Indonesians can now make payments in Japan using QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard).
Transactions can be completed at participating merchants by scanning the JPQR Global code through domestic payment applications, without the need for foreign currency exchange.
The initiative was demonstrated on August 25 at the Indonesia Pavilion of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor Filianingsih Hendarta conducted a transaction using QRIS at a JPQR Global merchant.
In Jakarta, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo observed the transaction together with Ueda Hajime, Minister (Economic Section) of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, and Japan’s Minister of Finance, Katsunobu Kato.
Warjiyo said:
“The Indonesia–Japan QRIS connectivity represents a new chapter that marks the strong commitment of both countries in strengthening economic ties through digital innovation. Indonesians can now make transactions more easily in Japan, which at the same time reflects a payment system that is becoming stronger, digitally interconnected, and increasingly seamless.”
Japan’s Finance Minister Kato added:
“Since August 2020, Japan and Indonesia have been able to conduct direct transactions using yen and rupiah. And since 17 August 2025, a QR code payment connectivity between Japan and Indonesia has been launched. I hope that with this implementation, we can realise a future where the exchange of goods and services between Japan and Indonesia becomes increasingly dynamic, leading to shared progress and prosperity.”
The initiative builds on the Local Currency Transaction (LCT) framework between Indonesia and Japan, agreed in 2019 and in operation since 2020.
The rupiah–yen settlement scheme allows trade and investment to be conducted without reliance on third-party currencies, reducing conversion costs and improving efficiency.
Between January and July 2025, the value of Indonesia–Japan LCT transactions reached US$5.1 billion, compared to US$2.23 billion in the same period of 2024.
The number of LCT users also grew, with an average of 2,072 users per month in 2025, up from 1,360 per month in 2024.
The launch of the Indonesia–Japan QRIS payment connectivity coincided with the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence.
The system will initially be available at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, including the Indonesia Pavilion, official shops, and food trucks, as well as selected merchants at Haneda Airport, with coverage to be expanded gradually.
The implementation was carried out in cooperation between Bank Indonesia, the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Payment Japan Association (PJA), Netstars, and financial institutions from both countries.
Featured image credit: Bank Indonesia
