Japanese Tourists Can Now Pay Using QRIS in Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — Bank Indonesia (BI) has confirmed that tourists from Japan can now make transactions in Indonesia using QRIS. This policy takes effect following the issuance of permits from the operator JPQR Global Netstars and relevant authorities. BI Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta stated that this scheme expands the use of QRIS across borders. “The preparations are in place, and the permits have been issued. So, there will be outbound from Japan. This means Japanese people coming to Indonesia as tourists or for other visits can use their QR at Indonesian merchants,” she said during the BI Board of Governors’ Meeting press conference for March 2026, on Tuesday (17/3/2026). Previously, this service was only available for Indonesian tourists transacting in Japan. Now, Japanese tourists can also use their country’s QR-based payment applications at Indonesian merchants. “So, this completes the QRIS Crossborder with Japan from both sides,” Filianingsih added. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo stated that the expansion of cooperation will continue. BI targets the launch of inter-country QRIS with South Korea in April 2026. Additionally, expansions are being pursued to China, India, and Saudi Arabia. “Inter-country QRIS is part of efforts to expand cross-border digital payment connectivity and accelerate digital acceptance,” Perry said. QRIS performance continues to show high growth. As of February 2026, QRIS transactions grew 133.20% year-on-year. This growth is driven by an increase in the number of users and merchants.