TRIV Crypto Exchange Review: Is It Safe for Indonesian Retail Investors?

If you're in Indonesia and looking to trade crypto with a platform that's actually licensed locally, you've probably heard of TRIV. It's not Kraken. It's not Binance. But for thousands of Indonesian retail traders, it's one of the few exchanges that says it’s legal - and that matters.

What Is TRIV Crypto Exchange?

TRIV is a cryptocurrency exchange based in Jakarta, Indonesia. It launched around 2020-2021 and has grown by focusing on one thing: serving Indonesian users under local laws. Unlike global exchanges that operate in a gray zone here, TRIV is registered with Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (Bappebti), the Indonesian Crypto Exchange (CFX), and the Jakarta Futures Exchange (JFX). That means, officially, it’s allowed to offer spot trading, futures contracts, staking, and crypto-backed lending to residents.

Its CEO, Gabriel Rey, says TRIV was built because most global platforms don’t comply with Indonesia’s financial rules. That’s not just marketing - it’s the whole reason the company exists. You won’t find TRIV advertising in the U.S. or Europe. It’s built for Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya - places where people need to trade crypto without stepping outside the law.

What Can You Trade on TRIV?

TRIV supports trading for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). But what sets it apart is its futures trading. As of February 2025, TRIV launched perpetual futures contracts with up to 25x leverage. That’s high - higher than most local competitors like PINTU and PLUANG when they first rolled out similar features in late 2024.

You can also stake over 25 different cryptocurrencies directly on the platform. Staking rewards vary by asset, but the minimum deposit is low: just IDR 100,000 (about $6.50 USD) or 0.0001 BTC. That’s accessible even if you’re just starting out.

There’s also crypto-secured lending. You can lock up your BTC or ETH and borrow Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) against it. This is useful for people who want to access cash without selling their crypto - especially in a market where banks don’t offer crypto-backed loans.

Security: The Big Question

This is where things get messy.

TRIV claims to use multi-signature wallets, cold storage for most funds, SSL encryption, and two-factor authentication (2FA). Their website says they do regular security audits and even run a hacker bounty program. Sounds good, right?

But here’s the problem: independent security firm Traders Union gave TRIV a security score of just 4.75 out of 10 in early 2025. That’s low. For comparison, Kraken scores above 8.5, and OKX is above 8.0. TRIV doesn’t have an investor protection fund like OKX does. If the exchange gets hacked, you’re not getting your money back.

And there’s a contradiction. Traders Union says TRIV doesn’t offer 2FA. But other sources - including WikiBit and TRIV’s own support pages - say they do use “multi-factor authentication with phone codes.” So which is it?

Users report mixed experiences. Some say they enabled 2FA without issue. Others say they couldn’t find the option in the app. This inconsistency is a red flag. If an exchange can’t clearly explain its own security features, how can you trust it?

Also, in 2021, TRIV faced allegations of insider trading after a sharp drop in HCoin, its native token. The company called it a “technical issue,” but no public investigation ever cleared them. That history still lingers in community forums.

How to Get Started on TRIV

Signing up is straightforward - if you’re okay with giving up your privacy.

1. Go to the TRIV website or download the Android/iOS app.
2. Register with your email and set a password.
3. Verify your email.
4. Complete KYC: upload a government-issued ID (KTP or passport) and a proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
5. Wait for approval - usually 1-3 business days.
6. Deposit IDR or crypto and start trading.

The KYC process is strict. If you’re used to anonymous crypto trading, TRIV won’t be for you. But if you want to stay compliant with Indonesian law, this is the price.

TRIV vs. Other Indonesian Exchanges

TRIV isn’t the only game in town. PINTU and PLUANG are its main local rivals. All three offer spot trading, staking, and now futures with leverage. But TRIV is the only one that explicitly markets itself as being fully regulated under Bappebti, CFX, and JFX.

PINTU has a cleaner app interface and better customer support in English. PLUANG offers more educational content for beginners. But TRIV leads in futures volume and has the most aggressive leverage options.

The trade-off? TRIV’s security reputation is weaker. PINTU and PLUANG don’t have the same 4.75/10 security score - they’re not perfect, but they’re not flagged as high-risk by third-party analysts either.

Is TRIV Right for You?

Here’s who should use TRIV:

• You live in Indonesia and want to trade crypto legally under local law.
• You’re comfortable with high-risk futures trading (25x leverage is dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing).
• You don’t mind KYC and are okay with limited international support.
• You’re not investing more than you can afford to lose.

Here’s who should avoid TRIV:

• You want an investor protection fund - TRIV doesn’t have one.
• You’re an international user - TRIV doesn’t serve anyone outside Indonesia.
• You need top-tier security - its 4.75/10 score is below industry minimums.
• You’re looking for 24/7 live chat support in English - it’s mostly Indonesian-language only.

The Regulatory Wild Card

Indonesia’s crypto rules are still changing. In January 2025, the government planned to move crypto oversight from Bappebti to the Financial Services Authority (OJK). But that transfer got delayed because new laws weren’t ready.

That means TRIV’s legal status could shift again. If OJK takes over and sets stricter rules, TRIV might need to upgrade its systems - or risk losing its license. If the rules stay the same, TRIV keeps its edge as the only exchange fully aligned with current regulations.

It’s a gamble. But for many Indonesians, it’s the only gamble they feel is legal.

Final Verdict

TRIV isn’t the safest crypto exchange in the world. It’s not even close. But if you’re in Indonesia and want to trade crypto without breaking local laws, it’s one of the few options that says it’s allowed.

The futures trading is powerful. The minimum deposit is low. The regulatory backing is real - for now.

But the security flaws are serious. The lack of an investor fund. The conflicting claims about 2FA. The history of insider trading allegations. These aren’t minor issues. They’re dealbreakers for anyone serious about protecting their assets.

Use TRIV only if:

• You understand the risks.
• You’re trading with money you can afford to lose.
• You’re okay with being part of a local, not global, ecosystem.

For everyone else - look at PINTU, PLUANG, or wait for international exchanges to get licensed in Indonesia. There’s no shame in waiting. In crypto, patience often beats speed.