Jakarta. Bank Indonesia (BI) on Thursday launched cross-border QRIS payments with China, allowing seamless transactions via mobile phones without the need for cash, in a major push to deepen digital and financial integration between the two economies.

The system enables users in both countries to make payments simply by scanning QR codes, targeting smoother transactions for tourists, businesses, and investors.

BI Governor Perry Warjiyo underscored the role of digital payments in supporting global economic activity.

“If Indonesians travel to China, or vice versa, there is no longer a need to carry cash. Transactions can be done easily using just a mobile phone,” Perry said.

The central bank said the cross-border QRIS system is fully ready for implementation, both technically and commercially.

Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta described the launch as the culmination of comprehensive system readiness.

“Both the technical and business aspects are fully prepared, so today marks the official launch,” Filianingsih said.

Prior to the official rollout, BI conducted trials of QRIS usage in China, recording 1.64 million transactions worth around Rp 556 billion ($32.1 million). The initiative involved 24 Indonesian providers, including 16 banks and 8 non-bank institutions, and 19 providers from China.

With China’s inclusion, QRIS expands its global footprint. The payment system is already operational in several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.

In parallel, BI also launched the Indonesia Digital Innovation Center (PIDI) to strengthen the domestic digital ecosystem. The center is designed to foster innovation through talent development, technology experimentation, and stronger alignment between policy and industry needs.

PIDI will focus on three key areas: market intelligence, innovation experimentation such as hackathons, and digital talent development.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong welcomed the initiative, saying the rapid pace of global change is accelerating transformation in the banking sector, with innovation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization becoming increasingly unavoidable.

He added that he is optimistic the system will see broader adoption and acceptance in the future, reflecting strong prospects for deeper cross-border payment cooperation.