Expanding QRIS Cross-Border to South Korea and China: Strengthening Indonesia’s Global Payment Connectivity

Connectivity has become a defining element in the evolution of digital payment systems. Today, it is no longer limited to linking users and merchants within a single country but extends to enabling cross-border transactions that are more efficient, accessible, and aligned with increasingly mobile lifestyles.

In this context, the expansion of QRIS cross-border connectivity to South Korea and China in April 2026 marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s journey toward a more globally integrated payment ecosystem. The initiative enables Indonesians to make payments abroad using domestic applications, eliminating the need for conventional foreign currency exchanges and making transactions more convenient.

QRIS as a Catalyst for Digital Payment Transformation

Since its launch, QRIS has played a central role in accelerating Indonesia’s digital payment transformation. As of February 2026, Bank Indonesia (BI) reported that the number of QRIS users had reached 60.77 million, reflecting strong and growing adoption across the country.

Cross-border QRIS usage has also demonstrated encouraging growth. In 2025, inbound transactions from foreign visitors in Indonesia reached 5.89 million, significantly exceeding outbound transactions by Indonesians abroad, which totaled 1.68 million.

This trend indicates that QRIS not only simplifies payment processes but also contributes to domestic economic activity, particularly in tourism and consumer spending.

Expanding into Key Global Markets

The expansion of QRIS cross-border services gained further momentum in 2026. Bank Indonesia, in partnership with the Bank of Korea, officially launched QR payment connectivity between Indonesia and South Korea, allowing Indonesian users to transact seamlessly in South Korea using QRIS via their domestic payment applications.

Shortly after, on 30 April 2026, Bank Indonesia extended QRIS cross-border connectivity to China, broadening access to one of Indonesia’s largest economic partners.

This expansion builds on earlier implementations across ASEAN countries and Japan, and forms part of Indonesia’s broader roadmap to strengthen cross-border payment integration.

Enhancing Efficiency and Unlocking Cross-Border Potential

The integration of QRIS into cross-border payments offers meaningful improvements in transaction efficiency. Through the Local Currency Transaction (LCT) scheme, users can transact directly in local currencies, reducing reliance on foreign exchange conversion and lowering transaction costs.

The opportunity is particularly significant in the context of Indonesia–China economic relations, where LCT transactions between the two countries have reached approximately USD 18 billion.

Looking ahead, Bank Indonesia aims to expand QRIS cross-border connectivity to up to eight partner countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, with potential expansion to India. This initiative reflects a broader effort within the payment ecosystem to create a more connected, efficient, and inclusive global payment landscape.

At the same time, domestic expansion remains a key priority. Bank Indonesia has set targets of 60 million users, 45 million merchants, and 17 billion transactions through QRIS, further strengthening the foundation of Indonesia’s digital payment ecosystem.

Strengthening the Foundation of Payment Interconnectivity

As cross-border connectivity expands, the role of reliable and integrated payment infrastructure becomes increasingly critical.

As Indonesia’s national Payment System Infrastructure Provider (PIP), Jalin contributes to strengthening the interconnectivity and interoperability of the digital payment ecosystem. Through secure, reliable, and trusted infrastructure, Jalin supports the integration of payment services aligned with the Blueprint for Indonesia’s Payment System (BSPI), enabling seamless operations both domestically and across borders.

In the broader context, this role supports the development of regional digital economic connectivity, where payment systems serve not only as transaction enablers but also as strategic infrastructure underpinning economic integration.

Tips for Using QRIS Safely Abroad

As QRIS cross-border adoption grows, users are encouraged to remain vigilant when transacting overseas.

To stay safe, consider the following:

Scan only from official and trusted merchants
Verify the transaction amount and currency before confirming payment
Use authorized payment applications
Never share your PIN or personal information

The expansion of QRIS cross-border connectivity to South Korea and China represents a meaningful step toward delivering a more seamless payment experience for Indonesians abroad.

Looking forward, Indonesia aspires to become a regional hub for digital payments in Asia, driven by continued efforts to expand connectivity and create a more integrated and efficient transaction ecosystem.

With broader access and improved connectivity, users can now transact across borders with greater ease—while maintaining the importance of security and awareness in every transaction.