Jakarta, Dec. 23 -- Indonesia's Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has urged businesses not to reject cash payments, warning that reliance on digital payment systems must not come at the expense of consumer rights.

YLKI Executive Secretary Rio Priambodo said on Tuesday that while businesses are free to offer digital payment options, they are still required to accept cash under national consumer protection law.

"Business owners may provide digital payment services, but they must not sideline conventional payment systems, which are cash," he stated.

His remarks followed an incident on December 18, when a bakery near Jakarta's National Monument (Monas) refused cash payment from an elderly customer, enforcing a digital-only policy.

The case spar...