BI unveils cross-border expansion and merchant growth plans for QRIS

Bank Indonesia (BI) has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the development of its Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) in 2026, unveiling the “17-8-45” strategy. The plan sets targets for 17 billion transactions, cross-border usage across eight countries, and a merchant network of 45 million.

“In 2026, we will continue to drive the expansion of QRIS by embracing the theme of independence, represented by 17, 8, and 45,” said deputy governor of Bank Indonesia Filianingsih Hendarta, referring to Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August 1945.

The announcement follows strong performance in 2025, with QRIS continuing to demonstrate rapid growth. The total number of users reached 59 million, exceeding the initial target.

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Transaction volumes also surpassed expectations, with 13.66 billion QRIS transactions recorded, more than double the target of 6.5 billion. Meanwhile, the number of QRIS merchants reached 42 million. Approximately 90% of these merchants are MSMEs, highlighting the system’s role in driving digital adoption and financial inclusion for small businesses.

The central bank is also promoting the adoption of its QRIS tap in-tap out feature, launched in October 2025. Since its introduction, transactions via this NFC-based system have soared to 508,000, representing a month-on-month increase of approximately 1,200%. QRIS Tap is currently implemented in 14 provinces, and BI plans to expand compatibility beyond Android to Apple iOS devices.

With these initiatives, Bank Indonesia aims to further entrench QRIS as a cornerstone of digital payment adoption, supporting both consumer convenience and the growth of Indonesia’s small business sector.

Last year, coordinating minister for economic affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia’s QRIS has become “one of the things feared by other countries.”

Hartarto explained that the rapid growth of QRIS demonstrates Indonesia’s success in promoting digital financial inclusion. The QR code-based payment system is already accepted in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, China, and Singapore. He added that the government is exploring similar collaborations with the UAE.

QRIS is a national payment standard, compatible with all banks in Indonesia - such as BCA, Mandiri, BNI, BRI - and popular digital wallets such as OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay. As an integrated system, it allows seamless transactions across different apps, making payments simple and convenient for both users and merchants.

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