BI Tegal Holds QRIS Culinary Exploration to Boost Digital Payment Expansion

BANK Indonesia (BI) Tegal, Central Java, whose working area covers the Regencies and Cities of Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang, and Pekalongan, has again held the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) Jelajah Kuliner Indonesia (QJI) 2026. This step is part of BI’s pioneering campaign to encourage the expansion of digital payment systems while supporting regional economic growth through increased transactions and spending by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event’s opening was held in conjunction with the Klenteng Tek Hay Kong Culinary Festival in Tegal City on Saturday (11/7). Uniquely, the event was packaged as a competition combining education, cultural exploration, and direct experience using various digital payment system services. Head of BI Tegal, Bimala, stated that QRIS Jelajah Indonesia is a regular BI programme that drives digital transactions in the tourism sector, citing the sector’s extraordinary multiplier effect. “Tegal City has a great deal of culinary offerings and this will be linked with two other areas, namely Tegal Regency and Brebes Regency. Fifteen teams have been selected and they must carry out branding,” said Bimala. According to Bimala, raising the branding of these culinary products serves as a simultaneous campaign for QRIS usage, electronic transactions, and the electronification of local government transactions. “Then, of course, the Rupiah Cinta Bangga Paham (Love, Pride, and Understanding of the Rupiah) campaign and, most importantly, consumer protection, so that the public understands how these transactions can be used safely,” Bimala explained. Tegal City Regional Secretary, Agus Dwi Sulistyantono, assessed that the QRIS Jelajah Kuliner Indonesia 2026 event aligns with the Tegal City Government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors. “We appreciate Bank Indonesia for continuously supporting the digitalisation of the financial sector. The Tegal City Government is also pushing for digitalisation in various sectors, including tourism and culinary tourism,” said Agus Dwi. Agus Dwi noted that through this activity, the use of electronic transactions like QRIS is increasing, thereby supporting the development of the tourism sector in Tegal City. “The Tegal City Government has also implemented digital payments in various public service sectors,” he added, noting that the success of digital transformation requires active community involvement. The use of QRIS and other payment system innovations is increasingly integrated into the community’s economic activities, enhancing MSME competitiveness, strengthening the tourism and creative economy sectors, and driving regional economic growth.