Today, the practice has spread across the region. In Indonesia itself, the QR revolution started in 2019. However, it doesn’t stop there as various sectors are continuously offering new products in order to meet the needs of the people.

Innovation in the financial sector is no exception. Today, everything from the stalls that line our streets to the shops at major malls have one thing in common: using the Quick Response Code Indonesia Standard (QRIS).

As more technological innovations sweep Southeast Asia, Bank Indonesia (BI) has taken steps to conduct cross-border QR code trials with Malaysia and Thailand, allowing consumers and merchants across these countries to make and receive payments for goods and services using QR codes. The central bank went so far as to make QRIS utilization a topic of discussion for the Group of 20 Indonesian presidency’s financial track to ensure better efficiency for regional transactions.

One technological giant in Indonesia offers a payment solution that has long been trusted by users: GoPay. In October 2024, the number of GoPay app users reached 30 million, ranking it among the top three financial apps in the country, according to Indo Premier Sekuritas. Nearly a year later, it is likely that figure has increased.

Following the BI announcement on the expansion of the QRIS cross-border service to Japan beginning in August 2025, GoPay has moved in parallel to offers a wider payment network.

Now, Indonesians who travel to Japan can easily make payments at local shops by simply using the GoPay app to scan Japan’s JPQR code, while the country’s merchants join an array of their counterparts in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore who can complete transactions efficiently through GoPay.

BI has also launched a pilot program to interlink QRIS and China’s digital payment system, and targets full implementation by the end of 2025.

“Cross-border payments through the GoPay app have grown rapidly in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. As Indonesia’s leading digital financial services ecosystem, GoPay continues to support Bank Indonesia’s initiative to expand QRIS cross-border access, with China set to be included soon. We are committed to providing our users with convenience, security and affordability in every transaction, both domestically and internationally,” said Sudhanshu Raheja, President Director of GoTo Financial.

According to Bank Indonesia, cross-border QRIS transactions reached Rp 1.66 trillion (US$101.4 million) in total value as of June this year, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for this digital payment solution.

The availability of GoPay payment services on cross-border QRIS networks eases overseas payments for users with transparent exchange rates, no hassles converting currencies and cost-efficient fees. At the same time, it empowers local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and merchants to accept payments from international visitors to Indonesia.

The use of QRIS has increased transactions in the MSME and tourism sectors due to the efficiency it offers, thus serving as a vehicle for economic recovery.

“With the ongoing expansion of cross-border cooperation, the availability of cross-border QRIS services marks a key milestone in advancing financial inclusion, strengthening Indonesia’s digital economy and delivering greater convenience for Indonesians engaging in activities abroad,” said Sudhanshu.