5 minute read
Is MEXC Exchange Legal in Indonesia? A Honest Answer
from MEXC Exchange
by XM Blog
Yes, MEXC Exchange is currently not legally authorized to operate in Indonesia as a registered cryptocurrency exchange. As of now, it does not hold a license from BAPPEBTI (Badan Pengawas Perdagangan Berjangka Komoditi), which is the official regulatory body under Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade responsible for overseeing crypto trading platforms. Any exchange operating in Indonesia without BAPPEBTI registration is considered illegal or unauthorized.
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Understanding Crypto Regulation in Indonesia
To understand why MEXC’s status is considered unauthorized, it’s crucial to grasp how Indonesia regulates cryptocurrency trading. In Indonesia, cryptocurrencies are recognized only as tradable digital assets (komoditi) — not as legal tender. That means crypto cannot be used as a means of payment, but it can be traded on officially approved platforms.
The key body that governs this space is BAPPEBTI. For an exchange to legally offer crypto services to Indonesian users, it must be registered and approved by BAPPEBTI. Without this approval, a platform is operating outside the law, and its services may be blocked or restricted by government authorities.
As of 2025, BAPPEBTI has approved a list of local and international exchanges that meet its operational and security standards. These exchanges are subject to rigorous compliance procedures, including proper KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and risk management protocols. MEXC is not on this list.
Has MEXC Been Blocked in Indonesia?
Yes, MEXC has faced temporary access blocks in Indonesia in previous years. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (KOMINFO) periodically blocks access to unregistered crypto platforms. These blocks aim to protect local investors from platforms that do not comply with Indonesian laws or pose financial risks.
While tech-savvy users may still access MEXC using VPNs or alternative methods, this doesn’t change the platform’s legal status. Operating or promoting unregistered crypto services can also lead to legal consequences for individuals or entities in Indonesia.
Is It Illegal for Indonesians to Use MEXC?
This is a gray area. While MEXC is not licensed, there is no explicit law that criminalizes individual users from accessing it — especially when done voluntarily. However, because the platform is not recognized, users are not protected by Indonesian laws if they suffer financial losses or fall victim to scams.
For instance, if MEXC were to suspend withdrawals or suffer a security breach, Indonesian users would have no legal recourse through local courts or regulators. Furthermore, any dispute resolution would be subject to the laws of MEXC’s country of incorporation, not Indonesia.
Therefore, while usage isn’t criminalized, it is highly discouraged by regulators. In fact, BAPPEBTI has issued public advisories warning users about the dangers of trading on unauthorized platforms, including the risks of fraud, loss of funds, and regulatory action.
Why Isn’t MEXC Registered in Indonesia?
There could be several reasons why MEXC has not obtained a BAPPEBTI license:
Regulatory Complexity: Indonesia has a relatively strict framework for crypto exchanges, including capital requirements, data localization, and local entity registration.
Operational Challenges: MEXC may not yet have the infrastructure or willingness to set up local operations and comply with Indonesian regulations.
Strategic Prioritization: MEXC might be focusing on regions with more favorable or streamlined regulatory environments.
Regardless of the reason, until MEXC becomes a registered entity, it remains outside the bounds of legal operation in Indonesia.
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What Should Indonesian Users Do?
For Indonesian crypto traders looking for legal options, the best course of action is to use BAPPEBTI-approved exchanges. These platforms are required to follow stringent compliance standards and offer greater consumer protection.
Popular BAPPEBTI-licensed exchanges include:
Indodax
Tokocrypto
Rekeningku
Pintu
Upbit Indonesia
Using these regulated platforms ensures that your trading activity is compliant with local laws, and you have access to proper legal support if needed.
If you still decide to use MEXC despite its unauthorized status, you must understand the risks involved:
No protection under Indonesian law
Possible account suspension or fund loss
Inability to report or seek help locally
Potential for increased government scrutiny
Will MEXC Become Legal in Indonesia in the Future?
It is possible. MEXC has been expanding its regulatory footprint in several countries. If MEXC decides to comply with Indonesian regulations by registering with BAPPEBTI, setting up a local office, and implementing mandatory compliance procedures, it could become a legal operator in Indonesia.
However, until an official registration is confirmed, it remains an unlicensed and unauthorized exchange.
For users interested in following MEXC’s legal developments, it's advisable to monitor announcements from BAPPEBTI and MEXC’s own news channels.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, MEXC is not currently legal in Indonesia in the sense that it does not have the required registration from BAPPEBTI. While individual usage is not criminalized, it is considered risky and not recommended by authorities. Users are advised to trade on licensed platforms that offer legal protection, compliance with national laws, and customer support.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, MEXC might seek approval in the future. Until then, trading on MEXC in Indonesia remains a legally gray and risky choice. Always prioritize platforms that operate under the protection of your country’s financial authorities — especially in a market as volatile and high-risk as cryptocurrency.
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