Traditional Batam Traders Receive QRIS Training as Markets Go Digital

Efforts to expand access to digital transactions in traditional markets are continuing. Targeting traders at Pasar Bengkong and Pasar Mitra Raya, the QRIS Market Education and Acquisition Movement (GERAI) was held in Batam from 1 to 31 October 2026.

The programme, run by BCA together with Bank Indonesia’s Riau Islands representative office, aims to improve traders’ understanding of the benefits of QRIS and the importance of consumer protection in digital transactions. More than 200 traders took part.

“We hope education about QRIS and consumer protection will support traders’ business activities while giving the public a more convenient transaction experience. We also hope the programme will bring lasting benefits to traders and the public at Pasar Bengkong and Pasar Mitra Raya,” said I Ketut Alam Wangsawijaya, BCA’s EVP of Merchant Business Division.

As traditional traders become more familiar with QRIS transactions, Ketut hopes they will be able to offer customers more payment options and help make trading activities more orderly. Traders also had the opportunity to take part in an awards programme based on the highest frequency of QRIS transactions over one month.

BCA and Bank Indonesia’s Riau Islands representative office also provided support tailored to the needs of each market to create a more comfortable environment conducive to trading. At Pasar Bengkong, BCA supported the installation of 97 stall numbers to help organise the market.

“Through our collaboration in the QRIS Market GERAI Programme, we hope traders will not only become more familiar with using QRIS, but also develop a sound understanding of consumer protection. This will enable digitalisation to benefit both traders and members of the public as consumers,” he said.