BI Tegal Holds QRIS Culinary Exploration to Boost Digital Payment Expansion
Bank Indonesia (BI) Tegal in Central Java, whose working area covers the regencies and cities of Brebes, Tegal, Pemalang and Pekalongan, has once again held the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) Jelajah (Culinary) Indonesia (QJI) 2026.
The move forms part of BI’s campaign to encourage wider adoption of the digital payment system while supporting regional economic growth through increased transactions and spending among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The opening of the event was held in conjunction with the Tek Hay Kong temple culinary festival in Tegal City on Saturday (11/7). Unlike previous editions, the event was packaged as a competition combining education, cultural exploration and direct experience using various digital payment services.
Head of BI Tegal, Bimala, said QRIS Jelajah Indonesia is a regular BI programme that drives digital transactions in the tourism sector. “We see the tourism sector as having an extraordinary multiplier effect,” he said.
“Tegal City has a great many culinary offerings and this will be combined with two other regions, namely Tegal Regency and Brebes Regency. Fifteen teams have been selected to take part and they must carry out branding activities,” Bimala said.
According to Bimala, raising the profile of these culinary businesses goes hand in hand with campaigning for QRIS use and the electrification of transactions within local government.
“Then there is of course the Love, Pride and Understanding of the Rupiah campaign, and most importantly consumer protection, so that people understand how these transactions can be used safely,” Bimala explained.
Regional Secretary of Tegal City, Agus Dwi Sulistyantono, said the staging of QRIS Jelajah (Culinary) Indonesia 2026 is in line with the Tegal City Government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors.
“We appreciate Bank Indonesia’s continued support for the digitalisation of the financial sector. The Tegal City Government is also continuously pushing digitalisation in various sectors, including tourism and culinary tourism,” Agus Dwi said.
Agus Dwi noted that through this activity, the use of electronic transactions such as QRIS is increasing, thereby supporting the development of the tourism sector in Tegal City.
“The Tegal City Government has also implemented digital payments across various public service sectors,” he added, noting that the success of digital transformation depends not only on government but also requires active public involvement.
The use of QRIS and other payment system innovations is becoming increasingly integrated into the community’s economic activities. Beyond strengthening the competitiveness of MSMEs, it also reinforces the tourism and creative economy sectors and drives regional economic growth.