See the difference between trading on licensed Indonesian exchanges (0.21%) vs. foreign platforms (1%)
Tax Estimate
OJK-Licensed Exchange Tax (0.21%)$0.00
Foreign Exchange Tax (1%)$0.00
Difference$0.00
Important: Using OJK-licensed exchanges automatically calculates and pays the 0.21% tax. Foreign exchanges require you to self-report and pay the 1% tax.
Indonesia doesnât ban cryptocurrency - it just makes you play by strict rules. If youâre trading crypto here in 2025, youâre not breaking the law. But if you skip the steps, you could lose money, face fines, or even get your account frozen. The system is clear: crypto is an investment, not a payment method. You can buy, sell, and hold it. But you canât use Bitcoin to pay for coffee, rent, or groceries. Thatâs illegal. And the government is watching.
Whoâs in Charge Now? OJK Took Over in 2025
Before January 2025, the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (BAPPEBTI) handled crypto rules. Now, itâs all under the Financial Services Authority, or OJK. This wasnât just a name change. It meant crypto went from being treated like a commodity - similar to gold or soybeans - to being classified as a digital financial asset. That shift changed everything: how exchanges operate, how taxes are collected, and how users get verified.
The OJK doesnât just oversee banks and insurance companies anymore. It now runs the entire crypto ecosystem. All exchanges must be licensed under Regulation No. 27 of 2024. As of June 2025, only 22 platforms passed the test. Big names like Indodax, Tokocrypto, and Pintu are on the list. If youâre trading on anything else - even a platform that looks legit - youâre outside the law.
The New Tax Rules: 0.21% vs. 1% - Itâs a Big Difference
On August 1, 2025, the old crypto tax system died. Minister of Finance Regulation No. 50 of 2025 (PMK 50/2025) replaced everything. The biggest change? No more Value Added Tax (VAT). Crypto is no longer seen as a good you buy and sell. Itâs treated like stocks or mutual funds. That means no 10% VAT. But now thereâs a final Income Tax, and it depends on where you trade.
0.21% - If you trade on an OJK-licensed exchange (like Indodax or Tokocrypto), this is your tax rate. Itâs automatic. The exchange calculates and pays it for you.
1% - If you use a foreign exchange (like Binance, Kraken, or Coinbase), youâre on your own. You must report and pay this yourself. And yes, they know if you do. The OJK and tax office share data with foreign platforms through the National Single Window system.
That 0.79% gap is huge. For someone trading $10,000 a month, itâs $79 extra in taxes if they use a foreign platform. Thatâs why most serious traders now stick to local exchanges. But hereâs the catch: the tax rate isnât the only cost. The compliance burden is heavier.
How to Get Started: The 4-Step Legal Process
You canât just sign up and start trading. The OJK requires a strict onboarding process. Hereâs what you need to do:
Choose a licensed exchange - Go to ojk.go.id and check the official list. Donât trust third-party blogs or Reddit posts.
Submit your documents - National ID (KTP), Tax Identification Number (NPWP), and a selfie holding your ID. No exceptions. If your NPWP is expired, you wonât pass.
Pass the financial literacy test - A 15-question quiz on crypto risks, volatility, scams, and how blockchain works. You need 80% to pass. Most people fail once. Itâs not hard, but itâs designed to make you think before you invest.
Link your bank account - Only Bank Indonesia-registered accounts work. You canât use e-wallets like OVO or GoPay to deposit fiat. Must be a real bank account: BRI, BNI, Mandiri, Danamon, etc.
This process used to take 1-2 days under BAPPEBTI. Now, it takes 3-7 business days. Some users report delays because exchanges are still adjusting to OJKâs stricter KYC rules. If youâre in a hurry, start early.
What Happens If You Use a Foreign Exchange?
Technically, you can still use Binance or Kraken. But youâre taking a risk. The OJK and Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) now monitor foreign transactions. If you make more than IDR 500 million (about $32,500) in a year, youâre flagged. You must file a self-report by March 31 each year using the e-Filing system.
Many users donât realize this is mandatory. A survey by Sanction Scanner found that 63.2% of Indonesians didnât understand they had to report foreign trades. One trader in Jakarta lost $2,850 because he thought the 1% tax was optional. He didnât file. The DGT sent a notice. He had to pay back taxes, penalties, and interest.
Also, foreign exchanges donât automatically withhold tax. You have to calculate it yourself. If you bought Bitcoin at $30,000 and sold at $40,000, your profit is $10,000. You owe 1% of that: $100. It sounds small, but if you trade often, it adds up. And if you get audited, you need records - every trade, every timestamp, every wallet address.
The Hidden Costs: Slower Service, More Checks
Thereâs a trade-off for legality. Since the OJK took over, customer service has gotten slower. Indodax, the largest exchange, now has an average 3.8/5 rating on Trustpilot. The top complaints? Withdrawals taking 5+ days and support responses taking over 4 hours.
Why? Because every transaction above IDR 500 million must be flagged and reviewed for money laundering. Every new user must be manually verified. Every withdrawal over IDR 100 million needs special OJK approval. Itâs not bureaucracy for the sake of it. Itâs designed to stop fraud and terrorist financing.
But it frustrates users. One Reddit user wrote: âI had $5,000 in my account for 5 days because they needed a notarized letter from my bank. I didnât even know that was a thing.â
Whoâs Trading? The Real Users in Indonesia
As of June 2025, Indonesia has 14.3 million active crypto users - nearly 5% of the population. But itâs not evenly spread. Most are young: 68.3% are between 18 and 35. Most are men: 76.4%. And most live in Java - Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya.
The top three exchanges control 91% of the market:
Indodax: 47.2%
Tokocrypto: 28.5%
Pintu: 15.3%
The rest? Nine smaller platforms, each with less than 2% market share. Many of them are struggling to meet the new capital requirement of IDR 5 billion ($325,000). Experts predict only 12-15 exchanges will survive by 2026.
Whatâs Coming Next? Two Big Changes in 2026
The rules arenât done changing. Two major updates are on the horizon:
Proof-of-reserves audits - Starting January 1, 2026, every licensed exchange must prove they hold enough crypto to cover all user balances. No more âwe lost it in a hackâ excuses. This is meant to prevent another Terra/Luna collapse from wiping out Indonesian investors.
Possible stablecoin payments - Bank Indonesia is quietly exploring whether to allow certain stablecoins (like USDT or BUSD) for cross-border remittances. Right now, sending money overseas via crypto is a gray zone. If approved, it could be a game-changer for overseas workers sending money home.
Thereâs also talk about taxing staking rewards in 2026. Right now, if you earn interest on your crypto, you donât pay tax. That could change. The DGT has hinted that staking will be treated like dividend income.
Is It Worth It?
Yes - if you follow the rules. Indonesiaâs crypto market is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The legal framework is clearer than in Thailand or the Philippines. The tax rate for local trades is low. The exchanges are secure. The government isnât trying to crush crypto. Itâs trying to control it.
The real danger isnât breaking the law. Itâs not understanding it. People lose money not because crypto crashed - but because they didnât know they had to file taxes, or they used an unlicensed platform and got locked out of their funds.
Stick to OJK-licensed exchanges. Pay the 0.21%. Keep your records. Donât assume foreign platforms are safer. And if youâre unsure? Call the OJKâs 24/7 hotline: +62 21 157 8900. Itâs not perfect. But itâs the only legal path.
Can I use Binance or Coinbase legally in Indonesia?
You can use foreign exchanges like Binance or Coinbase, but youâre not protected by Indonesian law. All profits from these platforms are taxable at 1% under PMK 50/2025, and you must report them yourself. If you trade over IDR 500 million annually, youâll be flagged. Using them doesnât break the law, but it increases your risk of penalties, audits, and lost funds if the platform freezes your account.
Do I need to pay tax if I just hold crypto and donât sell?
No. You only pay tax when you sell, trade, or convert crypto into fiat (like Rupiah) or another digital asset. Holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other coin without trading it doesnât trigger a tax event. But you still need to keep records of your purchase price and date in case you sell later.
What happens if I donât file my crypto taxes?
If you donât report crypto income from foreign exchanges, the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) can issue a tax assessment with penalties up to 100% of the unpaid amount, plus interest. In severe cases, they may freeze your bank accounts or block your NPWP. Many users have been caught because the OJK shares transaction data with the tax office. Donât gamble - file even if you think you owe little.
Can I use crypto to pay for goods and services in Indonesia?
No. Under Bank Indonesia Regulation No. 20/6/PBI/2018 and the 2023 Payment Systems Law, the Rupiah is the only legal tender. Using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any crypto to pay for coffee, rent, or online purchases is illegal. Even if a shop accepts it, theyâre violating the law - and you could be held liable.
Are NFTs and DeFi allowed in Indonesia?
NFTs are not explicitly banned, but theyâre in a gray zone. Theyâre not classified as financial assets yet, so they fall under the same rules as crypto - meaning you can trade them on licensed platforms and pay the 0.21% tax. DeFi (decentralized finance) platforms like Uniswap or Aave are not licensed by OJK. Using them carries high risk: no legal protection, no tax withholding, and no recourse if you lose funds. The government hasnât banned them, but theyâre not protected either.
How do I know if an exchange is really licensed?
Go to the official OJK website at ojk.go.id and check the list of licensed digital asset trading platforms. Do not rely on Google searches, YouTube ads, or Telegram groups. The list is updated monthly. If the exchange isnât there, itâs not legal. Even if it has a local office or speaks Bahasa Indonesia, itâs not licensed unless itâs on that list.
I just started trading on Indodax last month and honestly? The 3-day wait for withdrawals is brutal, but at least I know my money isn't gonna vanish like on some sketchy site. đ¤ˇââď¸
Phil Bradley
14 11 25 / 03:07
AM
You know whatâs wild? People still think Binance is âsaferâ-like the Indonesian government is some kind of crypto witch-hunter. Newsflash: theyâre just trying to stop people from getting scammed. Iâve seen friends lose everything because they ignored the rules. Be smart, not lucky.
Diana Dodu
14 11 25 / 17:19
PM
Why do Americans always assume Indonesia is some lawless crypto jungle? Weâre not Venezuela. We have rules, and guess what? They WORK. The fact that 14 million people are legally trading crypto here while the US is still arguing about whether itâs a commodity or a security? Thatâs called progress.
David Billesbach
16 11 25 / 08:55
AM
OJKâs âproof-of-reservesâ mandate? Thatâs just the beginning. Theyâre laying the groundwork for a national digital currency. Mark my words-by 2027, your crypto wallet will be linked to your KTP, and every transaction tracked. This isnât regulation. Itâs surveillance with a smile.
Atheeth Akash
17 11 25 / 01:56
AM
I use Pintu. Tax is automatic. Withdrawals take a week sometimes. But I sleep well at night. No drama. No stress. Just clean trades. This system? Itâs not perfect-but itâs honest.
Stephanie Platis
17 11 25 / 21:43
PM
Letâs be crystal-clear: if youâre using a foreign exchange and not filing your 1% tax, youâre not âbeing cleverâ-youâre committing tax fraud. And yes, the DGT has your data. Theyâre not bluffing. Iâve seen the notices. People are getting penalties. Donât be the next headline.
Kylie Stavinoha
18 11 25 / 06:08
AM
Itâs fascinating how Indonesia has turned crypto from a wild-west frontier into a regulated financial instrument-without crushing innovation. The 0.21% tax on licensed exchanges? Thatâs not a burden-itâs an incentive for trust. Compare that to the U.S., where crypto is either ignored or demonized. Here, theyâre building something sustainable.
Michael Brooks
19 11 25 / 03:32
AM
The financial literacy test is actually pretty good. I failed it once because I thought âdecentralizationâ meant âno one can touch your coins.â Turns out, it just means no central bank controls it. Big difference. Passed on the second try. Worth it.
Raymond Day
20 11 25 / 16:01
PM
I just got flagged for $600k in annual trades on Binance⌠and now Iâm being audited. They asked for every single wallet address Iâve ever used since 2020. I didnât even remember half of them. đ Donât be me. Stick to Indodax. Save your sanity.
James Ragin
22 11 25 / 03:04
AM
You think this is about taxes? Think again. The real goal is to control the populationâs access to global capital. Once they own your wallet data, they can freeze your assets anytime. This isnât financial reform-itâs economic control disguised as protection. And youâre all just signing up for it.
Wayne Dave Arceo
22 11 25 / 08:45
AM
I don't care what you say. If you're not using Binance, you're not trading crypto-you're playing pretend. Indonesia's rules are archaic. The OJK is a bureaucratic joke. Real traders use decentralized platforms. Period.
Michelle Elizabeth
22 11 25 / 17:25
PM
I used to think crypto was about freedom. Now I realize itâs about paperwork. My NPWP expired for two weeks-I couldnât withdraw $200. I cried. Not because I lost money. Because I realized Iâd traded autonomy for a 0.21% tax rate and a 7-day wait. Weâre not investors. Weâre compliance subjects.
Noriko Yashiro
23 11 25 / 15:36
PM
Honestly? Iâm just glad I can finally send money home to my family in Jakarta without paying 10% in fees. If stablecoins get approved for remittances? Thatâs the real win. Not the taxes. Not the exchanges. Just⌠helping people.
Joy Whitenburg
13 11 25 / 19:00 PMI just started trading on Indodax last month and honestly? The 3-day wait for withdrawals is brutal, but at least I know my money isn't gonna vanish like on some sketchy site. đ¤ˇââď¸
Phil Bradley
14 11 25 / 03:07 AMYou know whatâs wild? People still think Binance is âsaferâ-like the Indonesian government is some kind of crypto witch-hunter. Newsflash: theyâre just trying to stop people from getting scammed. Iâve seen friends lose everything because they ignored the rules. Be smart, not lucky.
Diana Dodu
14 11 25 / 17:19 PMWhy do Americans always assume Indonesia is some lawless crypto jungle? Weâre not Venezuela. We have rules, and guess what? They WORK. The fact that 14 million people are legally trading crypto here while the US is still arguing about whether itâs a commodity or a security? Thatâs called progress.
David Billesbach
16 11 25 / 08:55 AMOJKâs âproof-of-reservesâ mandate? Thatâs just the beginning. Theyâre laying the groundwork for a national digital currency. Mark my words-by 2027, your crypto wallet will be linked to your KTP, and every transaction tracked. This isnât regulation. Itâs surveillance with a smile.
Atheeth Akash
17 11 25 / 01:56 AMI use Pintu. Tax is automatic. Withdrawals take a week sometimes. But I sleep well at night. No drama. No stress. Just clean trades. This system? Itâs not perfect-but itâs honest.
Stephanie Platis
17 11 25 / 21:43 PMLetâs be crystal-clear: if youâre using a foreign exchange and not filing your 1% tax, youâre not âbeing cleverâ-youâre committing tax fraud. And yes, the DGT has your data. Theyâre not bluffing. Iâve seen the notices. People are getting penalties. Donât be the next headline.
Kylie Stavinoha
18 11 25 / 06:08 AMItâs fascinating how Indonesia has turned crypto from a wild-west frontier into a regulated financial instrument-without crushing innovation. The 0.21% tax on licensed exchanges? Thatâs not a burden-itâs an incentive for trust. Compare that to the U.S., where crypto is either ignored or demonized. Here, theyâre building something sustainable.
Michael Brooks
19 11 25 / 03:32 AMThe financial literacy test is actually pretty good. I failed it once because I thought âdecentralizationâ meant âno one can touch your coins.â Turns out, it just means no central bank controls it. Big difference. Passed on the second try. Worth it.
Raymond Day
20 11 25 / 16:01 PMI just got flagged for $600k in annual trades on Binance⌠and now Iâm being audited. They asked for every single wallet address Iâve ever used since 2020. I didnât even remember half of them. đ Donât be me. Stick to Indodax. Save your sanity.
James Ragin
22 11 25 / 03:04 AMYou think this is about taxes? Think again. The real goal is to control the populationâs access to global capital. Once they own your wallet data, they can freeze your assets anytime. This isnât financial reform-itâs economic control disguised as protection. And youâre all just signing up for it.
Wayne Dave Arceo
22 11 25 / 08:45 AMI don't care what you say. If you're not using Binance, you're not trading crypto-you're playing pretend. Indonesia's rules are archaic. The OJK is a bureaucratic joke. Real traders use decentralized platforms. Period.
Michelle Elizabeth
22 11 25 / 17:25 PMI used to think crypto was about freedom. Now I realize itâs about paperwork. My NPWP expired for two weeks-I couldnât withdraw $200. I cried. Not because I lost money. Because I realized Iâd traded autonomy for a 0.21% tax rate and a 7-day wait. Weâre not investors. Weâre compliance subjects.
Noriko Yashiro
23 11 25 / 15:36 PMHonestly? Iâm just glad I can finally send money home to my family in Jakarta without paying 10% in fees. If stablecoins get approved for remittances? Thatâs the real win. Not the taxes. Not the exchanges. Just⌠helping people.