Balancing the Pace of Payment System Digitalisation, BI Chief Urges Financial Literacy and Inclusion

Jakarta — Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasised that the central bank will continue to push financial literacy and inclusion through various programmes, both internally and in synergy with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), banks, and other relevant ministries and agencies. He added that these efforts are being undertaken in tandem with the acceleration of the digitalisation of the payment system, including through the implementation of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), BI-Fast, and others.

‘QRIS is now being used almost en masse this year, with users numbering nearly 60 million. Roughly 50 million of this year’s users are MSMEs (UMKM),’ Perry said at the AKSI KLIK event on Friday, 6 March 2026.

‘Therefore, the acceleration of the digitalisation of the payment system needs to be continually balanced with strengthening financial literacy,’ he added.

As part of AKSI KLIK, Perry acknowledged that BI has prepared three books. Among them, a strategy and programme for education aimed at digital financial literacy towards financial well-being; a guide to digital financial education modules for basic-level training; and guidelines for the implementation of sustainable MSME business models.

Anastuty K., Head of BI’s Department of Inclusive and Green Economy and Finance, explained that the first book emphasises three main targets for achieving financial well-being: meeting financial needs and obligations; financial resilience; and financial sustainability. The second book targets seven priority segments, including MSME operators; low-income households (MBR); pupils, students, santri, and youth; people experiencing social welfare issues; communities in 3T areas; women; and migrant workers.

‘With material covering money introduction, budgeting, financial transactions, financial products and services, and protection against financial risks,’ said Anastuty.

The third book is an enhancement of the Green MSME Development Guidelines previously launched by BI, and is aligned with Indonesia’s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (TKBI) version 3. She explained that the latest book focuses on mitigation actions to help MSMEs transition toward more sustainable business practices. The guidelines are expected to help MSMEs understand sustainability standards, and strengthen their chances of obtaining green certification.