Business · Economy · 3 hrs ago
Indonesia expands QR payments to Timor-Leste and explores new links
Indonesia’s QRIS system lets people make payments by scanning QR codes, including across borders.
Timor-Leste has become the seventh country connected to the system, which supports payments in both directions.
The other connected countries are China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
Bank Indonesia says it has discussed a possible connection with India, where travel between the countries could create demand for easier payments.
Indonesia and Hong Kong have also agreed to discuss technical, operational and regulatory steps toward linking their QR payment systems.
Bank Indonesia hopes to establish a similar connection with Saudi Arabia, which could help Indonesians paying for purchases during the Hajj or Umrah.
The next steps with India, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are still under discussion.
Indonesia has added Timor-Leste to its QRIS cross-border payment network, bringing the stated total to seven countries.
Bank Indonesia is discussing possible QR payment links with India and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong to explore cooperation.
The central bank also hopes to establish a similar link with Saudi Arabia.
Bank Indonesia says cross-border QR payments could make transactions easier and more comfortable for people travelling between countries.
- Who
- Bank Indonesia, led by Governor Destry Damayanti, is expanding QRIS links with other economies.
- What
- Timor-Leste joined Indonesia’s cross-border QR payment network; discussions and exploratory agreements are under way with India and Hong Kong.
- When
- Timor-Leste joined at a festival on September 25, 2026. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Indonesia, Timor-Leste, India, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The links aim to make cross-border payments easier, faster, more transparent and inclusive, including for travellers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We are both looking at how to provide services and convenience to our people, so that transactions are more comfortable for them.
When you go for umrah or hajj, you will not need to exchange money; just bring your phone and top up the balance.
Destry Damayanti met with India’s central bank to discuss QRIS cross-border cooperation.
Bank Indonesia and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-border QR payment cooperation.
Timor-Leste became the seventh country to join the QRIS cross-border ecosystem at the Digital Financial Economy Festival.
CNBC Indonesia reported on the expansion and discussions with India, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
- QRIS cross-border network
- Seven countries, including Timor-Leste
- Timor-Leste
- Joined at the Digital Financial Economy Festival on September 25, 2026
- Hong Kong memorandum
- Signed on September 24, 2026
- India
- Bank Indonesia has discussed QRIS cross-border cooperation with India’s central bank
- Saudi Arabia
- Bank Indonesia hopes to establish a similar payment link
Sources
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