Bank Indonesia Lobbies Apple to Bring QRIS Tap to iPhones: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you are an iPhone user in Indonesia, you’ve likely felt a bit of FOMO when watching Android users simply tap their phones at payment terminals to pay via QRIS. While Bank Indonesia (BI) officially launched the 'QRIS Tap' feature last year, Apple users have been left out in the cold. But there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Bank Indonesia has confirmed it is actively lobbying Apple—not just the local representatives but the global headquarters—to allow iPhone users in Indonesia to access this contactless payment technology.

The Great NFC Barrier

The reason why your iPhone can’t currently use QRIS Tap isn't because of a lack of hardware. Your iPhone has the necessary Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. The issue is purely software and policy-based. Historically, Apple has kept a tight grip on its NFC technology, reserving it exclusively for its own Apple Pay service. Since Apple Pay has not yet officially launched in the Indonesian market, the NFC chip remains effectively dormant for third-party payment systems like QRIS.

Bank Indonesia recognizes this bottleneck. The central bank recently explained that the limitations are tied directly to Apple’s global policy of not opening NFC access to third-party developers. This means that even though the technology for QRIS Tap is ready on Indonesia’s end, the 'locked door' of the iOS ecosystem prevents it from working.

Direct Negotiations with Apple HQ

Bank Indonesia is not taking 'no' for an answer. In a recent press conference following the BI Board of Governors Meeting in February 2026, BI Deputy Governor Filianingsih revealed that the central bank has been in intense communication with Apple. This isn't just a casual chat with the local office; the discussions involve Apple’s global headquarters.

According to Filianingsih, representatives from both Apple Indonesia and the global head office have visited BI to study the QRIS Tap feature. They are currently evaluating the possibility of opening the NFC functionality in Indonesia, similar to the concessions they have recently made in other parts of the world.

The European Union Precedent

There is a strong reason to be optimistic about these negotiations. Apple was recently forced by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to open up its NFC technology to third-party mobile wallet and payment providers across Europe. This landmark change proved that Apple is capable of relaxing its restrictions when faced with regulatory pressure and strategic necessity.

Bank Indonesia is leveraging this precedent. By showing Apple how integrated and vital QRIS has become to Indonesia's digital economy, BI hopes to convince the tech giant that opening NFC for QRIS Tap is a win-win for both the company and the millions of iPhone users in the country.

Why QRIS Tap Matters

You might wonder, 'Why do I need QRIS Tap when I can just scan a code?' The answer lies in speed and convenience. QRIS Tap eliminates the need to open your camera app, wait for focus, and deal with poor lighting conditions. It mimics the seamless experience of tapping a physical credit card or a transport card. For high-traffic areas like toll booths, public transportation, or busy coffee shops, those few saved seconds make a massive difference in transaction efficiency.

As of now, we are in a waiting game. Apple is 'deepening their study' of the feature, and while no official launch date has been set, the fact that the central bank is knocking directly on Apple's door in Cupertino suggests that the 'tap-and-go' future for Indonesian iPhone users is closer than ever.