TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bank Indonesia (BI) announced that starting Wednesday, April 1, Indonesians can make payments in South Korea using the domestic QRIS system without exchanging foreign currency.
Transactions are processed directly in the local currencies of both countries, making payments more efficient and cost-effective.
“Cross-border QR payments not only simplify transactions but also strengthen MSMEs, boost tourism, and open new business opportunities, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” said BI Governor Perry Warjiyo in an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
On the same day, BI and the Bank of Korea officially launched Indonesia–South Korea cross-border QR payment connectivity.
The initiative is part of the Joint Vision Statement (JVS) signed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on April 1, 2026, during Prabowo’s state visit to Seoul.
The launch ceremony was attended by Governor Perry Warjiyo and Bank of Korea Senior Deputy Governor Sangdai Ryoo and featured simultaneous events in both countries.
Perry said the launch represents a major step in realizing the shared vision of Indonesia and South Korea to build an integrated, efficient, and inclusive payment system as the foundation for closer digital economic connectivity.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of Korea Chang Cheong-soo added that the cross-border QR system is a milestone reflecting the deepening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in strengthening digital finance and the broader economy.
“Going forward, we are committed to driving further strategic collaboration to enhance payment system integration and support stronger digital economic connectivity between Korea and Indonesia,” he said.
BI noted that the successful implementation of the Indonesia–South Korea QRIS system is the result of collaboration between BI, the Bank of Korea, the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), the Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute (KFTC), and participating financial institutions.
Both central banks are committed to ensuring a secure, reliable, and efficient cross-border payment system that strengthens financial resilience and supports inclusive economic growth.
Since its launch, BI said, QRIS has been a key driver of Indonesia’s digital payment transformation, also reinforcing economic sovereignty, with 60.77 million users as of February 2026.
Cross-border QRIS usage continues to grow in partner countries. BI reported that foreign tourist transactions in Indonesia (inbound) currently exceed Indonesian transactions abroad (outbound).
In 2025, inbound transactions totaled 5,892,621, compared to 1,681,112 outbound transactions.
Since August 2022, QRIS connectivity with Thailand has recorded 1.64 million transactions valued at Rp656.27 billion. Meanwhile, the partnership with Malaysia, launched in May 2023, saw 10.66 million transactions worth Rp2.75 trillion.
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