Hanaa Septiana, Jakarta – Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso is encouraging traditional markets across Indonesia to accept payments via the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), with the broader goal of implementing an omnichannel approach.
"People are increasingly using digital payments or QRIS, so we want traditional markets to follow this trend," Budi said after visiting Sememi Market in Surabaya, East Java, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
"We teach market traders to accept purchases through QRIS because shoppers now often carry no cash, only their phones."
Several markets have already begun adopting QRIS, including Sememi Market, which partnered with Bank Jatim to facilitate digital payments.
Budi envisions applying the omnichannel concept more broadly across traditional markets in Indonesia. This approach combines online and offline sales, allowing markets to remain active even when physical foot traffic is low.
"Traditional markets using the omnichannel model may appear empty, but transactions remain high. Most purchases are made online, often by motorcycle taxi drivers. So while the market may look quiet, business continues," he explained.
Budi also highlighted the Ministry of Trade's Nusantara Market Cleaning Movement, a joint initiative with the Ministry of Environment and local governments.
The program aims to make traditional markets cleaner by educating traders on proper trash collection, sorting, and disposal. For example, Sememi Market, a bustling traditional market serving local residents, now features a dedicated waste station as part of this initiative.
"The goal is to ensure trash is sorted and recycled, creating a more pleasant and sustainable shopping environment for everyone," Budi added.
By promoting both digital payments and better waste management, the ministry seeks to modernize traditional markets, enhance convenience for shoppers, and support sustainable practices throughout Indonesia.