WhatsApp, a messaging platform owned by Facebook, is in talks to launch mobile payments in Indonesia, reported Reuters.
With more than 100 million users, Indonesia ranks as one of the top five markets of WhatsApp.
According to the news agency, the messaging platform has already approached several digital payment firms in the country for the initiative.
These firms include ride-hailing app Go-Jek, mobile payments firm DANA that is backed by Ant Financial, and fintech firm OVO that is backed by Indonesian conglomerate Lippo Group, the agency said.
The messaging platform is also said to be in talks with state-owned Bank Mandiri over the issue. The bank manages a digital wallet.
“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,” a Facebook spokeswoman was quoted as saying by the agency.
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By GlobalDataFor Indonesia, Whatsapp is said to facilitate payments through local digital wallets. This is said to be due to licensing hurdles in the country.
If the talks are successful, Indonesia would become the second country after India where Whatsapp will introduce mobile payment services.
Facebook unveiled plans regarding its WhatsApp mobile payment feature earlier this year.
The payments feature has already been trialled in India, where it intends to launch direct P2P services. However, its India launch is being delayed due to regulatory impediments.