QRIS is Super Handy, But Why is Cash Still "King" in Our Wallets?

If you look around while grabbing a coffee or paying for parking at the mall, you'll notice more and more people just scanning a barcode or tapping a card. It really is super convenient. But oddly enough, check your own wallet right now. Chances are, there are still a few physical bills tucked inside. In fact, when we step out of the house with absolutely zero cash, it usually triggers a tiny bit of anxiety.

This phenomenon is actually fascinating. Despite the massive push for a cashless society, physical money hasn't lost its throne in Indonesia.

Based on our field data and daily operations at BGI, the reality is that our transaction habits are very much a hybrid. We use digital payments for fixed, online expenses—like paying utility bills, internet subscriptions, or checking out e-commerce carts. But when it comes to late-night street food, shopping at the local traditional market, or giving pocket money to a nephew, cash is an absolute must.

There’s a psychological factor at play here, too. Have you ever noticed how spending hundreds of thousands digitally feels almost weightless? It takes two seconds, and the balance just drops. It’s a completely different story when you’re holding physical cash. Handing over a crisp hundred-thousand bill for something you don't really need actually hurts a little. Your subconscious naturally hits the brakes on overspending.

And let’s not forget about the internet. In areas where the signal is spotty, or when a bank's system suddenly goes under maintenance, physical cash is your only savior.

That’s exactly why BGI’s armored trucks are out on the streets every single day. We make sure ATMs in every corner of the city, and even in remote areas, are fully stocked. Because we know that no matter how digital our lives get, having cash in your pocket brings a certain peace of mind.