An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. They are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are generally encoded with the same underlying software as many cryptos. NFT stands for non-fungible token. It’s generally built using the same kind of programming as cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but that’s where the similarity ends. Physical money and cryptocurrencies are “fungible,” meaning they can be traded or exchanged for one another. They’re also equal in value—one dollar is always worth another dollar; one Bitcoin is always equal to another Bitcoin. Crypto’s fungibility makes it a trusted means of conducting transactions on the blockchain. NFTs are different. Each has a digital signature that makes it impossible for NFTs to be exchanged for or equal to one another (Conty, 2022)
However, due to the current regulatory status of crypto assets in Indonesia, NFTs are not yet regulated as such. They are not considered cryptocurrencies because the market can’t determine their price. The implementation of blockchain technology is recognized under the current laws and regulations. Most notably, the Indonesian standard industrial business classification code issued in 2020, has recognized “the development of blockchain technology” as a valid business activity. In addition, blockchain technology is recognized in the provision of supporting services in fund lending for peer-to-peer companies (Fileindi, et.al, 2021).
Cryptocurrencies are in a unique position in Indonesia’s legal framework. The central bank, Bank Indonesia, through its 2020 regulation of the payment system, prohibits the use of virtual currency, including cryptocurrency, in any kind of payment transaction. The Minister of Trade Regulation No 99 of 2018, on the general policy of crypto-asset futures trading, categorized cryptocurrencies as futures commodities. The trading of futures commodities in Indonesia is administered by the Commodity Futures Trading Authority. Cryptocurrency is a sub-class of crypto assets, but not all crypto assets are cryptocurrencies. In this regard, crypto-assets can only be traded via specific merchants, and cannot be used as a payment instrument in Indonesia.
The Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation No 5 of 2020 on electronic system providers in the private sector stipulates that all Indonesian and foreign individuals and/or entities that provide, manage and/or operate electronic systems must register as an electronic system providers. Such a requirement applies to all electronic platforms (websites and applications) conducting activities in Indonesia, irrespective of the location of the server, or the location of the entity itself. Therefore, organizers of NFT transactions and/or marketplaces may be obliged to register their electronic systems with the relevant authorities.
NFTs are also a part of the digital economy in Indonesia. As of 2022, seven NFT marketplaces are emerging in Indonesia. They are Enevti, TokoMall, TokoNFT.io, Paras.id, Kolektibel, Baliola, and Artsky. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have become a popular trend in Indonesia. Digital artwork by Baduy, a local artist, depicting a man from the Baduy tribe, is currently on sale as an NFT in opensea.io for 0.01 ETH. Syahrini and The Goods Dept. also followed suit by launching their own lifestyle-related NFTs. The latest addition of NFTs made by Indonesian creators is Karafuru NFT (Andantino, 2022)
REFERENCES:
- R. County. What is an NFT? Non-Fungible Tokens Explained. February 15, 2022 (What Is An NFT? – Forbes Advisor
- N. Fileindi, et.al. NFT Regulations in Indonesia. December 1, 2021 (https://law.asia/nft-regulations-indonesia/)
- M. R. Andantino. The Future of NFT in Indonesia. March 21, 2022 (https://blog.enevti.com/the-future-of-nft-in-indonesia-f830dc92b28d)
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