Finance

WhatsApp is Working to Launch Digital Payments in Indonesia

Indonesia could be the second country that offers WhatsApp payment services. As reported by Reuters, the Facebook-owned messaging service is reportedly engaging in talks with multiple local fintech firms to provide their mobile transaction services. 

WhatsApp first targeted India, where their plan to offer direct peer-to-peer payments services was halted by for regulatory concerns over local data storage. Now, in a bid to tap the fastest-growing e-commerce sector in Indonesia, the offer is different.

WhatsApp would serve as a platform supporting payments through digital wallets. The change was due to strict licensing regulations, according to sources

The booming value of the Indonesian market

With a population of 260 million and a thriving economy, the country is on the top five global markets for the messaging service, with currently more than 100 million users. This translates into roughly 40% of the population using WhatsApp.

According to a McKinsey report, Indonesia’s e-commerce market value was valued at $8 million in 2017. This figure refers to the gross merchandise value (GMV) of goods and services purchased online from e-commerce and socio-commerce platforms. These include formal e-tailing businesses and informal commerce. 

Formal e-tailing businesses are what we know as eBay and Amazon. In the region, JD, Lazada, Shopee and Tokopedia are the main actors. Informal commerce, which corresponds to the ‘socio-commerce platforms’, means transactions take place through unofficial means, through platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. 

McKinsey expects the GMV of the formal e-commerce platforms to reach $40 billion by 2022, while the GMV for informal e-commerce is estimated to read $25 billion.

Given these impressive rates, it’s no surprise that Reuters expect the Indonesian e-commerce industry to reach $100 billion by 2025.

Strict regulations are expected

Reportedly, WhatsApp is currently in discussion with several digital payments firms, such as ride hailer Go-Jek, mobile payments firm DANA, fintech startup OVO and state-owned Bank Mandiri. 

However, Indonesia is home to one of the strictest digital payments regulations. According to Reuters’ sources, WhatsApp’s plan for Indonesia could become an exportable template to other emerging markets. This would make it easier to “get around regulations on foreign players creating their own digital wallets.”

A Facebook spokesperson didn’t provide specifics: 

“WhatsApp is in conversations with financial partners in Indonesia about payments, however the discussions are in early stages, and we do not have anything further to share at this stage.”

However, sources say that conversations with the three payments firm are close to being finalized. The launch of the service isn’t expected this year, as the priority is to launch in India first. 

This information comes after Facebook revealed, early this year, that it would be rolling out WhatsApp payments in some countries. As previously reported by The Blockchain Land, Facebook wants to integrate Calibra, a crypto wallet service, into all of its platforms, and that includes WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Laisa Lopes

Laisa is a journalist and a blockchain enthusiast. With her experience in different industries, Laisa sees the technology as one of the prime disruptors of the 21st century. She's a fierce advocate of decentralization and innovation. Laisa coordinates the team of writers at The Blockchain Land and on her spare time, she is globe trotting.

Related Articles

63 Comments

  1. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such wonderful info being shared freely out there.

  2. hi!,I love your writing very so much! proportion wecommunicate more about your post on AOL? I need an expert in this areato solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look forward to peer you.

  3. Thanks for your text. I would also love to say a health insurance brokerage also works for the benefit of the actual coordinators of any group insurance coverage. The health insurance broker is given a listing of benefits looked for by a person or a group coordinator. What any broker can is search for individuals or perhaps coordinators that best go with those needs. Then he provides his tips and if both parties agree, the broker formulates a legal contract between the two parties.

  4. I’m still learning from you, while I’m trying to reach my goals. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I loved it!

  5. One thing is that often one of the most typical incentives for applying your credit cards is a cash-back and also rebate provision. Generally, you get 1-5 back for various buying. Depending on the credit cards, you may get 1 returning on most acquisitions, and 5 again on expenditures made at convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores along with ‘member merchants’.

  6. Basically, as long as you’re in a state where online casino gaming is legal and there are casinos offering these types of bonus codes, you can create a new account and get spins credits. That’s a sweet deal and the main reason you should use our real online casino no deposit bonus codes. While no deposit bonus codes are mainly for newcomers, some casinos offer bonuses for their existing players. Most often, these types of bonuses are sent via email to players who have been idle for some time as an incentive to come back to the casino. One more way for existing players to use such no deposit bonus codes is by downloading the casino app or signing up to the mobile casino. When registering with a new casino, it's common to be offered various incentives to entice you to start playing. These latest casino bonuses may include free spins for slot games or complimentary chips for table games. In some instances, new players can enjoy these free games without making a deposit, eliminating the need to risk their own money before diving into the gaming experience. No deposit bonus codes can differ, and casinos may impose limitations on their usage.
    http://jung-dam.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=9769
    Note up now and join the fun at Online Casino. Online Casino is an exciting online gambling platform that offers the best bonuses on the market for new players. This casino features a wide range of games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. Hosting company: You’ll receive a match bonus on your deposit and free spins on selected slots. Plus, the casino also offers regular promotions and bonuses, including cashback offers, reload demo pg soft, and more. If demo pg soft looking for an online casino with an extensive selection of games, you’ll love Online Casino. Situs Judi Online Casino SBOBET Terpercaya Indonesia – SBOBET365 The purpose of the Bellagio brand lies in the art of servicing high-end clientele; creating and delivering ‘BIG WIN’ experiences that will make you feel alive like nothing else can. The ‘highs’ of victory at the tables are only the beginning of the Bellagio experience. The sensational star-class dining and global entertainment acts will take you on a trip that is unique on its own. When it comes to having a great time, we ensure that everyone is a winner!

Close