BI and Kendari City Government Expand QRIS Usage Through Culinary Festival
KENDARI — Bank Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi representative office (KPw BI Sultra), together with the Kendari City Government and the OJK, is expanding the use of Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) cashless transactions through the Sultra Maimo 2026 culinary festival.
The head of KPw BI Sultra, Edwin Permadi, speaking in Kendari on Wednesday, said the event was designed not only to broaden cashless transactions but also to serve as a platform for educating people about digital payment systems and empowering the local economy.
“Through Sultra Maimo 2026, Bank Indonesia is committed to expanding the use of digital payments via QRIS, strengthening consumer protection, and enhancing education on the ‘Love, Pride, and Understanding of the Rupiah’ programme for residents,” said Edwin Permadi.
He noted that digitalisation is the key to improving operational efficiency and the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“This activity supports MSME digitalisation as a business process — how the banking sector can work together and collaborate, because they are all here in Kendari City,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Kendari Mayor Siska Karina Imran said the collaboration between the regional government, Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority (OJK) was a concrete step towards driving regional economic growth through strengthening MSMEs.
“This event brings many benefits, especially to our city of Kendari, in efforts to grow the local economy. It is tangible proof that the banking sector and financial services industry are committed to continuing to synergise with the Kendari City Government and Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Government to bring progress and a great name to the region,” said Siska.
Echoing this, the head of OJK Southeast Sulawesi, Bismi Maulana Nugraha, said the entire financial services industry stands ready to fully support the acceleration of digitalisation and improved financial inclusion for MSME players.
“We, the entire financial services industry — banking, financing companies, including the stock exchange — are working together to drive MSME digitalisation and certainly to increase financial inclusion in Southeast Sulawesi Province,” said Bismi.
Through sustained synergy between the regional government, BI and OJK, the Sultra Maimo 2026 culinary festival is expected to significantly expand the digital ecosystem across Southeast Sulawesi.
The event, which runs until 9 August, involves 50 MSMEs — 30 local businesses from Kendari City and 20 MSMEs from various regions across Indonesia. The participation of businesses from outside the region is seen as an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to improve product quality while expanding their marketing networks.
Beyond the MSME sector, Sultra Maimo also highlights the circular economy through education on managing plastic waste that has economic value.