Digital Payment Preferences Among Coastal Communities in Indonesia: A Qualitative Inquiry into QRIS Adoption and Sharia Principles

This study explores the digital payment preferences among the Indonesian community, focusing on QRIS adoption, which complies with Sharia principles, including amanah (trustworthiness), maslahah (public benefit), and tawazun (balance). This study was conducted in three coastal villages with relatively low QRIS penetration rates using a qualitative case study design. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and secondary documentation, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the principles of Maqasid al-Sharia. Data analysis was conducted through transcription, open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, with validity ensured through triangulation, member checking, and audit trails. The findings of this study indicate that preferences are not only influenced by accessibility and user-friendliness, but also by the alignment of digital platforms with Islamic values (Sharia). However, there are obstacles, one of which is adapting digital literacy to the community's specific needs. It is supported by collaboration between local governments, Islamic financial institutions, and religious leaders. This study contributes to the academic literature on digital finance and provides implications for financial service providers and coastal communities. Hopefully, this study can advance the scientific discourse on Islamic digital finance and provide relevant insights on policies for inclusive financial practices and long-term resilience in underserved Muslim communities.