Indonesia and China have jointly launched a pilot programme linking their QR code-based payment systems to boost trade and tourism.
This initiative marks the next phase of regional financial integration, and it was announced on Sunday, 17th August, just as Indonesia marked the 80th anniversary of its independence. It is marking a new step in regional financial integration.
The programme is set to link Bank Indonesia’s Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) system with China’s digital payment infrastructure.
The trial involves the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), UnionPay International, and several local payment providers.
To date, agreements have been finalised with four ASPI members: Rintis Sejahtera, Alto Network, Artajasa, and Jalin.
All four will work with China’s UnionPay with regard to sandbox testing.
Evolving systems
QRIS has become Indonesia’s dominant cashless payment tool, and officials see cross-border compatibility as a way to boost trade, support small businesses, and attract more tourists.
As of mid-2025, QRIS has noted a significant increase in terms of both user adoption and transaction volume.
In Q2-2025, transaction volume hit 6.1 billion, nearing the target of 6.5 billion.
Likewise, the number of users has also grown to over 57 million.
According to Bank Indonesia governor Perry Warjiyo: “QRIS innovation continues to evolve to expand acceptance and support digital economic and financial inclusion. One such innovation is cross-border QRIS.”
