Socio Today
Jakarta – Actor Ciccio Manassero recently shared an anecdote that, while humorous, sheds light on a prevalent issue: the digital divide and the challenges some individuals, even those in the public eye, face in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology. Manassero, known for his roles in Indonesian cinema, openly admitted to being "gaptek" – a colloquial term for being technologically inept – and his recent experience with a non-cash payment system underscored this self-proclaimed deficiency. The incident, which occurred during a meal with fellow actor Jerome Kurnia, involved a comical misunderstanding of how to use the QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) system for splitting a bill.
The QRIS Conundrum: A Case of Misunderstood Technology
The incident unfolded as Manassero and Kurnia were concluding a meal. When it came time to settle the bill, Kurnia suggested using QRIS for a swift and convenient transfer of funds. This is a common practice in Indonesia, where QRIS has become a ubiquitous method for cashless transactions, facilitated by its widespread adoption by banks and fintech companies. The system allows users to scan a merchant’s QR code via their mobile banking application to initiate payment.
However, Manassero’s understanding of the process proved to be fundamentally different. Instead of opening his mobile banking application and selecting the QRIS scanning function, he attempted to scan the QR code using his phone’s default camera application. This, as he himself realized with a touch of embarrassment and amusement, was a critical misstep.
"My friend Jerome offered, and I wanted to transfer money to him, as we were eating together, using QRIS," Manassero recounted during an interview in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. "Then he said, ‘Just scan the QRIS.’ I scanned it from my phone’s camera, not from the m-banking app, so it wouldn’t work at all."
This unexpected action left his companions, including Kurnia, bewildered yet entertained. Manassero, who is 30 years old, explained that his grasp of technology often lags behind the rapid pace of innovation. He elaborated that while he possesses a mobile banking application, his usual modus operandi for transactions involves manually entering the recipient’s account number and the payment amount. The concept of a visual, scan-based payment system was evidently a foreign territory for him.
"Yes, I have m-banking, but I usually just type in the amount," he stated. "This QR QR thing, I scanned it with the camera instead of from m-banking, it wouldn’t work like that."
Beyond QRIS: A Preference for Simplicity
Manassero’s technological reticence extends beyond payment systems. He also expressed a distinct lack of interest in upgrading his mobile phone to the latest models. He revealed a preference for older, more "classic" phones that lack the plethora of advanced features found in contemporary smartphones, which he finds confusing. This preference for simplicity suggests a broader inclination towards less complex technological interactions.
"Yes, oh my gosh, it’s really bad. So, I’m just more indifferent when it comes to technology," he concluded.
The Broader Context: Digital Literacy in Indonesia
Manassero’s experience, while a personal anecdote, resonates with a larger societal discussion surrounding digital literacy in Indonesia. As of 2023, Indonesia boasts a significant internet penetration rate, with an estimated 210 million users, representing over 77% of the population. This widespread internet access has fueled the rapid adoption of digital services, including e-commerce, digital payments, and social media.
The Indonesian government, through Bank Indonesia, has actively promoted the use of QRIS as a unified payment standard to enhance financial inclusion and efficiency. Launched in August 2019, QRIS has seen remarkable growth. By the end of 2023, the number of QRIS users had surpassed 50 million, with over 25 million merchants accepting the payment method. This rapid adoption rate, however, highlights a potential gap between the availability of digital services and the public’s understanding and ability to utilize them effectively.
Demographic Considerations and Digital Divides
While Manassero is a public figure, his admitted tech struggles are not unique. Studies on digital literacy often reveal disparities based on age, education, and socioeconomic background. Older generations, individuals with lower levels of formal education, and those residing in rural areas may experience greater challenges in adapting to new technologies. The convenience and perceived necessity of digital tools can inadvertently create barriers for those who are not digitally fluent.
In Manassero’s case, his self-proclaimed "gaptek" status is framed with a sense of lightheartedness. However, for many, a lack of digital literacy can have more significant implications, impacting their access to essential services, employment opportunities, and participation in the digital economy. The ability to navigate online banking, access government services, or even communicate effectively through digital platforms is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for full societal engagement.
The Role of Public Figures and Awareness Campaigns
Anecdotes from public figures like Ciccio Manassero can serve a dual purpose. On one hand, they can normalize the experience of technological struggles, reminding the public that even successful individuals can face challenges. This can foster a more empathetic approach towards those who are less technologically adept.
On the other hand, these stories can also highlight the need for continued efforts in digital literacy education. While Manassero might be content with his technological limitations, for many, acquiring these skills is essential. Organizations and governments often run campaigns to educate the public on using digital tools safely and effectively. These campaigns typically cover a range of topics, from basic internet navigation to understanding online security and utilizing digital payment systems.
The "QRIS" system, for instance, is designed with user-friendliness in mind, and the mistake Manassero made stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding of how to initiate the scanning process within the correct application. This points to a need for clearer onboarding processes for new digital tools and perhaps more intuitive user interfaces, even as educational initiatives aim to bridge the knowledge gap.
Future Implications and the Evolving Digital Landscape
As technology continues its relentless march forward, the gap between those who can adapt and those who struggle may widen if proactive measures are not taken. The Indonesian government and private sector entities are investing heavily in digital infrastructure and services. The success of these initiatives hinges not only on the availability of technology but also on the digital preparedness of the population.
Ciccio Manassero’s humorous confession serves as a gentle reminder that the digital revolution, while transformative, is not a universally seamless experience. It underscores the ongoing importance of accessible digital education, user-friendly design, and a societal commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. The ability to scan a QR code might seem trivial to many, but it represents a small, yet significant, step in the broader journey of digital inclusion. The continued success of cashless transactions and other digital innovations in Indonesia will depend on fostering a digitally literate society, where individuals like Ciccio Manassero, and many others, feel empowered and confident in their interactions with technology. The entertainment industry, through its prominent figures, can play a role in raising awareness and encouraging broader engagement with digital literacy programs. The conversation initiated by Manassero’s lighthearted admission offers an opportunity to delve deeper into these important issues and promote greater digital inclusivity across all segments of Indonesian society.
