Negotiations regarding tariffs between Indonesia and the United States (US) have become a prominent topic of discussion recently. Through these negotiations, the US government has highlighted the use of Indonesia's digital payment systems, namely the Quick Response Indonesian Standard (QRIS) and the National Payment Gateway (GPN). Reportedly, these systems are considered to limit the space for foreign companies in the Indonesian market.
The Indonesian government, through Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, has promptly responded to these concerns. Senior Deputy Governor of BI, Destry Damayanti, stated that the negotiation process with the US is still ongoing through diplomatic channels.
Destry further added that Indonesia remains open to cooperation in the digital payment system sector. However, any collaboration with foreign countries, including the United States, depends on the readiness of each party to engage more broadly with the QRIS system.
"Cooperation with foreign countries depends on the readiness of each. So, with America as well, once they are ready, we will also be ready," Destry explained in Jakarta on Monday (April 21, 2025).
QRIS, a digital payment system that has become a mainstay in Indonesia, has been widely adopted across the country. BI has even expanded the use of QRIS to Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, specifically targeting Indonesian migrant workers (PMIs) in those countries.
This initiative aims to facilitate payment transactions for PMIs who often face difficulties in cross-border transactions. BI is also in the process of establishing QRIS collaborations with other countries, including South Korea, India, and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, mentioned that the government has discussed this matter with BI and the Financial Services Authority (OJK). However, the specific details of the government's actions have not yet been fully elaborated.
The US has also raised other issues during the negotiations, including import permits, the Online Single Submission (OSS) system, tax incentives, and import quotas. All of these are perceived as limiting the access of foreign companies to the Indonesian market.
Airlangga emphasized that these negotiations are aimed at ensuring that trade between Indonesia and the US remains fair and balanced. Indonesia seeks to maintain an independent yet friendly economic system with its partner countries.
QRIS and GPN are considered integral to strengthening the national payment system. Through these systems, Indonesia aims to make public transactions safer, faster, and based on domestic technology.
BI also clarified that despite the growth of QRIS, foreign credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard still hold a dominant position in the market. Therefore, the accusation that Indonesia is closing itself off to foreign systems is inaccurate.
Destry stated that QRIS and GPN are not forms of protectionism but rather efforts to build a payment infrastructure suitable for the needs of the Indonesian people, especially in this digital era.
Analysts suggest that this tension highlights the growing importance of digital sovereignty in the current global landscape. Developing countries like Indonesia are beginning to establish independence in their payment systems.
International relations experts assess that Indonesia holds a strong position because QRIS has already provided tangible benefits, particularly for Indonesian migrant workers who have historically faced challenges in cross-border transactions.
With its large population and high growth in digital transactions, Indonesia's bargaining power is considered quite significant. The US will need to carefully consider its approach to this situation.
Moving forward, Indonesia needs to further strengthen its digital payment system, both in terms of technology, regulation, and fair international cooperation.
These negotiations are not just about economics but also touch upon digital sovereignty and the future of global finance.
Indonesia hopes that by remaining steadfast yet open, its national payment system can continue to develop, and Indonesia's position on the global trade stage will remain strong.
