Jokowi Asks Ministries And Institutions To Use Government Credit Cards

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked all ministries, non-ministerial institutions, and local governments (Pemda) to use government credit cards to shop for domestic products.

"I ask all ministries, institutions and local governments to use government credit cards and support the expansion of QRIS (Indonesian Standard QR Code) between countries," Jokowi said while giving an online speech at the 2023 Digital Economic Finance Festival in Jakarta as reported by ANTARA, Monday, May 8.

Jokowi said the use of government credit cards and expansion of QRIS in the region would accelerate the economy and encourage inclusive digital finance.

According to Jokowi, the key to continuing to grow and develop is innovation and trust. Therefore, he requested that innovation in digital-based payment systems continue to be developed. This innovation is like the use of government credit cards which must be strengthened to facilitate spending on central and local government goods.

"(Government credit cards) to increase efficiency and transparency and facilitate accountability for the use of government spending," he said.

He also asked that the development of payment connectivity, such as the QRIS method in the region, needs to be strengthened in order to support the economy and financial inclusion. This is in line with the goal of Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN in 2023.

"I hope QRIS between countries and government credit cards can encourage an increase in MSME transactions, both through spending on domestic products and expanding access to international markets," he said.

However, Jokowi reminded that every innovation in the payment system is carried out carefully and anticipates various risks. Payment system innovation must also have a reliable security system, and implement an adequate consumer protection system.

"This risk mitigation must really be calculated how the regulations and supervision, monitoring, and implications of the exchange rate and the sustainability of international standard adoption," said Jokowi.

The Head of State explained that the digital economy and finance in Indonesia has a market share of up to 40 percent of ASEAN's total digital economy transactions. Therefore, Indonesia will continue to play a major player in the digital economy in ASEAN.

The value of Indonesia's digital economy is projected to reach 130 billion US dollars in 2025 and reach around 315 billion US dollars in 2030.