Bank Indonesia Launches Kartu Kredit Indonesia to Boost Domestic Payment System

On August 17, 2026, coinciding with Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, Bank Indonesia (BI) launched the Kartu Kredit Indonesia (KKI) for the retail segment. This initiative introduces a domestic credit card system aimed at reducing reliance on international networks like Visa and Mastercard, while promoting local financial inclusivity and economic growth.

The KKI is designed to facilitate deferred payments, allowing both individuals and corporations to access credit for everyday transactions. The initial rollout involves eight banks: Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), CIMB Niaga, Permata Bank, Bank Mega, and Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI), which will also offer Sharia-compliant financing options.

“This initiative is not just about introducing a new payment method; it is a response to the evolving digital landscape and the need for a more inclusive financial system that supports the purchasing power of the community.”Destry Damayanti, Acting Governor of Bank Indonesia

Destry Damayanti, the Acting Governor of BI, emphasized that the KKI represents a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and sovereignty of Indonesia's payment system. She stated that this initiative is not just about introducing a new payment method; it is a response to the evolving digital landscape and the need for a more inclusive financial system that supports the purchasing power of the community during the launch event in Jakarta.

The KKI will initially be available in a digital format, enabling transactions through QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) via both scanning and tap methods. This digital approach is expected to streamline transactions within the domestic market and will be expanded to include physical cards and online payment features in the future.

“The development of KKI is aimed at creating a robust digital financial ecosystem that can accommodate the needs of the growing digital economy in Indonesia.”Ryan Rizaldy, Head of Payment System Policy Department, Bank Indonesia

Ryan Rizaldy, Head of BI's Payment System Policy Department, noted that the KKI is part of a broader strategy to integrate various payment methods into a cohesive national framework. He explained that the development of KKI is aimed at creating a robust digital financial ecosystem that can accommodate the needs of the growing digital economy in Indonesia.

In conjunction with the KKI launch, BI also announced the expansion of the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) QRIS to 0% for all merchant categories for transactions up to IDR 100,000 (approximately $6.50), effective from October 1, 2026. This policy aims to reduce transaction costs for businesses and promote wider adoption of digital payment methods across various sectors.

“The integration of KKI with QRIS is projected to shift a portion of conventional credit card transactions to this new domestic system.”Santoso Liem, Chairman of the Indonesian Payment System Association

According to Santoso Liem, Chairman of the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), the integration of KKI with QRIS is projected to shift a portion of conventional credit card transactions to this new domestic system, which currently accounts for approximately 15% of the market. This shift is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the payment landscape in Indonesia.

BI's commitment to advancing the national payment system aligns with its broader goals outlined in the Blueprint for Indonesia's Payment System 2030.