Apa Yang Bikin QRIS Ditakuti Amerika?

Summary

The script discusses the growing influence of Kris, Indonesia's domestic QR-based payment system, and the criticism it has faced from the U.S. government. U.S. officials argue that Kris creates barriers to foreign companies like Visa and Mastercard, threatening their market dominance. However, Kris has rapidly become essential to Indonesian society, empowering micro and small businesses with affordable and efficient digital transactions. The debate highlights larger issues of digital sovereignty and economic independence, as Indonesia defends its right to create and maintain its own financial infrastructure in the face of foreign pressures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trump criticizes Kris, Indonesia's digital payment system, claiming it hinders foreign companies' access, particularly American firms.
• 😀 Kris, a quick-response code payment system launched by Bank Indonesia in 2019, is rapidly growing and has become a dominant digital payment tool in Indonesia.
• 😀 Despite initial skepticism, Kris has been widely adopted by Indonesians, including small businesses, street vendors, and even for digital 'angpau' (gifts).
• 😀 In 2024, Kris transactions surged dramatically, reaching over 6.24 billion transactions worth over Rp659 trillion.
• 😀 Kris has been recognized internationally, winning a Gold Award at the 2023 Corus Reinvention Awards for its efficiency and impact on digital transactions.
• 😀 America criticizes Kris for being biased toward local providers, which limits participation from international payment systems like Visa and Mastercard.
• 😀 The U.S. concern about Kris stems from a loss of market share in Indonesia, as local systems like Kris and GPN offer lower transaction fees and local data sovereignty.
• 😀 Bank Indonesia and local payment associations assert that Visa and Mastercard were given opportunities to participate in the development of Kris but chose not to engage initially.
• 😀 Kris is seen not just as a payment method, but as a symbol of Indonesia’s digital sovereignty, contributing to financial inclusion and national economic growth.
• 😀 Despite external pressure, Indonesia maintains that Kris is an essential part of its strategy to empower local businesses, especially MSMEs, and should not be compromised to ease foreign pressure.

Q & A

Why did Donald Trump criticize Kris, Indonesia's digital payment system?

Donald Trump criticized Kris for allegedly obstructing foreign companies, particularly American firms, from entering the Indonesian market. He claimed that Kris favored domestic payment providers and created an uneven playing field for international competitors like Visa and Mastercard.

What is Kris, and how does it function in Indonesia's digital payment landscape?

Kris (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a digital payment system launched by Bank Indonesia in 2019. It enables transactions via QR codes, uniting various payment platforms into a single system. Kris is designed to provide fast, secure, and efficient payment methods, especially useful for small businesses and consumers in both rural and urban areas.

How has the usage of Kris evolved since its launch?

Since its launch, Kris has experienced tremendous growth. By 2024, it had recorded 6.24 billion transactions worth approximately Rp659.93 trillion, a significant increase from just Rp8.21 trillion in 2020. Kris has become a dominant force in Indonesia's digital payment landscape.

What were the primary criticisms raised by the United States against Kris?

The United States criticized Kris for being biased towards local payment providers and limiting the participation of foreign players, especially American companies like Visa and Mastercard. They argued that Kris was created without sufficient international consultation and failed to accommodate foreign stakeholders.

Why is the rapid growth of Kris a concern for foreign payment giants like Visa and Mastercard?

Visa and Mastercard are concerned because the rise of Kris threatens their market dominance in Indonesia's digital payments sector. With Kris offering lower transaction fees and a more accessible system for local businesses, foreign companies risk losing market share, especially in small-scale and medium-scale transactions.

What role does Kris play in Indonesia’s economic strategy?

Kris is seen as an integral part of Indonesia's broader strategy to foster financial inclusion, expand digital economic access, and strengthen national sovereignty. It supports local businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), by providing an affordable and efficient payment solution.

How does the Indonesian government view its relationship with international payment systems like Visa and Mastercard?

The Indonesian government maintains that it is open to collaborating with international payment systems. However, it also emphasizes that Indonesia’s financial sovereignty and national interests are a priority. The government asserts that Kris is not a competitor to global systems but a domestic solution designed for everyday transactions.

What is the GPN system, and how does it relate to Kris?

The GPN (Gerbang Pembayaran Nasional) system was established in 2018 to ensure that all financial transactions in Indonesia are processed domestically. Like Kris, GPN aims to reduce transaction costs and ensure data sovereignty. It works alongside Kris to promote a more efficient and secure domestic payment ecosystem.

Why do some critics argue that the United States' pressure on Kris is not entirely about trade fairness?

Critics argue that the U.S.'s pressure on Kris reflects a broader concern about the diminishing market share of global payment giants, such as Visa and Mastercard. While the U.S. frames its position as a trade fairness issue, the primary concern seems to be the economic interests of these corporations.

What impact could the U.S.'s push to undermine Kris have on Indonesia’s economy?

If Kris were compromised due to international pressure, it could disrupt daily transactions, especially for small businesses and consumers who rely on this affordable and efficient system. Such a move could slow down Indonesia’s digital economic growth, hinder financial inclusion, and negatively affect the broader economy.