Jakarta. Indonesia’s central bank and the People’s Bank of China have officially launched a trial program to interconnect their QR code-based payment systems, coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebrations on Sunday.

The system, known domestically as the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS), has already become the country’s dominant digital payment method. Bank Indonesia now seeks to extend its reach beyond national borders to strengthen regional financial integration.

“QRIS innovation continues to evolve to expand acceptance and support digital economic and financial inclusion. One such innovation is cross-border QRIS,” Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo said in Jakarta.

According to Perry, linking Indonesia’s payment network with China will bring significant benefits, including smoother cross-border trade transactions, stronger support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expanded tourism flows between the two countries.

Early-Stage Cooperation
The initiative’s pilot phase involves the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), UnionPay International (UPI), and several local payment service providers. Perry said the collaboration demonstrates Indonesia’s determination to grow its digital payment ecosystem internationally.

Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta noted that technical, business, and operational agreements have already been finalized between UPI and ASPI. Four ASPI members -- Rintis Sejahtera, Alto Network, Artajasa Pembayaran Elektronis, and Jalin Pembayaran Nusantara -- have signed agreements with UPI to jointly develop the system and run sandbox trials.

On the same day, Bank Indonesia also rolled out QRIS services for Indonesian citizens living in Japan.

Since its introduction in August 2022, QRIS cross-border services have become available in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. China will soon join the network once the trial phase is completed.