Indonesia and China, both members of the BRICS alliance, have officially launched a trial of a cross-border QR code payment system as a strategic move to reduce reliance on the US dollar.

Bank Indonesia (BI) and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) are running a pilot project that enables the use of the QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) in China. Through this framework, payments can be made directly in local currencies—rupiah and yuan—without passing through the US dollar.

QRIS is Indonesia’s digital payment system, which allows transactions simply by scanning a code with a smartphone. China has granted official approval for Indonesia to implement QRIS more broadly within its territory. If the trial proves successful, both consumers and businesses in the two countries will be able to fully utilize the system.

This agreement is seen as a major step toward making QR-based digital payments one of the primary methods for cross-border trade. The model promises substantial benefits, particularly for business-to-business (B2B) transactions and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in both Indonesia and China.

Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo emphasized that the development of cross-border QRIS is part of an effort to expand economic and digital financial inclusion.

“The continuous development and innovation of QRIS features aim to broaden its acceptance, including support for international transactions,” he said, as quoted by Watcher Guru on Wednesday (20/8).

According to Perry, the system will simplify export-import activities and tourism-related transactions between the two nations. Indonesian SMEs, for example, can receive payments directly from Chinese customers without converting through the US dollar.

This initiative also reflects BRICS’ strategy to strengthen the use of local currencies in global trade. Several BRICS member states have previously agreed to reduce the dominance of the US dollar in international transactions.

In its initial phase, the trial project involves the Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI) and China’s UnionPay International (UPI) as technical partners. Both institutions play a crucial role in ensuring system integration meets security and regulatory standards.

Perry expressed optimism that the initial test will succeed and pave the way for full-scale implementation in the near future. “This initiative will reinforce BRICS cooperation while providing businesses with a more efficient payment alternative,” he said.

Moreover, the cross-border QR scheme is expected to support Indonesia’s broader strategy of accelerating the digitalization of its national payment system. The overseas expansion of QRIS marks a major milestone in building a more inclusive digital financial ecosystem.

If realized, cross-border QRIS usage will serve as tangible proof of Indonesia’s financial sector digital transformation, while also strengthening bilateral trade relations with China through a more straightforward and cost-effective payment route.

This new system will enable faster, more efficient, and dollar-independent transactions, aligning with BRICS’ vision of building a more balanced global economic order.