MALANG — Bank Indonesia (BI) Malang is driving regional tourism and economic growth through the power of digital payments. By hosting the QRISMA (QRIS for MSMEs and Society) Fest 2026, Volume 1, at the historic Heritage Kajoetangan, the central bank aims to bridge the gap between cultural preservation and modern financial technology.
Indra Kuspriyadi, Head of the BI Malang Representative Office, emphasized that the QRISMA Fest carries a dual mission: to honor traditional values while accelerating transaction volume to boost the local economy. Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Gajayana Arts Building on Friday, May 8, 2026, he highlighted the importance of a resilient and independent local economy that provides tangible benefits to the community.
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According to Kuspriyadi, digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for survival in the modern era. He stressed that while the city must embrace the digital shift, it should never lose sight of its ancestral roots and the historical significance that defines Malang. This philosophy was at the heart of the festival, which blended technological adoption with the preservation of cultural heritage.
The festival featured several key initiatives, most notably the Malang Merchant QRIS Race. This event engaged 1,120 local merchants across the city in collaboration with various banking institutions. The choice of 1,120 participants was symbolic, honoring the 112th anniversary of Malang City.
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The event was packed with community-focused activities, including digital literacy workshops for over 50 MSMEs in Kajoetangan, a neighborhood cleaning competition involving 34 residential areas (RT), and an Amazing Race featuring 210 students from 21 primary schools. Additionally, local community leaders (RW heads) participated in a traditional Tumpeng creation contest.
A major highlight of the event was the achievement of a MURI (Indonesian World Records Museum) record. The festival successfully facilitated the sale of 112 traditional snack Tumpengs, all purchased exclusively through the QRIS payment system. This feat marked a first in Indonesia, proving that even traditional culinary heritage can thrive in a digital marketplace.
The Mayor of Malang, Wahyu Hidayat, praised Bank Indonesia for its initiative in revitalizing the historic Gajayana Arts Building. He noted that utilizing such an iconic venue for the city’s anniversary celebrations was a fitting way to connect the past with a modern, digital future.
Hidayat further remarked that the MURI record serves as a testament to the community’s economic independence. By integrating digital technology into the traditional food sector, the festival demonstrated that innovation is not exclusive to large corporations. He expressed hope that this synergy between tradition and technology will continue to propel Malang forward while ensuring the city remains firmly rooted in its unique cultural identity.
Summary
Bank Indonesia (BI) Malang hosted the QRISMA Fest 2026 to promote digital payment adoption and economic growth within the local tourism sector. By integrating QRIS technology into traditional cultural activities at the historic Heritage Kajoetangan, the festival aimed to bridge the gap between financial modernization and the preservation of Malang’s ancestral identity. The initiative featured the Malang Merchant QRIS Race with 1,120 local participants to commemorate the city’s 112th anniversary.
The festival successfully achieved a MURI record for the sale of 112 traditional snack Tumpengs purchased exclusively through QRIS, showcasing the potential for traditional sectors to thrive in a digital marketplace. Supported by local government and community leaders, the event included digital literacy workshops and various community engagement activities. This synergy between technology and tradition underscores the city’s commitment to building a resilient, independent, and modernized local economy.
