A new chapter of close cooperation between Indonesia and Japan through digital payment connectivity.
Good news for Rupiah friends who love traveling or have business in Japan. Indonesia and Japan just made a breakthrough. Pay with QRIS. No more worrying about exchanging foreign currency. Just scan JPQR Global. Use your favorite payment app at participating merchants. Cool, right?
And we gather today to celebrate a new chapter of Indonesia-Japan payment connectivity. I repeat, this is a new chapter of close cooperation between Indonesia and Japan through digital Indonesian-Japan payment connectivity. It is indeed a powerful commitment to our shared vision, a vision where the economic ties between our two nations are not just strong but also seamless and interconnected through digital, a future where bilateral transactions are simple and frictionless.
Not only facilitating tourists, the implementation of cross-border QRIS between Indonesia and Japan is also expected to drive a more inclusive and connected digital economy, especially for our MSMEs.
With the introduction of this cross-border payment, I hope they will be able to use the familiar payment method without the worries of language or currency differences. It is expected to facilitate the use of shopping and services and further promote people-to-people exchanges between our two nations.
The QRIS initiative serves as a complement to the Local Currency Transaction (LCT) cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, which was agreed upon in 2019 and began implementation in 2020 with a strengthening growth trend. Moreover, in its initial phase, QRIS has already been proven usable at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Haneda Airport, and will later be expanded to various merchants in Japan. This is not just about convenience, but a new chapter for Indonesia's digital economy. Friends, get ready to enter a new era of payment systems.
In a matter of years, our handshake has started speaking a new language. It's no longer just a handshake, but a gentle swipe on a screen that delivers convenience that integrates with life. Digitalization no longer belongs to a few, but to everyone.
According to the WR Social 2025 report, more than 79% of Indonesia's population is now connected to the internet, and most daily activities have moved to the digital space, including how we transact. Where an inclusive revolution is changing how we interact, work, and transact. And from the pulse of this digital center emerges one name that has now become the backbone of our transactions: QRIS. QRIS is not just a code. It is a single standard that unites all differences.
They prefer to pocket a lot of money when they go home. The older generation doesn't really understand these things. We haven't used QRIS before, maybe 15 years ago.
However, every step of change always comes with challenges. Hesitation often races with progress that has now become a necessity. This has been realized from the start by one of Bank Indonesia's fostered MSMEs from Makassar, Rapo. With a big dream to empower coastal communities, Rapo chose to open up, welcoming the progress of the times with conviction and hope.
For us, digitalization is not a choice, but a necessity and an obligation if we want to grow. Even for payroll, we involve coastal communities where in the beginning they didn't really understand the importance of bank savings and everything. Finally, we educated them and made it mandatory for everyone to have a bank account. So, their salary payments are all done by transfer.
Alhamdulillah, I used to be just a housewife. After working at Rapo, they said it would be better if we had our own account. Finally, our salary was transferred directly there. Then, for whatever we want to pay, electricity bills, online learning, alhamdulillah, it's easy. It's actually good.
Small steps like those taken by Rapo are slowly igniting big changes from the coast to the city center. The spirit to adapt is starting to grow. This is the new face of financial inclusion. When access to financial services is no longer limited by location, occupation, or background, but is open to anyone willing to take a step forward. When the community starts getting used to the convenience of digital transactions, Makassar also finds its new rhythm. Digitalization is no longer just a discourse, but a real movement that touches daily life. Now, PDAM Makassar is transforming by partnering with banks and utilizing QRIS. Water tank payments that used to be entirely manual are now faster, safer, and more transparent.
Because water is a basic need. Currently, since we implemented QRIS for water tank payments, there have been no problems for maybe 2 or 3 months.
Change spreads slowly, like waves touching the city's edge. It greets the market, travels along the streets, and flows to tourist spots. From banana fritter sellers on the roadside to ticket counters welcoming visitors, everyone is now connected in the same convenience. A convenience named QRIS.
With QRIS, the money is exact, no need to give change. Because usually, people don't carry small change.
For now, visitors on average ask for QRIS, use QRIS. Rarely does anyone carry cash. That's why for vendors like this, they are very helped by the existence of QRIS. Because usually, visitors who look for QRIS and we don't have it, they look for someone else.
Growing and developing. Makassar always has room for change, always has the spirit to innovate.
Just tap or QRIS, sit down, and go. Practical, nice. We just tap and it's in. It's like tap and it's done, sir. It's easier.
Once again, digitalization brings convenience born from habits, from trust, and from a heart willing to learn.
In South Sulawesi itself, especially in Makassar City, the development of digitalization has started to be intense and massive. South Sulawesi is the first province for the expansion of QRIS Indonesia after Jakarta. We hope South Sulawesi can be a model for Eastern Indonesia that digital is not only centered in Java but to other parts of Eastern Indonesia.
When technology blends with sincerity, then progress is no longer just about the system, but about people growing together.
We must use QRIS with the country's technological progress. We have no choice but to join in, and we must understand that progress is not only for urban communities. We in the regions must and can implement it. Because what is given by digitalization is convenience. Just follow the times, the money is safe in the bank. As long as there is QRIS, payments are smooth, easy, and there are many benefits.
Small steps taken today will have a big impact on the future. From market vendors, drivers, to small business owners, everyone is now part of a great journey towards economic inclusion.
People say, 'Wow, it's so cool now, Makassar parking attendants already use QRIS.'
Makassar is not only growing digitally, but also growing in happiness, being the only city in Indonesia to enter the world's happy index. Makassar proves that well-being is not just about the economy, but about trust, security, and pride in being part of change.
The small steps we take, hopefully, can have an impact. Maybe we can't know instantly, but in the future, it can make their lives easier. In my opinion, that is an unlimited reward. Like from the regional revenue (PAD), there used to be potential for leakage, now there is no more leakage, meaning there will be an increase in PAD. From the community side, from the local government side, and from the community side who are far from reach, with digitalization, they feel closer. Hopefully, in the future, digitalization will not only be in cities but in any region.
Finally, I can say that I am not left behind by the young people now. If there is QRIS or whatever, I can already pay with it, it's cool.
I repeat, this is a new chapter of close cooperation between Indonesia and Japan through digital payment connectivity.
Good news for Rupiah friends who love traveling or have business in Japan. Indonesia and Japan just made a breakthrough. Pay with QRIS. No more worrying about exchanging foreign currency. Just scan JPQR Global. Use your favorite payment app at participating merchants. Cool, right?
And we gather today to celebrate a new chapter of Indonesia-Japan payment connectivity. I repeat, this is a new chapter of close cooperation between Indonesia and Japan through digital Indonesian-Japan payment connectivity. It is indeed a powerful commitment to our shared vision, a vision where the economic ties between our two nations are not just strong but also seamless and interconnected through digital, a future where bilateral transactions are simple and frictionless.
Not only facilitating tourists, the implementation of cross-border QRIS between Indonesia and Japan is also expected to drive a more inclusive and connected digital economy, especially for our MSMEs.
With the introduction of this cross-border payment, I hope they'll be able to use the familiar payment method without the worries of language or currency differences. It is expected to facilitate the use of shopping and services and further promote people-to-people exchanges between our two nations.
The QRIS initiative serves as a complement to the Local Currency Transaction (LCT) cooperation between Indonesia and Japan, which was agreed upon in 2019 and began implementation in 2020 with a strengthening growth trend. Moreover, in its initial phase, QRIS has already been proven usable at the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Haneda Airport, and will later be expanded to various merchants in Japan. This is not just about convenience, but a new chapter for Indonesia's digital economy. Friends, get ready to enter a new era of payment systems.
In a matter of years, our handshake has started speaking a new language. It's no longer just a handshake, but a gentle swipe on a screen that delivers convenience that integrates with life. Digitalization no longer belongs to a few, but to everyone.
According to the WR Social 2025 report, more than 79% of Indonesia's population is now connected to the internet, and most daily activities have moved to the digital space, including how we transact. Where an inclusive revolution is changing how we interact, work, and transact. And from the pulse of this digital center emerges one name that has now become the backbone of our transactions: QRIS. QRIS is not just a code. It is a single standard that unites all payment application differences. Ensuring every transaction from Sabang to Merauke is linked with the same convenience. One code that unites the nation.
1600 km from the capital, Makassar stands on the eastern connecting line of the archipelago, a port city that has long been a meeting point for trade and culture. As one of the cities recorded in the World Smart City Index, Makassar continues to improve. However, the journey towards digitalization is not always easy. There are still old habits that need to be adjusted. There are still processes that must be learned together. One of them occurs in public services. Previously, water tank payments at PDAM were done in cash. That method worked well, but often created challenges. Discrepancies in deposits, manual recording, to potential loss of money.
Initially, the purchase of water tanks was done in cash. Now, this cash method is sometimes very troublesome for PDAM because discrepancies often occur, and even loss of cash.
The challenges felt by PDAM are not a single story. Street vendors and traditional markets in Makassar face the same dilemma between old habits that feel safe and digitalization that is still vague.
They prefer to pocket a lot of money when they go home. The older generation doesn't really understand these things. We haven't used QRIS before, maybe 15 years ago.
However, every step of change always comes with challenges. Hesitation often races with progress that has now become a necessity. This has been realized from the start by one of Bank Indonesia's fostered MSMEs from Makassar, Rapo. With a big dream to empower coastal communities, Rapo chose to open up, welcoming the progress of the times with conviction and hope.
For us, digitalization is not a choice, but a necessity and an obligation if we want to grow. Even for payroll, we involve coastal communities where in the beginning they didn't really understand the importance of bank savings and everything. Finally, we educated them and made it mandatory for everyone to have a bank account. So, their salary payments are all done by transfer.
Alhamdulillah, I used to be just a housewife. After working at Rapo, they said it would be better if we had our own account. Finally, our salary was transferred directly there. Then, for whatever we want to pay, electricity bills, online learning, alhamdulillah, it's easy. It's actually good.
Small steps like those taken by Rapo are slowly igniting big changes from the coast to the city center. The spirit to adapt is starting to grow. This is the new face of financial inclusion. When access to financial services is no longer limited by location, occupation, or background, but is open to anyone willing to take a step forward. When the community starts getting used to the convenience of digital transactions, Makassar also finds its new rhythm. Digitalization is no longer just a discourse, but a real movement that touches daily life. Now, PDAM Makassar is transforming by partnering with banks and utilizing QRIS. Water tank payments that used to be entirely manual are now faster, safer, and more transparent.
Because water is a basic need. Currently, since we implemented QRIS for water tank payments, there have been no problems for maybe 2 or 3 months.
Change spreads slowly, like waves touching the city's edge. It greets the market, travels along the streets, and flows to tourist spots. From banana fritter sellers on the roadside to ticket counters welcoming visitors, everyone is now connected in the same convenience. A convenience named QRIS.
With QRIS, the money is exact, no need to give change. Because usually, people don't carry small change.
For now, visitors on average ask for QRIS, use QRIS. Rarely does anyone carry cash. That's why for vendors like this, they are very helped by the existence of QRIS. Because usually, visitors who look for QRIS and we don't have it, they look for someone else.
Growing and developing. Makassar always has room for change, always has the spirit to innovate.
Just tap or QRIS, sit down, and go. Practical, nice. We just tap and it's in. It's like tap and it's done, sir. It's easier.
Once again, digitalization brings convenience born from habits, from trust, and from a heart willing to learn.
In South Sulawesi itself, especially in Makassar City, the development of digitalization has started to be intense and massive. South Sulawesi is the first province for the expansion of QRIS Indonesia after Jakarta. We hope South Sulawesi can be a model for Eastern Indonesia that digital is not only centered in Java but to other parts of Eastern Indonesia.
When technology blends with sincerity, then progress is no longer just about the system, but about people growing together.
We must use QRIS with the country's technological progress. We have no choice but to join in, and we must understand that progress is not only for urban communities. We in the regions must and can implement it. Because what is given by digitalization is convenience. Just follow the times, the money is safe in the bank. As long as there is QRIS, payments are smooth, easy, and there are many benefits.
Small steps taken today will have a big impact on the future. From market vendors, drivers, to small business owners, everyone is now part of a great journey towards economic inclusion.
