data, allowing the system to instantly confirm that the e-ID cardholder is indeed the legitimate individual and not an imposter.
Biometric Digital Signature System in e-IDs
A signature acts as a personal password. While manual signatures can be imitated with practice, biometric systems analyze digital signatures with greater sophistication. They not only examine the shape and form of the signature strokes but also scrutinize the dynamics of the signing process. The system meticulously analyzes pressure, speed, and rhythm as an individual inscribes their signature.
Biometric Fingerprint System in e-IDs
Fingerprints are remarkably unique, with no two individuals sharing identical patterns. This uniqueness makes fingerprints a superior biometric identifier for personal identification.
The system analyzes fingerprints using digital cameras or light sensors. An individual simply places their finger on a flat surface, aligning it to ensure accurate reading. The camera or light source then captures one or more images of the finger and its ridge patterns. This information is used to determine the dimensions, contours, and ridge details of the finger, which are then translated into a numerical code template.
Biometric Iris Scan System in e-IDs
Iris scanning employs a simple CCD digital camera. Capturing the iris pattern typically involves using near-infrared light to achieve high contrast in the iris image. Near-infrared light causes the pupil to appear very dark, simplifying the process for the computer to isolate the pupil and iris.
When an individual looks into an iris scanner, the camera automatically focuses and correctly positions itself. As the camera captures the image, it records data points including the pupil center, pupil boundary, iris boundary, and even eyelid and eyelash details. The iris pattern is then analyzed, translated into a code, and transmitted to a central database.
Read also: Biometric Photos for Data Authentication: How Do They Work?
Biometrics: A Superior Verification System
Source: Freepik
In recent years, biometric systems, particularly in e-IDs, have become a favored verification method considered highly reliable across various sectors. This preference is largely due to the inherent uniqueness of individual physical characteristics. Beyond uniqueness, several other advantages contribute to the widespread adoption of biometric ID systems:
- Massive and Rapid Verification: Biometric verification can be conducted rapidly and on a large scale, making it ideal for implementation across diverse industries.
- High Accuracy and Consistency: The data matching process in biometric systems boasts exceptional accuracy and consistency.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: The speed and simplicity of biometric verification contribute to significant cost and time savings.
- No Additional Tools Required: Biometric verification can often leverage existing camera capabilities on user devices like smartphones.
- User Inherent: Unlike passwords, biometric identifiers are impossible for users to forget.
- High Accountability: Biometric systems offer a strong level of accountability in identity verification processes.
- Permanent and Durable Data Source: Biometric data is a permanent attribute and is not easily compromised or damaged.
Read also: 4 Stages in the User Biometric Verification Process
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