Indonesia vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Indonesia
North Korea
Legal
Banned
Cryptocurrency is legal in Indonesia and classified as a commodity (not currency). Bappebti regulated crypto since 2019, but authority transitioned to OJK (Financial Services Authority) in January 2025. Under PMK 50/2025 (effective August 2025), crypto transactions incur a 0.21% final income tax via domestic exchanges (1% via foreign platforms). VAT on crypto transfers was abolished as crypto was reclassified as digital financial assets.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0.21% (domestic exchange) / 1% (foreign platform)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
OJK (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan) since January 2025
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
Crypto traded as commodities; stablecoin-specific rules under development with OJK transition
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Key Points
- Crypto regulated by OJK since January 2025, transitioned from Bappebti
- 0.21% final income tax on (PPh Art. 22) crypto transaction value for sales per PMK 50/2025
- VAT abolished under PMK 50/2025; reclassified as digital financial assets
- Only crypto assets approved and listed by Bappebti can be traded on licensed exchanges
- Indonesia launched a national crypto exchange (Bursa Kripto Indonesia) in 2023
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians