BATIKNews-online — The incident involving RM Pagi Sore’s PIK branch falsely accusing Malaysian tourists of dining and dashing for Rp907,500 has reopened an old wound: Indonesia’s card payment systems in the tourism sector still often leave customers uncomfortable.

The problem isn’t the card itself, but how restaurants verify transactions.

Brief Timeline 
A group of 6 Malaysian tourists dined at RM Pagi Sore PIK on May 13, 2026, and paid Rp907,500 by card. Three days later, on May 16, the tour agency’s driver contacted them asking for proof of payment. The restaurant had already spread information that the customers had left without paying.  
But the receipt existed. After the proof was sent, the restaurant only then apologized, citing “miscommunication.”

That delayed clarification triggered calls for a boycott from the Malaysian travel agency account @tripadukberadik:  
“For the sake of Malaysia’s dignity, we will boycott Pagi Sore restaurant.”

Why Card Payments Become a Problem 
1. Slow Verification. The restaurant’s system doesn’t immediately check transaction status on the EDC machine. Accusations are made first, clarifications come later.  
2. Lack of SOP: Staff have no clear procedure when a transaction doesn’t show up in the system right away. The customer ends up being blamed.  
3. Impact on Foreign Tourists. Tourists don’t have time to return to Jakarta to deal with receipts. One small incident can damage the destination’s image.

“Card transactions should be verified immediately before accusations are made against customers. Foreign tourists shouldn’t become victims of internal negligence,” said a tourism economy observer.

Lesson for Businesses
This case is a reminder: Indonesia’s tourism is competing fiercely within ASEAN. Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore are far more disciplined when it comes to payment speed and accuracy.

If even a big chain like Pagi Sore can make a false accusation, what about MSMEs? One disappointed tourist’s tweet can reach tens of thousands of people in their home country.

RM Pagi Sore has apologized, but trust is harder to rebuild than a payment receipt. In the digital age, slow payment systems aren’t just a technical issue—they’re a reputation issue.

Do you think the government should create a standard SOP for payment verification at restaurants frequently visited by tourists?