Indonesia To Launch National Crypto Exchange in June 2023

Indonesia has finally set a date for its long-awaited national cryptocurrency exchange. Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan announced that the exchange would launch in June later this year after it was initially set to launch by the end of 2022.

Zulkifli Hasan, the Indonesian trade minister, announced that the country’s national cryptocurrency exchange would launch in June 2023. Initially set to launch by December 2022, but was delayed due to preparations as the government tries to ensure that all requirements, procedures, and steps moving forward go according to plan. According to the Minister, the government is currently reviewing companies to assess which meet the criteria for joining the exchange.

Nat’l Exchange Will Serve as Custodian and Mediator for Private Exchanges

Minister Hasan noted that five exchanges have already been registered in the country but will now operate under Indonesia’s national crypto exchange, the Nat’l Exchange. The Minister clarified that the exchange would act as a mediator, or go-between, between buyers and sellers. As a custodian, Nat’l will manage the flow of assets while protecting the interests of buyers and sellers. Hasan further added that the platform would serve as a custodian and mediator for the cryptocurrency market in Indonesia, ensuring that the trades and activities of the five other private exchanges are conducted without any issues.

Crypto Oversight Set to Change Along with the Launch of the Nat’l Exchange

Supervision and control over cryptoassets in Indonesia currently fall under the purview of the Indonesian Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency, also known as Bappebti. Reports indicate that crypto oversight will be handed over to the Financial Services Authority following the exchange’s launch. The change of regulatory oversight comes after Indonesia’s crypto regulations were modified in December 2022. According to the revised rules, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets are classed as Regulated Financial Securities, meaning they no longer fall under the jurisdiction of Bappebti.

Suminto Sastrisuwito, the National Finance Ministry’s head of Financing and Risk Management, said that cryptoassets had become a financial instrument and investment, hence the reason for the change in supervision. Sastrosuwito explained that cryptoassets necessitate oversight as investments and financial instruments, which Bappebti is not equipped to oversee.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.