OJK prepares stablecoin rules: what it means for merchants accepting USDT
OJK expects to set the direction for stablecoin rules around January 2027. What is known so far, what stays the same today, and what merchants who accept USDT should do now.
Published 20 October 2026 2 min read
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) is preparing rules for stablecoins, crypto coins whose value is tied to a currency such as the US dollar. USDT is the best-known example. Here is what OJK has said, and what it means if your business accepts USDT.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
What OJK announced
On 10 October 2026, Adi Budiarso, OJK's chief executive for supervising financial technology innovation, digital financial assets and crypto assets, said:
- OJK is drafting stablecoin-specific rules, and expects the direction to be set around January 2027.
- The rules are expected to cover reserves, governance, consumer protection and redemption, while protecting the rupiah and financial stability.
- He named USDT as an example of a stablecoin that is already developing in the market.
- OJK will coordinate closely with Bank Indonesia on digital financial assets.
Separately, OJK is drafting a 2026–2031 roadmap for financial technology innovation, digital financial assets and crypto assets, covering stablecoins, tokenisation and related topics.
What does not change today
- Crypto is not legal tender in Indonesia. The law on currency requires the rupiah for payments made inside the country. Crypto assets are treated as digital financial assets that can be traded, supervised by OJK.
- Licences are required. OJK has said that crypto and DeFi businesses operating in Indonesia must be licensed; unlicensed activity is illegal.
- No final stablecoin rule exists yet. Details such as reserve standards and redemption procedures have not been published.
What merchants who accept USDT should do now
- Know who you sell to. Many businesses offer USDT mainly to customers abroad and keep rupiah methods such as QRIS for customers in Indonesia.
- Keep clean records. Record every USDT payment and withdrawal for your bookkeeping and tax. PAYWISE shows the gross, fee and net amount of every USDT payment.
- Follow the news. When OJK publishes the rules, check whether they affect how you accept or hold stablecoins.
Read more in crypto payments for business: rules, risks and safe habits and what are USDT and BEP20.
Sources: merdeka.com, 10 Oct 2026, Ajaib, literasihukum.com. Rules can change: check the latest OJK publications.
