6 minute read
Is MEXC Banned in Indonesia? What You Need to Know
from MEXC
by Exness_India
No, MEXC is not banned in Indonesia. However, its status is not entirely straightforward either. While Indonesian authorities have not imposed an official nationwide ban on MEXC, the platform is currently not registered or licensed with Bappebti (Badan Pengawas Perdagangan Berjangka Komoditi), the main regulatory body overseeing crypto trading in the country.
If you're in Indonesia and using—or considering using—MEXC to trade crypto, there are several key legal, technical, and practical considerations you need to understand. This article breaks them all down so you can make an informed decision and stay compliant with local regulations.
✅ Trade with MEXC now: Open An Account 👈
What Is MEXC?
MEXC is a global cryptocurrency exchange launched in 2018. It provides spot, futures, ETF, staking, and other trading services. The platform is known for offering a wide range of altcoins—many of which aren’t available on larger exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
With a user base in over 170 countries, MEXC has grown in popularity, especially among altcoin traders. But as with many crypto exchanges, its legal status can vary significantly from one country to another.
Is MEXC Licensed in Indonesia?
No, MEXC is not licensed or officially registered with Bappebti, the Indonesian Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency.
As of 2025, Bappebti maintains a list of approved cryptocurrency exchanges that are allowed to operate legally within Indonesia. These include platforms like:
· Indodax
· Tokocrypto
· Pintu
· Luno
· Reku
MEXC is not on this list. That doesn’t automatically mean it is banned, but it does mean that its operations are not recognized or regulated by the Indonesian government. This places MEXC in a kind of legal grey zone.
What Does Bappebti Say About Unlicensed Exchanges?
According to multiple announcements and policy updates by Bappebti, unregistered crypto exchanges are considered illegal in the sense that they are not allowed to offer crypto trading services to Indonesian citizens.
Here’s what that means in practice:
· No local protections: If you lose funds on MEXC, you’re not protected under Indonesian law.
· Restricted promotions: MEXC and other unlicensed exchanges are not allowed to advertise or promote their services in Indonesia.
· Banking issues: Local banks may refuse to process deposits or withdrawals involving MEXC.
· Possible blocks: There have been sporadic cases of Indonesian ISPs blocking access to unlicensed crypto platforms.
So while you might still be able to access and use MEXC via a VPN or workaround, you are technically operating outside the scope of Indonesia’s regulated crypto ecosystem.
Can Indonesians Still Use MEXC?
Technically, yes—many Indonesians still access MEXC using VPNs or simply via direct internet access when not blocked. The platform doesn’t prohibit Indonesian residents from signing up. However, doing so is at your own risk, for several reasons:
1. Lack of Regulation
MEXC is not under the jurisdiction of Indonesian financial authorities. If any disputes arise, you’ll have to deal with foreign customer support, and you won’t be able to escalate your complaint locally.
✅ Trade with MEXC now: Open An Account 👈
2. Tax Implications
Indonesia has introduced a tax on crypto transactions. If you’re using an unlicensed exchange like MEXC, it becomes harder to declare your transactions for tax purposes, potentially putting you at risk of non-compliance.
3. Asset Safety
While MEXC claims to offer industry-standard security, it is not regulated by Bappebti or OJK (the Financial Services Authority in Indonesia). If the platform is hacked or goes bankrupt, you have little to no recourse.
Has MEXC Ever Been Banned in Indonesia?
No formal public announcement has been made about a nationwide ban on MEXC. However, there have been temporary blocks and access issues in the past due to Bappebti's ongoing crackdown on illegal platforms.
These blocks often come without prior notice and can be lifted or reimposed at any time. While MEXC may not be officially blacklisted, the regulatory trend in Indonesia is clearly leaning towards tighter control of all crypto activities.
Why Is Indonesia Cracking Down on Unlicensed Exchanges?
There are several reasons why Indonesia is tightening its crypto regulations:
· Consumer protection: The government wants to protect retail investors from scams, rug pulls, and unregulated risk.
· Tax enforcement: Indonesia introduced VAT and income tax on crypto trades. Unregulated platforms make tax enforcement harder.
· AML/CTF compliance: Ensuring anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) compliance is a national priority.
By restricting access to unlicensed exchanges like MEXC, Bappebti is effectively forcing crypto traders toward regulated, local platforms where compliance is easier to monitor.
What Happens If You Still Use MEXC?
Using MEXC while living in Indonesia isn’t a criminal offense for now, but it does expose you to several risks:
· Sudden blocks: You could lose access to your account or funds if MEXC is blocked.
· Regulatory crackdowns: You may face restrictions on moving funds between your bank and MEXC.
· Tax complications: Undeclared crypto income could lead to penalties if discovered.
Again, while there is no public record of individuals being prosecuted for using MEXC in Indonesia, the legal environment is becoming less tolerant of unregulated platforms.
How to Check If a Crypto Exchange Is Legal in Indonesia
You can always verify whether a crypto exchange is approved to operate in Indonesia by checking the official list on Bappebti’s website. Here’s how:
1. Go to https://bappebti.go.id
2. Navigate to the list of “Registered Crypto Asset Physical Traders”
3. Look for the name of the exchange you’re interested in
If MEXC isn’t listed there (and as of this writing, it’s not), then it is not legally authorized to operate in Indonesia.
What Are Your Alternatives?
If you're worried about legal compliance and asset safety, consider using one of the following Bappebti-approved exchanges:
· Tokocrypto: Backed by Binance, offers both crypto and fiat gateways.
· Indodax: One of the oldest Indonesian platforms with a large user base.
· Pintu: Offers a clean mobile-first app, good for beginners.
· Reku: Fast-growing platform with a wide range of tokens.
· Luno: Operates in several countries and is licensed locally.
These platforms are safer in terms of regulation, banking integration, and tax reporting.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use MEXC in Indonesia?
No, it’s not recommended to use MEXC in Indonesia if you’re looking for a safe, compliant trading experience. While the platform is not officially banned, its lack of registration with Bappebti places it in a legal gray area that comes with significant risks.
Unless you have a specific reason for using MEXC (such as access to rare tokens or futures trading features not available locally), you’re better off using a Bappebti-approved exchange. This way, you can stay compliant with Indonesian regulations, avoid service interruptions, and ensure your funds are safer.
As regulations continue to evolve, always stay updated through Bappebti or the Ministry of Trade. In crypto, legality can shift faster than prices.
✅ Trade with MEXC now: Open An Account 👈
Read more:
