Digital Payment Controversy in Indonesia: Roti O Cash Refusal Sparks National Debate

Background: Viral Incident at Roti O Outlet

A recent viral social media video showing a Roti O outlet refusing cash payment from an elderly customer sparked widespread controversy in Indonesia ¹

. The incident brought to the forefront the ongoing debate about Indonesia's push towards digital payments while maintaining cash as a valid payment method.

Regulatory Response: Bank Indonesia Clarification

In response to the controversy, Bank Indonesia (BI) reaffirmed that cash remains a valid and mandatory payment method across Indonesia ²

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Source 4

https://finance.detik.com/moneter/d-8274158/bank-indonesia-dilarang-tolak-terima-rupiah-sebagai-alat-pembayaran

. BI cited Law No. 7/2011 Article 33(2), which explicitly prohibits refusing Rupiah as payment ²

Source 2

https://keuangan.kontan.co.id/news/ada-kasus-pembeli-roti-o-pakai-uang-tunai-ditolak-bi-sesuai-aturan-dilarang-menolak

. The central bank emphasized that while they promote digitalization, merchants are still required to accept cash payments unless there are doubts about the currency's authenticity ⁴

Source 4

https://finance.detik.com/moneter/d-8274158/bank-indonesia-dilarang-tolak-terima-rupiah-sebagai-alat-pembayaran

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Government Perspective: Balancing Digital Promotion and Cash Acceptance

Minister for Cooperatives and SMEs, Maman Abdurrahman, weighed in on the issue, stating that while the government aims to promote digital payments through QRIS, merchants should not entirely abandon cash payment options ¹

. He emphasized that the transition to digital payments should be gradual and not instantaneous.

Industry Practice: Digital Payment Adoption

Investigation by detikcom at various Roti O outlets revealed that some branches had indeed adopted cashless payment systems, with QRIS being one of the accepted payment methods ³

. This practice, while convenient for some customers, raised concerns about excluding those who prefer or rely on cash transactions.

Legal Framework: Payment Regulations

The legal framework governing payment methods in Indonesia, as outlined in Law No. 4/2023 (previously Law No. 7/2011), mandates that all transactions using legal tender must be accepted, whether made in cash or through digital means like QRIS ⁵

. BI Deputy Governor Doni Primanto Joewono clarified that both cash and digital payments are considered Rupiah transactions and should not be restricted ⁵

Source 5

https://finansial.bisnis.com/read/20251223/55/1939147/viral-rotio-tolak-uang-kertas-ini-aturan-pembayaran-nontunai-menurut-undang-undang

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Market Impact: Digital Transformation Challenges

The Roti O incident highlights the ongoing challenges in Indonesia's digital transformation journey. While digital payments offer convenience and efficiency, the country must ensure that the transition does not marginalize segments of the population who still rely heavily on cash.