Indonesia's Role in QR Code Payments

While China is the pioneer in QR-based payments (with Alipay and WeChat Pay), Indonesia stands out as the regional leader in unifying QR payments under a national standard. QRIS sets it apart by ensuring that users and merchants, regardless of their chosen payment service provider, can transact using a single QR code system. This innovation has not only enhanced domestic payments but also paved the way for cross-border QR payments in Southeast Asia.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape of Indonesia, QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) has emerged as a transformative force in the way people and businesses transact in urban environments. Developed by Bank Indonesia and ASPI (Asosiasi Sistem Pembayaran Indonesia), QRIS represents more than just a payment tool—it is a symbol of financial inclusion, innovation, and modernization in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies.

QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) was developed by Bank Indonesia (BI) and launched in 2019 to standardize QR code payment systems across all banks and fintech platforms in Indonesia. It allows seamless payments from users across various apps, such as GoPay, ShopeePay, and BRI. QRIS is an essential part of Indonesia's strategy to promote financial inclusion and digitize the economy.

Fragmented Payment Systems

Before QRIS, Indonesia’s digital payment landscape was fragmented. Each payment service provider (PSP) such as GoPay, OVO, Dana, LinkAja, and others used their own proprietary QR codes, which created confusion and inefficiencies for both merchants and consumers. A merchant accepting payments had to display multiple QR codes if they wanted to cater to different users.

Bank Indonesia recognized that without interoperability, the digital payment ecosystem would be difficult to scale and inefficient for a nation pushing toward financial inclusion and digital transformation.

Initiation of QRIS (2018 – 2019)

• 2018: Bank Indonesia and ASPI (Indonesian Payment System Association) began the groundwork to standardize QR code-based payments. The initiative aimed to unify QR codes under a national standard, inspired by similar models in China (Alipay/WeChat Pay) and India (BHIM/UPI QR).
• July 16, 2019: Bank Indonesia officially announced QRIS as Indonesia’s national standard for QR code payments. It was developed based on EMVCo standards (a global QR code standard used for payments and adopted by Mastercard, Visa, etc.).
• August 17, 2019: QRIS was officially launched during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. It was a symbolic move to promote independence in payments, especially for MSMEs.

• January 1, 2020: QRIS became mandatory for all QR code-based payment providers in Indonesia. All PSPs were required to comply with the new standard.
• Throughout 2020: Bank Indonesia and various fintech companies supported massive campaigns and merchant onboarding, particularly targeting micro and small businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption due to the need for contactless payments.
• 2021: QRIS reached over 10 million merchants, and Bank Indonesia began testing cross-border QR code integration with countries like Thailand under the ASEAN payment connectivity initiative.

Recent Developments (2022 – 2024)

• QRIS Tuntas (Full QRIS): Introduced features beyond just payments, including cash withdrawals, transfers, and top-ups through QRIS-compatible platforms, especially for financial inclusion in rural areas.
• Cross-Border QRIS Integration:
  • 2022: Thailand–Indonesia cross-border QR code payment went live.
  •  2023: Integration started with Malaysia and Singapore, enabling users to make payments while traveling using their domestic QRIS-linked apps.
  • 2024: Bank Indonesia reported over 30 million registered QRIS merchants, with increasing adoption in rural areas and among informal businesses.

Key Goals of QRIS: Boost financial inclusion by reaching the unbanked and underbanked population. Support digital transformation of MSMEs. Enhance transaction security and efficiency. Integrate ASEAN payment systems through cross-border cooperation.

QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a standardized QR code payment system developed by Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI). It was launched in August 2019 to unify various QR code-based payment services into a single, interoperable system across Indonesia.

Key Features of QRIS Technology

• Standardized QR Format: QRIS adopts the EMVCo QR code specification, ensuring that various financial service providers, from banks to fintech apps, can use the same payment method.
• SNAP (Open API Standard): A crucial API framework developed for easier interaction between financial institutions and third-party providers.
• NFC Technology: The QRIS Tap feature leverages NFC (Near Field Communication) to enable fast, contactless payments at physical retail points.
• Bank Indonesia's Infrastructure: Transactions pass through BI's central clearing system, enabling secure and near-real-time settlements between banks and merchants.
• BI-FAST: This retail payment infrastructure facilitates swift interbank transactions for QRIS payments, further boosting the system's efficiency.

Key Features of QRIS:

1. Interoperability: QRIS allows payments from different digital wallets, mobile banking apps, and e-money providers (like OVO, GoPay, Dana, ShopeePay, and LinkAja) to be made through a single standardized QR code. Merchants only need to display one QR code to accept payments from any QRIS-compatible app.
2. Wide Acceptance: QRIS is widely used by small businesses, street vendors, online sellers, restaurants, and retail shops across Indonesia. It supports Indonesia's efforts toward a cashless society and financial inclusion.
3. Types of QRIS:
   • QRIS Static: Fixed QR code used by smaller merchants for simple transactions. The customer inputs the payment amount.
   • QRIS Dynamic: The QR code is generated dynamically with the payment amount included, commonly used by larger businesses and POS systems.
4. Fast and Secure: Payments are processed in real time. QRIS also implements security protocols aligned with Bank Indonesia regulations, including encryption and customer verification. 
5. Transaction Limit: As of recent updates, the maximum transaction limit is IDR 10 million (approx. USD 630), though this may vary based on user and merchant categories.
6.  International Use: Bank Indonesia has been working on cross-border QRIS integration, particularly with countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, enabling Indonesian tourists to pay via QRIS abroad and vice versa.

Benefits of QRIS: Reduces the need for cash. Simplifies transactions for both merchants and customers. Encourages digital financial inclusion, especially for MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). Supports data collection for better credit scoring and financial services

Let me know if you want a visual guide, infographic, or an article draft on QRIS for business or travel audiences.

In major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Denpasar, QRIS has become a daily fixture—from traditional market stalls to high-end retail outlets, cafés, and ride-hailing services. It allows consumers to pay using their preferred mobile banking app or e-wallet by simply scanning a standardized QR code.

According to Bank Indonesia, QRIS transactions surpassed 2.8 billion in 2023, a staggering growth that underscores the public’s increasing trust in digital payment solutions. Urban merchants, including small warungs, fashion boutiques, and even street performers, have adopted QRIS to streamline payment collection without relying on point-of-sale hardware.

As of mid-2024, QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) has reached a significant level of adoption in Indonesia, with over 50 million users and more than 33 million merchants accepting QRIS payments nationwide. This represents a massive increase in adoption—over 200% growth in transaction volume compared to the previous year​. 

In terms of usage, QRIS transactions are steadily replacing traditional ATM and debit card transactions. For instance, while ATM/debit usage fell by nearly 10%, QRIS usage surged, indicating that a large portion of daily financial activities—especially among small merchants and street vendors—has shifted to QR code-based payments​. 

Despite this progress, surveys and insights from Bank Indonesia highlight that not all segments of society have fully embraced QRIS. Some key challenges include:

• Low digital literacy, especially in rural areas, which hinders understanding of how to use QRIS safely.
• Concerns over data privacy and digital fraud, as some users fear scams or misuse of QR codes.
• Limited access to smartphones or internet, particularly among lower-income communities​. 

Bank Indonesia targets reaching 55 million users by the end of 2024, and has also been pushing for cross-border QRIS payments, with the system now accepted in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, providing added convenience for travelers and regional trade​. 

Overall, it's fair to say that QRIS is functional and widely adopted across urban and semi-urban Indonesia, covering an estimated 80–85% of digitally active consumers and small businesses, but there's still room for improvement in rural outreach and public education to achieve nationwide inclusivity.

Technology That Bridges Financial Gaps

QRIS leverages the EMVCo QR Code standard—a globally accepted specification also used by Visa and Mastercard—ensuring seamless integration across apps and platforms. It’s backed by SNAP (Standardized Open API) for payment system interoperability and integrated with BI-FAST, Bank Indonesia’s real-time settlement infrastructure.

In 2023, QRIS Tap, which uses NFC technology, was introduced in major cities to enable contactless transactions, further enhancing the user experience in malls, transportation, and parking systems.

As of the end of 2022, more than 23.97 million merchants in Indonesia were using QRIS as their preferred payment method. The majority of these merchants fall under the Micro Business (UMi) category, especially those with an average transaction value below IDR 100,000 (around USD 6.30). In fact, approximately 70% of QRIS transactions come from small-value payments under this amount​. 

1. Traditional Market Vendors and Micro Enterprises: Small merchants such as street food vendors, warungs (small shops), and neighborhood kiosks prefer QRIS due to its low cost and ease of use—just a printed QR code is enough.
2. Cafés and Restaurants: Both franchise and independent food businesses widely use QRIS to offer quick, contactless payment options to customers.
3. Modern Retail Stores: Minimarkets, supermarkets, and fashion retailers have adopted QRIS to streamline in-store payments.
4. Places of Worship and Donation Centers: Many mosques, churches, and social organizations now accept donations via QRIS, allowing cashless contributions.
5. Transportation and Parking Services: QRIS is increasingly used for paying parking fees, public transportation (like digital angkot or minivans), and ride-hailing services.
6. Utility and Digital Services: People can also use QRIS to pay for electricity, water, internet, and digital products via e-commerce platforms.

The widespread adoption of QRIS is driven by its integration with various e-wallets and mobile banking apps, along with the government's push to boost financial inclusion through digital payments​. 

Catalyst for Urban Financial Inclusion

One of QRIS’ strongest value propositions is its role in financial inclusion, especially among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in cities. By simplifying onboarding and removing the need for expensive hardware, QRIS empowers small merchants to participate in the digital economy. According to Kompas.com, over 30 million MSMEs in Indonesia have already embraced QRIS, with the majority concentrated in urban hubs where digital literacy and smartphone usage are higher.

As of March 2024, QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) has reached 48 million users in Indonesia, marking a 50% year-on-year increase. This growth has been supported by the rise in merchant adoption—32 million merchants now accept QRIS payments across the country. 

In terms of social demographics, the dominant users of QRIS are Gen Z and Millennials. According to research from Pefindo Biro Kredit, 48.27% of QRIS-related credit users are Millennials, and 39.94% are Gen Z. These age groups are also the most active users of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, which are increasingly linked to QRIS-based transactions. Many QRIS users utilize it not just for daily purchases, but also for transactions in e-commerce, travel (ticket and hotel bookings), and retail stores​. 

This demographic trend highlights how QRIS adoption is particularly strong among digitally-savvy, mobile-first younger consumers who prefer cashless and flexible payment methods.

QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) has been widely integrated into Indonesia’s banking and digital payment ecosystem through strong coordination by Bank Indonesia (BI). As of early 2025, at least 15 major financial institutions and payment platforms support QRIS, including BCA, BRI, BNI, Mandiri, CIMB Niaga, Bank Mega, Permata Bank, Bank DKI, ShopeePay, GoPay, Dana, Netzme, and more. These institutions integrate QRIS into their mobile banking apps or e-wallets, allowing users to make payments simply by scanning a QR code or using the new QRIS Tap feature via NFC technology for contactless payments.

For example, BCA uses the NFC Pay feature in the myBCA app, while BRI users can activate Tap to Pay through the BRImo app. QRIS Tap also works in e-wallets like GoPay and Dana, provided the user's phone supports NFC and the app is updated. This method enables seamless, real-time transactions by tapping a phone on EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machines at merchant outlets.

The integration doesn’t stop at domestic use. QRIS is also expanding cross-border, already connected with Thailand’s payment system. This allows Indonesian users to pay at Thai merchants using their local apps and vice versa—benefiting tourism, SMEs, and international commerce.

Overall, QRIS is part of Indonesia’s larger strategy under the Blueprint Sistem Pembayaran Indonesia (BSPI) 2025, which aims to create an interconnected, cashless society by integrating fintech, banks, and international partners​. 

Here’s a visual-style flowchart breakdown of how QRIS integrates across major banks and fintech platforms in Indonesia, showing how users, merchants, and banks interact through the system:

QRIS Integration Flowchart

1. User: Mobile banking apps (e.g. BCA Mobile, BRImo, Livin' by Mandiri). E-wallets (e.g. GoPay, ShopeePay, Dana, OVO). Must have: Active account. Sufficient balance. Internet connection (or NFC-enabled phone for QRIS Tap)

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2. QRIS Scan / Tap: Static QR Code: Printed code for one merchant. Dynamic QR Code: Generated per transaction (e.g. in POS machines). QRIS Tap (NFC): Just tap your phone on an EDC terminal (if supported)

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3. Payment Gateway & Bank System, User's bank or e-wallet communicates with: QRIS National Clearing System by Bank Indonesia. Uses SNAP API to standardize communication across different providers. Validates: Merchant identity. Transaction amount. Fraud check.

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4. Merchant Bank / Wallet: Instant notification of payment. Funds settled in their merchant account (same day or next day). Merchant types: Micro businesses. Restaurants & cafes. Convenience stores. Transportation & parking. Religious & donation-based organizations

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5. Real-Time Settlement: Interbank transfers happen through BI-FAST or QRIS infrastructure. Daily reporting sent to both user and merchant. All transactions traceable and recorded.

QRIS is also becoming a gateway for cross-border payments. In 2023 and 2024, Bank Indonesia successfully launched QRIS interconnectivity with Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, allowing Indonesian tourists and urban travelers to pay abroad using local apps like GoPay, ShopeePay, or BCA Mobile.

This regional integration reinforces Indonesia’s role in leading ASEAN’s Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) framework, designed to make cross-border retail payments cheaper, faster, and more secure. QRIS's success in Indonesia has led to its expansion into neighboring ASEAN countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, where it allows for cross-border payments between users and merchants in these countries. By integrating with local payment systems such as DuitNow in Malaysia and PromptPay in Thailand, QRIS enables seamless, currency-converted payments across borders.

Cross-Border Transactions

• Through partnerships with countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
• Indonesian tourists can pay using their local e-wallets
• Payment flows through Cross-Border QR Payment Linkage network managed by BI and foreign central banks

QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) has been expanding beyond Indonesia, and as of now, it's accepted in several countries through cross-border QR code payment agreements. These include:

1. Malaysia – Tourists from Indonesia can use QRIS to pay merchants in Malaysia that are part of the DuitNow network. This system allows automatic currency conversion and facilitates seamless transactions between the two countries​. 
2. Thailand – QRIS has been integrated with Thailand’s PromptPay system, enabling cross-border payments between Indonesian and Thai users​. 
3. Singapore – The integration with Singapore’s NETS QR system means that Indonesian users can scan QR codes from Singaporean merchants and vice versa. Participating banks include OCBC, UOB, and soon DBS, alongside major Indonesian banks like BCA, BRI, CIMB Niaga, and more​. 
4. Philippines – QRIS cross-border payment collaboration has been initiated with the Philippines, aimed at facilitating mutual QR code usage across both nations​. 
5. Other countries in progress – Bank Indonesia is working on expanding QRIS to Japan, South Korea, and India, with discussions and collaborations already underway​. 

These cross-border initiatives are part of a broader effort by ASEAN central banks to build Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC), enhancing financial inclusion, easing tourism-related payments, and encouraging the use of local currencies in bilateral trade​

Indonesia is not the global pioneer of QR-based payments, but it is a regional leader in implementing a unified national QR code standard—QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard). Developed and launched in August 2019 by Bank Indonesia (BI) and Asosiasi Sistem Pembayaran Indonesia (ASPI), QRIS was designed to unify all QR code payment systems across different banks and fintech platforms in the country​. 

Global Context:

• China was the true pioneer of QR code payments, with WeChat Pay and Alipay popularizing the technology as early as 2014–2015.
• Indonesia’s innovation lies in how it created a standardized QR ecosystem across all payment service providers—banks, e-wallets, and fintech—something even China didn’t consolidate across platforms.

Technology Behind QRIS:

1. Standardized QR Code Format: QRIS uses a format based on the EMVCo QR Code Specification, an international standard used globally (also by Visa, Mastercard, and Alipay), ensuring interoperability between apps and QR codes.
2. SNAP (Standar Nasional Open API Pembayaran): A national open API standard that allows seamless communication between financial institutions and third-party providers for QRIS payments and other digital financial services.
3. NFC for QRIS Tap: Newer QRIS features like QRIS Tap use NFC (Near Field Communication) to allow contactless payments, improving speed and ease at physical stores—this is being adopted by banks like BCA (via myBCA) and BRI (via BRImo).
4. Bank Indonesia's Clearing and Settlement Infrastructure: All QRIS transactions go through Bank Indonesia’s centralized clearing house, ensuring secure and near real-time settlement between users and merchants.
5. BI-FAST Integration: Some QRIS payments are also supported by BI-FAST, Indonesia’s real-time retail payment infrastructure, which facilitates quick interbank settlements.

In summary, Indonesia didn’t invent QR code payments, but it pioneered a unified national QR payment system in Southeast Asia, making it one of the most inclusive and interoperable models globally. It has also led cross-border QR payment integrations within ASEAN, setting an example for regional digital payment connectivity.

With growing adoption, QRIS is not just a payment method—it’s a strategic pillar for Indonesia’s Smart City initiatives and Digital Economy Roadmap 2025. By combining affordability, ease of use, and wide reach, QRIS is well-positioned to support Indonesia’s ambition of becoming a cashless society, particularly in urban centers where innovation meets demand.

QRIS is a testament to how technology can bridge financial gaps, digitize micro-enterprises, and transform how urban Indonesians interact with money. As Indonesia's cities continue to modernize, QRIS will remain at the forefront of the digital payment movement—making everyday transactions smarter, faster, and more inclusive. Indonesia’s implementation of QRIS has transformed the country’s digital payment landscape, providing a standardized and inclusive solution. Its technological foundation, supported by BI's infrastructure, ensures its efficiency and security. The regional QRIS cross-border initiative is expected to enhance the broader Southeast Asian financial ecosystem by promoting faster, cheaper, and more accessible digital payments across borders.

Sources: Kompas, futurecfo, seasia, twimbit, katadata, antaranews, Bank Indonesia, setkab