The Regulation of Cryptocurrency as a Means of Payment in Contracts Based on the Principle of Freedom of Contract in Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to examine and analyze the validity of agreements that use cryptocurrency as a means of payment, as well as the legality of asset ownership arising from transactions involving cryptocurrency-based payments in Indonesia. This research employs a normative legal research method using statutory and conceptual approaches. The results demonstrate that agreements utilizing cryptocurrency as a means of payment are null and void *ab initio* because they fail to satisfy the objective requirement of a lawful cause, as stipulated in Article 21 of Law Number 7 of 2011 on Currency, which mandates the use of the Indonesian Rupiah for all payment transactions conducted within the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Furthermore, the legal status of assets transferred under agreements that use cryptocurrency as a means of payment is not recognized under the prevailing legal framework. Consequently, such assets do not receive legal protection, and in the event of a dispute, ownership rights over the object of the agreement shall revert to the original lawful owner.