Indonesia is making significant strides in the global digital economy with the international expansion of its Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), a unified digital payment system. On August 17, 2025, coinciding with the nation’s 80th Independence Day, Bank Indonesia officially launched QRIS in Japan, marking a pivotal step beyond the ASEAN region. Simultaneously, trials are underway with China to integrate QRIS with its payment infrastructure, showcasing Indonesia’s ambition to shape international digital payment standards.
A Milestone in Cross-Border Payments
The rollout of QRIS in Japan enables Indonesian users to make seamless transactions with 35 initial merchants by scanning JPQR Global codes through domestic mobile banking and wallet apps. This initiative, a collaboration between Bank Indonesia, the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and other stakeholders like Netstars, aims to expand access to more Japanese merchants while encouraging their presence in Indonesia. The move is designed to bolster bilateral trade, support tourism, and facilitate everyday transactions for Indonesians abroad.
Closer to home, QRIS has already gained traction across ASEAN. Since 2024, Indonesian users have been able to make payments in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, fostering regional financial connectivity. Data from Bank Indonesia reveals that between January and May 2025, cross-border QRIS transactions saw strong adoption among tourists, particularly younger Malaysian travelers in areas like Batam. Promotional efforts targeting nearby regions such as Johor Bahru and Singapore further underscore a growing regional preference for cashless solutions over traditional payment methods. 
In China, trials initiated in 2025 by Bank Indonesia and the People’s Bank of China aim to link QRIS with China’s payment systems for interoperable cross-border transactions. This collaboration, involving ASPI, UnionPay International, and four Indonesian switching service providers—PT Rintis Sejahtera, PT Alto Network, PT Artajasa Pembayaran Elektronis, and PT Jalin Pembayaran Nusantara—focuses on technical and operational integration through sandbox testing. Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta noted that agreements have been signed to finalize these arrangements, signaling positive progress toward implementation.
QRIS: A Backbone of Indonesia’s Digital Economy
Launched in 2019 by Bank Indonesia and ASPI, QRIS was developed to integrate all non-cash payment methods in Indonesia, enabling both peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions. The system has become a cornerstone of the nation’s digital payment ecosystem, with user numbers soaring to 50.5 million and 32.7 million merchants onboarded by 2024. Transaction volumes have surged, recording a 226.54% increase over the previous year, with a total value of Rp 42 trillion (~US$2.57 billion) in 2024 alone.
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasized the system’s role in driving financial inclusivity on August 17, 2025, stating, “The continuous development and innovation of QRIS features aim to expand its acceptance and support digital economic and financial inclusiveness. One of the innovations is the cross-border QRIS.” This focus on innovation highlights QRIS’s potential to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while facilitating trade and tourism, key pillars of Indonesia’s economy.
Economic Implications of Global Expansion
The international rollout of QRIS carries significant economic implications for Indonesia, a nation with a rapidly growing digital economy. By enabling cross-border payments, QRIS reduces reliance on cash and traditional banking systems, lowering transaction costs for merchants and consumers alike. For MSMEs, which form the backbone of Indonesia’s economy, access to digital payment systems can open new markets, particularly in tourism-heavy regions like Bali and Jakarta, where international visitors increasingly prefer cashless options.
The expansion into Japan, a major economic partner, strengthens bilateral ties at a time when trade and investment between the two nations are on the rise. Japan’s advanced digital infrastructure and high tourist traffic make it an ideal market for QRIS adoption. Similarly, interoperability with China’s payment systems could unlock vast opportunities given the sheer scale of Chinese outbound tourism and trade with Indonesia. These initiatives position QRIS as a tool for economic diplomacy, fostering closer financial and technological collaboration with global powers.
Within ASEAN, QRIS’s success reflects a broader regional shift toward digital payments, aligning with initiatives like the ASEAN Payment Connectivity framework. This trend not only enhances convenience for travelers but also supports the region’s economic integration by simplifying cross-border commerce. For instance, the strong uptake among Malaysian tourists in Batam suggests that QRIS could drive local economic activity in border regions, benefiting small businesses and vendors who cater to international visitors.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite its achievements, the global expansion of QRIS faces several challenges. Technical interoperability with foreign payment systems requires rigorous testing to ensure security and reliability, as evidenced by the ongoing sandbox trials with UnionPay International in China. Regulatory compliance across jurisdictions also poses hurdles, as Indonesia must balance innovation with consumer protection and data privacy standards that vary widely between countries like Japan and China.
Moreover, while QRIS has seen impressive domestic growth, scaling its adoption internationally demands sustained investment in infrastructure and user education. Many Indonesian travelers and merchants may still be unfamiliar with using QRIS abroad, necessitating targeted awareness campaigns. Bank Indonesia’s promotional efforts in Johor Bahru and Singapore offer a blueprint, but expanding this outreach to Japan and China will require localized strategies that account for cultural and linguistic differences.
On the opportunity front, QRIS’s expansion aligns with global trends toward digitalization in financial services. The system’s ability to integrate with platforms like JPQR Global and potentially UnionPay demonstrates Indonesia’s capacity to innovate in financial technology (fintech). This positions the country as a leader in shaping international payment standards, particularly within the Global South, where digital payment adoption is accelerating. Collaborations with Japan and China could also pave the way for knowledge exchange, further enhancing Indonesia’s fintech ecosystem.
Supporting Tourism and Trade
Tourism, a vital sector for Indonesia, stands to gain significantly from QRIS’s international presence. With millions of foreign visitors annually, the ability to offer familiar and secure payment options can enhance the travel experience, encouraging longer stays and higher spending. For instance, Japanese tourists in Bali or Jakarta can now pay for meals, souvenirs, and services using QRIS-compatible apps, reducing the friction of currency exchange or card payments.
Similarly, Indonesian travelers abroad benefit from the convenience of using domestic apps in foreign markets. This is particularly impactful for the growing number of Indonesians visiting Japan for business or leisure, as well as those engaging in cross-border trade with China. By simplifying transactions, QRIS supports the mobility of people and goods, a key driver of economic growth in an increasingly interconnected world.
Indonesia’s Role in the Global Digital Economy
The expansion of QRIS into Japan and China underscores Indonesia’s growing influence in the global digital economy. As one of Southeast Asia’s largest markets, the country is leveraging its demographic and technological strengths to pioneer solutions that resonate beyond its borders. The system’s success in ASEAN and its foray into major economies like Japan and China highlight a proactive approach to fostering partnerships and driving innovation.
Yet, this journey is just beginning. The trials with China and the initial rollout in Japan are early steps in a broader strategy to integrate QRIS with other international payment systems. If successful, these efforts could redefine how digital transactions are conducted globally, with Indonesia playing a central role in setting standards for security, efficiency, and accessibility.
As QRIS continues to expand, its impact on economic cooperation and financial inclusivity will be closely watched. For now, Indonesia’s bold steps into the international fintech arena signal a future where digital payments transcend borders, connecting people and businesses in ways previously unimaginable.
