RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Bank Indonesia is doubling down on its digital transformation and regional integration strategy, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional global settlement currencies while modernizing its domestic financial landscape. Indonesia is expanding cross-border payment links, now expanding to China and South Korea by the first quartal of 2026.

The central bank is also promoting Local Currency Transactions (LCT), as stated by Governor of Bank Indonesia, Perry Warjiyo, at the press conference for the first Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) of the year on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

He emphasized that digital infrastructure is now a core pillar of national economic growth. “Payment system policy continues to be directed towards promoting economic growth through strengthening the payment system industry structure and expanding the acceptance of digital payments,” he stated.

A key component of this strategy is the expansion of the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS). Already a staple for domestic transactions, QRIS is steadily going more global. Following successful integrations in Southeast Asia, Bank Indonesia is preparing to launch cross-border payment capabilities with two of Asia's largest economies. Previously, QRIS has been implemented in Japan last year.

“(Bank Indonesia) continues to expand QRIS cooperation between countries through preparations for implementation with China and South Korea in the first quarter of 2026,” the Governor stated.

Beyond retail payments, the central bank is also focusing on QRIS TAP, an NFC-based "tap" payments for the transportation and retail sectors. A digital payment solution specifically designed for international travellers in major Indonesian destinations called Tourist Special Pack. BI also catalysed the Acceleration and Expansion of Regional Digitalization (P2DD) program to ensure local governments across Indonesia adopt digital fiscal management.