Indonesia and China Launch Cross-Border QR Payment System for Seamless Transactions
Indonesia and China have launched a new cross-border payment system linking their QR code networks. The initiative connects Indonesia’s Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) with China’s Alipay and UnionPay platforms. It aims to simplify transactions for tourists and local businesses while boosting digital payment adoption. The partnership allows Indonesian users of QRIS-enabled banking apps and e-wallets to scan over 80 million Alipay and UnionPay QR codes in China. Meanwhile, Chinese visitors can pay at more than 40 million QRIS merchants across Indonesia using their familiar payment apps. No additional infrastructure changes are required for businesses already using QRIS.
Ant International’s Alipay+ platform powers the interoperability between the two systems. The move supports regional efforts to streamline retail payments and reduce reliance on cash or traditional card networks for small transactions. It also encourages the use of local currencies in cross-border payments. The initiative particularly benefits Indonesia’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which form the bulk of QRIS merchants. With Chinese tourist arrivals exceeding 1.34 million in 2025, the system is expected to see significant uptake.
The QR payments link strengthens financial connectivity between Indonesia and China. It enables seamless transactions for travellers and merchants without extra hardware or fees. The system also aligns with broader regional goals to modernise digital payment infrastructure.
