Indonesia’s QRIS Payment System Expands to Japan
In a landmark move for digital finance, Indonesians visiting Osaka, Japan, can now use the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS), the country’s national digital payment system. The service was officially launched by Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo in Jakarta and broadcast live in Osaka. This expansion marks a historic moment and a new chapter in digital cooperation between Indonesia and Japan. It is especially significant because it represents the first time QRIS has been implemented outside of the ASEAN region, solidifying Bank Indonesia’s initiative as a major breakthrough in the cross-border digital finance sector. The new system is designed to significantly facilitate transactions for the more than 500,000 Indonesian tourists who visit Japan annually, as well as for Japanese visitors traveling to Indonesia. As Governor Warjiyo noted, the convenience of using QRIS with just a smartphone will make traveling and transacting in cities like Shibuya and Shinjuku much easier. This move underscores a shared commitment to building a more integrated and seamless economic partnership through modern financial technology.
Showcasing Digital Payments and Indonesian MSMEs
The official implementation of QRIS in Osaka was highlighted by a ceremonial first transaction. Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta used the digital payment system to purchase clothing from Indonesian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) at the Indonesian Pavilion. This symbolic transaction, witnessed by Japanese government representatives and other guests, provided a tangible demonstration of the system’s ease of use and immediate availability. The Indonesian Pavilion served as an ideal venue to showcase not only the new technology but also a wide array of high-quality MSME products. Visitors to the pavilion could purchase various items, including clothing, traditional woven fabrics, packaged foods, local coffee, traditional rendang rice, and packaged tea. The seamless nature of the QRIS payment process, which was confirmed by Deputy Governor Hendarta showing her digital receipt, underscored the system’s reliability and its potential to benefit countless Indonesian businesses by making their products more accessible to a global audience.
Strengthening Economic Ties Through Seamless Transactions
The launch of QRIS in Japan is a direct result of a strategic initiative that took place on August 17, 2025. This coordinated effort, led by Bank Indonesia, aimed to expand the system’s development to ensure transactions between Indonesia and Japan are as seamless as possible. This latest expansion is not merely a convenience for tourists; it is a critical step in building a robust digital payment ecosystem that deepens the financial relationship between the two countries. By facilitating direct and secure transactions, QRIS helps to foster greater economic integration and trade. This move also aligns with Bank Indonesia’s broader vision of creating a network of cross-border digital payment systems that can support regional and global commerce. The availability of QRIS in Japan demonstrates that Indonesia’s digital financial infrastructure is gaining international recognition and trust, positioning the country as a leader in digital innovation within Southeast Asia and beyond.
