Indonesia eyes QRIS trials with Saudi Arabia in 2026
Hong Kong could also join the cross-border payment network in 2026, while an India connection may begin operating in 2027, according to ASPI.
Indonesia hopes to conduct operational trials of its QRIS cross-border payment connection with Saudi Arabia in 2026, Indonesian Payment System Association (ASPI) chairman Santoso said. Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and India are targets for the network’s expansion.
Speaking to reporters after the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival in Jakarta on 14 October 2026, Santoso said Saudi Arabia was likely to connect that year. He said the aim was to test whether the connection worked properly in operation, while Hong Kong could also join in 2026.
The India connection may only become operational in 2027. Santoso said development had begun more than two years earlier, but difficult negotiations had delayed implementation. He added that the Indian side still had concerns to discuss.
Development of a QRIS connection with Timor-Leste is due to begin in November 2026. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta on 25 September 2026, establishing a basis for payment connectivity, including exploration of cross-border QRIS.
QRIS currently supports inbound and outbound cross-border transactions with six countries: China, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. Timor-Leste has signed the memorandum but is not among those six operational connections.
