Blind spot: The hidden workers behind Indonesia’s digital boom
Today, Indonesia stands as one of the most formidable digital economic powerhouses in Southeast Asia. Bank Indonesia recorded digital payment transaction volumes reaching 5.22 billion in May 2026, marking 28.14% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, QRIS transactions — the country’s standardized QR payment system — surged by an astounding 95.10%.
- ▪Today, Indonesia stands as one of the most formidable digital economic powerhouses in Southeast Asia.
- ▪Bank Indonesia recorded digital payment transaction volumes reaching 5.22 billion in May 2026, marking 28.14% year-on-year growth.
- ▪Meanwhile, QRIS transactions — the country’s standardized QR payment system — surged by an astounding 95.10%.
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Today, Indonesia stands as one of the most formidable digital economic powerhouses in Southeast Asia. Bank Indonesia recorded digital payment transaction volumes reaching 5.22 billion in May 2026, marking 28.14% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, QRIS transactions — the country’s standardized QR payment system — surged by an astounding 95.10%. Yet, beneath this rapid digitalization lies a stark reality: 59.42% of Indonesia’s workforce remains in the informal sector, according to the national labor force survey (Sakernas) released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in May 2026. This contrast suggests that the primary challenge of the digital era is no longer about accelerating innovation, but about ensuring that these profound shifts are captured in official statistics.
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