Indonesia to Leverage D-8 Chairmanship for QRIS Expansion

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia plans to use its chairmanship of the Developing Eight (D-8) organization to broaden the reach of its national payment system, Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), across member countries. The initiative is seen as a strategic step to strengthen digital connectivity and financial inclusion within the bloc.

Director General for Multilateral Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tri Tharyat, highlighted that Indonesia’s leadership in D-8 offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate with fellow members on QRIS adoption.

“We have already discussed with Bank Indonesia the possibility of expanding QRIS usage among D-8 countries,” Tri said during a media discussion at the Antara Heritage Center in Central Jakarta on Friday, February 13, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

When asked which countries hold the greatest potential for QRIS penetration, Tri pointed to Egypt and Turkiye, citing the significant number of Indonesian nationals living and studying there.

He explained that extending QRIS access would not only ease transactions among D-8 communities but also support Indonesia’s ambition to become a global hub for digital finance.

The initiative aligns with one of Indonesia’s five priority agendas as D-8 chair: enhancing connectivity and advancing the digital economy, including support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“We will also showcase success stories of QRIS adoption in the business sector,” Tri added.

Under the same connectivity agenda, Tri noted that the Ministry of Transportation has begun exploratory talks with partners in D-8 countries, though details of potential collaboration have yet to be disclosed.

Formed in 1997, the D-8 brings together eight developing nations - Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkiye. Azerbaijan joined as the ninth member in 2025.

Indonesia’s chairmanship for the 2026–2027 period carries the theme “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equity, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.” The theme underscores adaptation to global economic dynamics, inclusivity, and resilience.

Tri confirmed that the D-8 Summit will take place in Jakarta on April 15, 2026, preceded by a foreign ministers’ meeting as well as business and investment forums. ***