How to read the correct QRIS according to the Bank Indonesia guide

What is QRIS?

QRIS, or Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard, is a QR code-based payment system that is now used in almost all digital transactions in Indonesia. This system was launched by Bank Indonesia (BI) in August 2019 and brought a major change in people’s habits in conducting transactions. With QRIS, people now have payment methods that are more practical, faster, safer, and more inclusive in various sectors.

As of July 2025, data from Bank Indonesia shows that transactions through QRIS grew by 162 percent on an annual basis. This growth was also driven by the widespread adoption of QRIS among business actors, ranging from MSMEs to large companies. In addition, the use of cross-border QRIS is also increasing, opening wider opportunities in international transactions and trade.

how to read the correct qris

According to the official website of Bank Indonesia, the correct way to read QRIS is “KRIS” (read as Kris said in Indonesian). QRIS stands for Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard, which is the standardization of QR codes for digital payments jointly developed by BI and the payment system industry.

With the existence of QRIS, people can make digital transactions from various payment applications, both banks and non-banks, in various places such as shops, stalls, parking, tourist attractions, to donations with the QRIS logo. Although the application provider is different, all transactions can be done with one QR code.

Purpose and Functions of QRIS

The application of QRIS aims to:

• Facilitate transactions with one standard QR code for all payment system service providers
• speed up and streamline the payment process without the need for cash
• Improving the security of digital transactions through a system supervised by Bank Indonesia

Thus, it is enough for traders to have one QR code with the QRIS logo to receive payments from various applications that have been officially registered with BI.

Use of QRIS Abroad

Now, the use of QRIS has also expanded to cross-border payments. QRIS can be used in several countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Japan, and will follow Saudi Arabia. This feature makes it easier for Indonesian tourists to shop abroad by scanning the QRIS code from the payment application they use domestically, without the need to exchange cash.

However, please note that every cross-country transaction with QRIS will usually be charged a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) fee by the service provider bank.

Conclusion

If you are still confused about how to read it, the qris is read as “Kris”, not “Kiyuris” or “Keris”. With one QR code with the QRIS logo, payment transactions can now be carried out more quickly, practically, and safely in various places, both at home and abroad.