Jakarta. The National Police on Sunday introduced an electronic driver's license that can also function as a digital payment card and record traffic violations by its owner. 

Traffic Police head Insp. Gen. Refdi Andri said the so-called Smart SIM offered several advantages, the most important being it could record the history of traffic violations by the owner.

"When a driver breaks a traffic rule, the violation will be recorded in the card's chip, which is connected to our server," Refdi said during a launch ceremony at Senayan Sports Hall in Jakarta.

"The card will also store the driver's personal data and can be used as an e-money card with support from Bank Indonesia and our bank partners BNI, BRI and Mandiri," he said. 

The Smart SIM will help police identify traffic offenders and learn their driving history, he said. More accurate data on traffic violations will help police evaluate traffic management and produce better policies to improve traffic safety.

"The data recorded in the chip and our server can be used as evidence [in court], thanks to the digital electronic system," he said.

The electronic license is available for all types of motorized vehicles – Smart SIM A for cars and Smart SIM C for motorcycles – but only in provincial capitals at this initial stage, Refdi said.
 
"Eventually the Smart SIM will be available in every city and district across the country," he said.

Refdi promised the Smart SIM will cost the same as regular licenses.

"The costs haven't changed, but we've improved the service quality. We hope this breakthrough facility gets a good response from the public and can improve order and safety on the road," he said.

The official cost to obtain a driver's license in Indonesia ranges from Rp 100,000 ($7) to Rp 250,000, but applicants often have to pay more for insurance and a psychological test.