BI Sultra Promotes Payment Digitalisation Through QRIS Culinary Journey 2026
The Bank Indonesia (BI) Representative Office for Southeast Sulawesi Province is continuing to strengthen the digitalisation of the payment system through the QRIS Jelajah Kuliner Indonesia Sulawesi Tenggara 2026 programme. Part of the Road to FEKDI x ISEF 2026 series, the programme carries the theme ‘Exploring the Archipelago’s Culinary Delights, Pay Practically with QRIS’ and combines digital transaction education, MSME promotion, and the development of the tourism and creative economy sectors.
The activities were carried out in three areas: Kendari City, Baubau City, and Muna Regency, using an educational and participatory approach (experiential learning). The aim is to expand the use of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), increase digital payment system literacy, and strengthen the digital economy ecosystem based on MSMEs and tourism in Southeast Sulawesi.
Public enthusiasm for the programme was notably high. From 227 applicants who took part in the selection process from 25 to 30 June 2026, eight teams were selected, comprising 24 participants and eight facilitators. During the programme, participants undertook various missions, including education on QRIS usage, the Cinta, Bangga, dan Paham (CBP) Rupiah campaign, Consumer Protection (PeKA) education, online transport promotion, and the introduction of Southeast Sulawesi’s culinary delights and leading MSME products.
The programme recorded encouraging results. Online transport education reached 270 people, the mission to utilise seven QRIS features was followed by 369 users, while the CBP Rupiah and Consumer Protection education reached 1,541 people. Meanwhile, the digital campaign conducted by participants generated 652,974 engagements with a reach of more than 23,834 social media users, a figure expected to continue rising.
The implementation in Muna Regency was one of the main agendas as it was held in conjunction with the Liangkobhori Festival IV on 11 July 2026. The festival was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Culture, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, the Deputy of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the Governor of Southeast Sulawesi, the Regent of Muna, and regional leadership coordination forum officials.
During this event, Bank Indonesia also provided support for the development of the Liangkobhori Cave tourism area through the provision of supporting facilities, strengthening of fostered MSMEs such as Tenun Masalili, and education and implementation of QRIS digital transactions for the community and business operators. Participants were also invited to explore Muna’s cultural richness through the Ewa Wuna Tradition, Kaghati Kolope kite attractions, Linda and Modero dances, and the process of making the traditional food Tunuha.
Head of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office for Southeast Sulawesi Province, Edwin Permadi, stated that the programme is a tangible effort by Bank Indonesia to accelerate digital transformation that provides direct benefits to the community, particularly MSMEs and the tourism sector. ‘QRIS Jelajah Kuliner Indonesia Sulawesi Tenggara 2026 not only aims to increase QRIS usage but also to build a digital economy ecosystem integrated with MSME development, tourism, and local culture. We want the public to become more accustomed to transacting digitally in a way that is easy, fast, secure, and efficient,’ said Edwin Permadi.
He added that collaboration with local governments, businesses, communities, and the public is key to expanding the digital payment ecosystem in Southeast Sulawesi. ‘We appreciate the synergy of all stakeholders who have supported the success of this activity. Going forward, Bank Indonesia will continue to strengthen the digitalisation of the payment system as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, so that its benefits can be felt more widely by the people of Southeast Sulawesi,’ he added.
Through the QRIS Jelajah Kuliner Indonesia Sulawesi Tenggara 2026, Bank Indonesia hopes that public awareness of using QRIS will continue to increase, digital transaction acceptance will broaden among MSMEs, and the integration between digital payment systems and the tourism and creative economy sectors will strengthen as a pillar of regional economic growth.