The Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced that the number of cryptocurrency investors in Indonesia reached 14.16 million as of April 2025.

This marks a 3.28% increase from the previous month’s 13.71 million investors.

In addition, crypto asset transactions surged to Rp35.61 trillion, a 9.73% rise compared to Rp32.45 trillion the month before.

Indonesia’s Rising Rank in Crypto Adoption Highlights Retail DeFi Growth

Responding to this development, Robby, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of Reku and Chairman of Aspakrindo-ABI, sees this growth as a positive indicator for Indonesia’s ambition to become a regional crypto hub.

According to the 2024 Geography of Crypto Report by Chainalysis, Indonesia currently ranks third in Asia for crypto adoption, improving from fifth place the previous year.

The country’s strong position in DeFi and Retail DeFi underscores high activity among retail investors in decentralized financial transactions.

Innovation in Blockchain and Web3 Critical for Sustained Growth

Robby emphasizes that Indonesia still needs to enhance innovation within the blockchain and Web3 sectors to accelerate industry growth.

“Currently, crypto assets in Indonesia are no longer considered commodities but investment instruments,” he explains.

This shift paves the way for more diverse innovation, which can increase investor appetite across retail and corporate segments, attracting a wide spectrum of risk profiles.

Blockchain’s Broad Potential Across Multiple Sectors

The underlying blockchain technology holds vast potential beyond finance, extending into sectors such as education.

Industry players, associations, universities, and communities are crucial in advancing blockchain adoption.

Robby notes, “Blockchain has the potential to become a revolutionary technology that needs to be enhanced through research and education so that its benefits can reach broader layers of society”.

Regulatory Role Essential in Facilitating Sustainable Crypto Industry Development

The regulator’s role remains vital in fostering sustainable growth.

Robby states, “Regulators have a comprehensive role covering supervision, licensing, consumer protection, and developing regulations aligned with technological advancements”.

Through initiatives like the OJK’s regulatory sandbox, industry players can propose current studies on crypto and blockchain, extending beyond mere trading activities.

Robby concludes that crypto assets are now classified on par with other financial assets.

Consequently, innovations in crypto asset services and product variations should continue to expand.

PHOTO: UNSPLASH

This article was created with AI assistance.