Indonesia vs South Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Indonesia
South Korea
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.
South Korea is one of the world's largest crypto markets. The Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA), effective July 2024, provides comprehensive investor protection including requirements for exchanges to hold user assets in cold storage and carry insurance. All VASPs must register with FIU and comply with strict AML rules under the Specific Financial Information Act. A 20% crypto gains tax (above KRW 2.5 million exemption, raised from the original 250K KRW threshold) has been deferred multiple times and is now scheduled for January 2027.
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
- Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA) effective July 2024 — major investor protection law
- VASPs must register with FIU and partner with real-name verified bank accounts
- 20% national tax (22% effective incl. 2% local income surtax) above KRW 2.5M annual exemption (deferred to January 2027)
- Exchanges must hold 80%+ of user assets in cold wallets and carry insurance/reserves
- Only won-denominated trading pairs allowed on major exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit)
