Indonesia's QRIS, raising concerns in tariff talks. The USTR pointed out issues in its report.">
Indonesia’s QRIS Payment System Faces U.S. Concerns
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Jakarta — April 20, 2025 — Fresh concerns have arisen regarding the Indonesian Speedy Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) system, as the United States scrutinizes the payment platform. These concerns emerged during the tariff negotiations between the two nations. The united States’ Trade Representative Office (USTR) highlighted the issues, particularly during the QRIS policy-making process. For further insight, read on.
Indonesia’s QRIS Payment System Faces U.S. Concerns
Jakarta — The United States government is scrutinizing Indonesia’s Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) payment system, raising concerns during tariff negotiations between the two nations. The United States Trade representative Office (USTR) highlighted these issues in its National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, released in late March 2025.
USTR’s Concerns Over QRIS Implementation
The USTR’s primary concern stems from the regulation of the Board of Governors’ Member (PADG) Number 21/18/PADG/2019,which governs the implementation of the national QR code standard for payments. This regulation has sparked unease among U.S. companies operating in the payment sector.
U.S.companies,including payment providers and banks,are worried that during the BI QR Code policy making process,international stakeholders are not told about changes that may occur or are given the prospect to explain their views on the system,including how the system can be designed to interact smoothly with the existing payment system.
USTR national Trade Estimate Report
Did You Know?
QR codes were invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara from Denso Wave, a japanese company, initially to track vehicles during manufacturing. Their quick readability and large storage capacity made them ideal for various applications beyond automotive.
the History and Purpose of QRIS
QRIS, pronounced “Kris,” represents a unified QR code system integrating various Payment System Service Providers (PJSP). Bank Indonesia (BI) launched QRIS on Aug. 17, 2019, establishing it as the national QR Code standard.
The legal framework for QRIS is detailed in the Regulation of the Board of Governor Number 24/1/PADG/2022, dated Feb. 25, 2022, which amends the original regulation (Number 21/18/PADG/2019). the primary goal of QRIS is to streamline and secure domestic payment transactions using QR codes. All payment system providers utilizing QR code payments are mandated to adopt QRIS.
Pro Tip:
when using QRIS, always double-check the merchant’s name and the transaction amount on your payment app before confirming the payment. This helps prevent errors and potential fraud.
Widespread Adoption and Convenience
Currently, individuals can use QRIS for payments across various applications from different payment system providers. The ease of use has contributed to its growing popularity among Indonesians.
QRIS simplifies payments at stores and restaurants, eliminating the need for cash or physical cards.
Simply rely on the e-wallet or mobile banking request at smartphone yours,then you can make cashless payments practically and easily just by scanning barcodes in stores or restaurants.
Bank Indonesia
Expansion Plans and International Reach
The Indonesian government is actively pursuing the expansion of QRIS to other countries. Currently, QRIS is operational in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo has identified additional countries in Asia as potential destinations for QRIS development.
We will first focus on 8 countries, namely in Asia, malaysia, singapore, Thailand.Then the Philippines, but four other countries of Japan, South Korea, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
Perry warjiyo, Governor of bank Indonesia
