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Developer Reference Guide
Application Programming
Interface (API)
The backbone of modern software integration. Learn how systems communicate and discover the best accounting APIs for the APAC region.
An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines how software components should interact, making it easier for developers to use the functionality of another application, service, or platform without needing to understand its internal code.
Key Points About APIs
Bridge Between Systems
APIs act like a messenger — taking a request from one software system, telling another system what to do, and returning the response.
Reusable Functions
Instead of writing functions from scratch, developers can use APIs to access predefined functions like payment processing, weather data, maps, etc.
Standardized Communication
APIs define a consistent and structured format for requests and responses, commonly using lightweight formats like JSON or XML.
Types of APIs
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Web API | Allows communication over the internet (e.g., REST, SOAP, GraphQL). |
| Library / SDK API | Functions provided by software libraries or SDKs for developers to use locally. |
| Operating System API | Provides access to OS functions (e.g., Windows API, Android API). |
| Hardware API | Allows software to interact with hardware devices (e.g., camera API, printer API). |
💡 An API is Like a Restaurant Menu
1
The Menu (API) — tells you what dishes (services/functions) are available.
2
The Order (Request) — you place an order for what you want.
3
The Kitchen (Server) — the application prepares the dish behind the scenes.
4
The Waiter (Response) — returns the finished result back to you.
Accounting Software with APIs (Indonesia / APAC)
| Vendor | API Available? | Auth & Sandbox | Indonesian Localization | Best if... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mekari Jurnal | Yes — public API, Stoplight / Postman docs | API keys / HMAC; sandbox & Postman examples | Designed for Indonesia (IDR, local VAT, e-meterai) | You want a native Indonesian solution with local bank/payment integrations |
| Xero | Yes — broad accounting APIs | OAuth2; sandbox / developer apps | Has Indonesian offering & local partners | You want global API surface, many endpoints, good partner network |
| QuickBooks Online | Yes — mature API | OAuth2; sandbox via Intuit Developer portal | Some API capabilities may be limited in Indonesia — verify | You want large ecosystem and many integrators, but confirm Indonesia support |
| HashMicro | Yes — API/SDK and ERP integrations | Vendor API docs / SDKs; enterprise onboarding | Regional focus (SEA), customizable for local tax/regulation | You need ERP modules tightly integrated with accounting and local deployment |
Which Vendors Support POST / Write APIs?
| # | Vendor | Create / Update via API? | Notes | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mekari Jurnal | ✅ Yes | Endpoints for create/update/delete of key objects (customers, products, invoices) | Which objects are writable? Rate limits? VAT fields? |
| 2 | Kledo | ✅ Yes | Full access to REST API; supports add, import/export, and sync of data | Which endpoints support POST/PUT? Auth model? |
| 3 | HashMicro | ⚠️ Mixed | Architecture claims "open REST APIs" but some listings say "No API available" | Verify directly with vendor which accounting modules support API creation |
| 4 | Refrens | ✅ Yes (Invoice) | Invoice API available — more invoicing-focused than full accounting | Check if full accounting ledger, bank reconciliation, AR/AP supported |
| 5 | Xero | ✅ Yes | Well-known globally for full API (create invoices, payments, journal entries) | Verify Indonesian tax support, local bank connectivity, and endpoint availability |
Pick Your Path
If you need...
Tight Indonesian compliance & local bank integrations
→ Start with Mekari Jurnal
If you want...
Global API standards & partner network
→ Start with Xero
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