QRIS Boosts Batam Tourism: Easy Digital Payments For Singapore And Malaysia Travelers: Know More About It

Published on July 26, 2025

In an age of digital transformation, passengers are more and more seeking more friction-free and cost-effective ways to pay when traveling, particularly internationally. The Indonesian island of Batam, situated near Singapore and Malaysia, has become a hub to promote cashless transactions among tourists. Due to the the high number of extra-ceebrities from foreign countries (uh, Tourists, and not only) especially in the weekend and for some other reasons too, the necessity of a faster, safer, and more convenient way of paying was finally made evident.

The country’s efforts have prompted Indonesia to recently implement the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) an electronic payment system aimed at supercharging digital transactions throughout the nation. As an end-to-end solution QRIS is not only domestic, as it will soon offer cross-border features to foreigners in Indonesia from Malaysia, Singapore, and soon the rest of the ASEAN region to make payments using their respective local digital wallets. This system has the potential to change the way visitors interact with businesses and will bring dramatic growth to tourism and hospitality industries.

The Rise of QRIS Cross-Border Payments in Batam

Batam, a key tourist hub in the Riau Islands, shares close proximity to Singapore and Malaysia. As one of the busiest entry points for foreign tourists, particularly those traveling by ferry from Singapore, Batam’s tourism infrastructure is perfectly suited for QRIS adoption. In fact, QRIS has already become a familiar method of payment at popular tourist spots like the Batam Center Ferry Terminal, where many international visitors arrive. Merchants are quickly adopting the QRIS system to accommodate both domestic and international visitors, making it easier for tourists from Malaysia and Singapore to pay without the hassle of exchanging currency or relying on cash.

A recent survey conducted at the Batam Center Ferry Terminal shows that many tourists from Singapore and Malaysia inquire about using QRIS even before asking about product prices. This eagerness to use digital payments highlights the growing comfort of tourists with QR-based payments, particularly among younger generations familiar with the technology.

In response to the demand, souvenir shops and local businesses in Batam have been quick to update their payment systems to integrate QRIS. The transition from cash to QR payments is seamless, allowing merchants to reach a broader customer base while also streamlining their operations. The success of QRIS at the Batam Center Ferry Terminal can be seen as a model for other tourist destinations across Indonesia.

Engaging the Younger Demographic: The Key to QRIS Adoption

While the QRIS system is gaining traction, the key to its widespread adoption lies in targeting younger travelers, particularly Generation Z, who are more likely to embrace digital payment systems. Data from Bank Indonesia shows that Generation Z accounts for nearly 28% of total QRIS users in the country, a trend that is mirrored among international tourists. Tourists from Malaysia and Singapore, especially those aged 18 to 30, are more likely to use QRIS due to their familiarity with mobile wallets and scan-based payments.

In Batam, younger visitors often prefer the convenience of QRIS over traditional payment methods like cash or credit cards. Digital wallets are part of their everyday lives, and using QRIS for purchases feels natural and secure. By targeting these younger demographics with tailored promotional campaigns, QRIS adoption can be further accelerated.

Leveraging Cross-Border Partnerships: The Role of Bank Indonesia

Bank Indonesia has been instrumental in promoting the QRIS system both within Indonesia and across borders. The QRIS cross-border payment system, which allows tourists from neighboring ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to use their local digital wallets, is a prime example of the country’s efforts to modernize its payment systems. This integration makes Batam an ideal testing ground for cross-border digital payment solutions.

Additionally, QRIS is set to expand beyond Southeast Asia, with plans to integrate payments from countries such as Japan and potentially BRICS nations. This ambitious goal highlights Indonesia’s role in fostering regional economic integration and creating a more connected digital payments ecosystem.

For now, QRIS is being actively promoted in Malaysia and Singapore, with Bank Indonesia and local partners seeking opportunities to educate the younger generation about the ease of using QRIS while traveling to Batam and other parts of Indonesia. In both countries, where digital wallets and cashless transactions are already widely used, the adoption of QRIS is expected to be faster compared to other regions.

Overcoming Barriers: Addressing Trust and Security Concerns

Despite the growing popularity of QRIS, some tourists remain hesitant to adopt the system, particularly those who are unfamiliar with it. Concerns about the security of digital transactions, the compatibility of local apps, and the fear of being scammed are some of the challenges that need to be addressed.

To overcome these obstacles, Bank Indonesia and local tourism authorities are focusing on education and awareness. A comprehensive campaign that includes interactive infographics, social media tutorials, and video demonstrations can help tourists understand how QRIS works, its security features, and its benefits. For businesses, providing staff training on how to guide customers through the QRIS payment process will also be crucial in building confidence among tourists.

Merchants and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Batam are also key to the success of this campaign. By educating business owners about the advantages of cross-border QRIS payments, including faster transactions, higher customer satisfaction, and increased sales, QRIS can gain further traction.

Future Prospects: Expanding the QRIS Ecosystem

As QRIS continues to gain popularity in Batam, the system’s potential for regional growth is immense. The success of QRIS in facilitating cross-border payments between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore has laid the groundwork for broader ASEAN integration. In the future, QRIS could serve as the foundation for a unified digital payment platform for Southeast Asia, enabling tourists to pay seamlessly across borders with their local wallets.

In the longer term, QRIS may even play a role in global payment systems, particularly as Indonesia engages in discussions about cross-border payments with BRICS nations. This regional and global expansion could further solidify Indonesia’s leadership in digital payment technology and position Batam as a model for smart tourism and cashless travel in Southeast Asia.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Travel in Batam and Beyond

The implications for QRIS in Batam is the turning point for the Indonesian’s tourism sector. With adoption of digital payments, Batam not just becomes traveler friendly, but like many other infrastructure developments, it becomes a pilot destination to set up cashless tourism ecosystem that can spread across Great Indonesia, or even down to the whole ASEAN region.

QRIS had the potential to change the business in Batam and other hot spots in Indonesia through focused campaigns, education and cross-border cooperation. As QRIS becomes more prevalent, it will usher in a new world of digital-first travel, providing ease, speed, and peace-of-mind benefits for both travellers and businesses.