<![CDATA[The rapid growth of digital payment systems has transformed financial transaction practices and become an important instrument for promoting financial inclusion. However, the adoption of digital payment services remains uneven in rural communities, where limited digital literacy, unstable infrastructure, socio-economic differences, and strong cash-based habits continue to influence public acceptance. Previous studies have mostly focused on urban users and quantitative measurements of adoption, while qualitative evidence on how rural communities perceive and experience digital payment systems remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore public perceptions of the use of digital payment systems in financial transactions in Ulaweng Subdistrict, Bone Regency. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach involving 37 informants selected through purposive sampling, consisting of community members, MSME actors, traditional market traders, local government representatives, and banking service agents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation. The data were analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while validity was ensured through source triangulation and method triangulation. The findings reveal that public perceptions of digital payment systems are diverse and remain in a transitional stage. Some informants perceived digital payments as practical, efficient, and time-saving, while others remained hesitant due to limited digital literacy, security concerns, unstable internet access, and reliance on cash transactions. Financial literacy, digital literacy, socio-economic background, internet accessibility, social environment, and user experience were identified as key factors shaping acceptance. These findings are significant because they show that increasing digital payment adoption in rural areas requires more than technological availability. Local governments, financial institutions, and service providers need to strengthen community-based digital literacy programs, improve internet infrastructure, provide transaction security education, and offer user assistance to build public trust and support inclusive digital financial transformation.]]>
