Indonesia and China Initiate Joint QR Payment System Pilot Program

Indonesia and China have jointly launched a pilot programme linking their QR code-based payment systems to enhance trade and tourism. This initiative represents a significant step in regional financial integration and was announced on August 17, coinciding with Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day.

The objective of the program is to link Bank Indonesia’s Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) with China’s digital payment infrastructure. The participation involves the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), UnionPay International, and several local payment providers.

Four members of ASPI—Rintis Sejahtera, Alto Network, Artajasa, and Jalin—have finalized agreements to collaborate with UnionPay for sandbox testing of these systems.

As QRIS evolves to become Indonesia’s predominant cashless payment tool, officials anticipate that cross-border compatibility will stimulate trade, support small enterprises, and attract more tourists. By mid-2025, QRIS had experienced a notable increase in user adoption and transaction volume, with transaction volume reaching 6.1 billion in Q2-2025, close to the target of 6.5 billion, and the number of users exceeding 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.”