REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR - Bank Indonesia (BI) office for Bali and Nusa Tenggara provinces launched electronic money as part of non-cash national movement at Udayana University (Unud) on Thursday.
"We hope students can familiarize the public (with this electronic money) so they will be eager to use non-cash transactions," head of the Bank Indonesia office Benny Siswanto said at the Udayana University campus.
BI was teaming up with state-owned lenders BNI, Mandiri and BRI as well as privately-run BCA in carrying out the program, he said. The program would be carried out in Bali in stages, Benny said asking the management of the banks to expand non-cash transaction services in the tourist island.
The electronic money looks the same as debit card. Holders of the electronic money can refill the card at automated teller machines (ATMs) operated by the banks or electronic debit card (EDC) machines at commercial shops appointed by the banks.
Unud Rector Prof Dr I Ketut Suastika stated the electronic money would make it easier for the people to conduct transactions because they no longer need to bring a large sum of banknotes.
"Many people now tend to make electronic transactions. The number of Unud students and lecturers which reaches more than 25 thousand and two thousand respectively is the potential target of the non-cash movement," he said.