Before Paying with QRIS, BI Governor Reminds Customers to Do This

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor Destry Damayanti has urged the public to check the recipient’s name before making a payment using QRIS. This simple habit is considered important to prevent mistaken transfers as QRIS use spreads among an increasingly broad range of people.

Destry made the remarks in an exclusive interview on CNBC Indonesia’s Central Banking programme. She said that, alongside developing technology, efforts to improve public understanding must also continue.

“For example, when we pay using QRIS, we should also check whether we are actually transferring money to the right person,” Destry said in an interview with CNBC Indonesia TV, quoted on Monday (12 October 2026).

She explained that, just as when sending money anywhere, users need to verify who they are paying. However, people often overlook this small but important step.

“These are small things that people are sometimes unaware of. They just pay, tap, and that’s it. But the name could be wrong, for example, so people need to be aware of that,” Destry said.

The advice comes as QRIS usage continues to expand. Destry said the system now has 67 million users and 46.7 million merchants, 96 per cent of which are micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

BI launched QRIS on 17 August 2019. Destry said implementation was initially difficult because some banks had their own QR codes. With consistent policy, QRIS eventually took hold and is now even used in traditional wet markets. Destry described QRIS as inexpensive, safe and reliable.

Payment system security strengthened

Destry also emphasised the importance of security as payment systems develop. BI-FAST, for example, is now connected to many parties through open APIs, allowing real-economy sectors such as logistics companies and hospitals to connect directly with the financial sector through a single platform.

“This must, of course, be matched by strong security. We are really enforcing that now, so that innovation is also accompanied by appropriate risk mitigation,” she said.

BI will continue to expand and develop payment systems. Destry said BI-FAST now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing transactions to be made at any time without being restricted to working hours.

BI is also expanding cross-border QRIS. Destry said it had signed a co-operation agreement with the central bank of Timor-Leste, with several other countries on the list for future agreements.