Indonesia’s commodity futures sector has taken another step toward digital transformation. On 17 June 2025, the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Badan Pengawas Perdagangan Berjangka Komoditi or “BAPPEBTI”) introduced new guidelines for electronic mediation (“E-Mediation”) through Circular Letter No. 209/2025*, implementing a mandate under Article 17 of BAPPEBTI Regulation No. 4 of 2020**.
While mediation has long formed part of the dispute resolution framework, the introduction of the E-Mediation guidelines reflects a recognition of the need to improve speed, accessibility, and cost efficiency, particularly in an industry where market volatility can make timely resolutions essential.
Under the Circular Letter No. 209/2025, E-Mediation may be initiated in specific situations:
- when both parties agree to the process;
- when the customer’s health prevents them from travelling, as evidenced by a doctor’s certificate; or
- when the customer resides in a remote, frontier, or outermost (3T) region.
All E-Mediation proceedings are confidential unless the parties agree otherwise. The process must conclude within 21 business days after broker-level dispute resolution, and once initiated, it cannot be cancelled or restarted for the same dispute.
If the parties reach a settlement, the agreement must be formalised in writing, signed electronically, and include essential details such as the settlement terms, time and place, the identities of the parties and mediator, the background of the dispute, and the agreed resolution. Such agreements are final and binding. If no settlement is achieved, customers may pursue other dispute resolution mechanisms under BAPPEBTI Regulation No. 4 of 2020.
The introduction of E-Mediation is more than a procedural update. It signals BAPPEBTI’s commitment to aligning Indonesia’s commodity futures dispute resolution framework with global trends in digital justice, balancing efficiency with procedural safeguards. For futures exchanges, this is not only a compliance requirement but also an opportunity to strengthen customer trust and streamline their dispute-handling processes.
*BAPPEBTI Circular Letter No. 209/BAPPBETI/SE/06/2025 on the Implementation of Electronic Mediation at the Futures Exchanges to Settle Customer Disputes in the Commodity Futures Trading Industry (“Circular Letter No. 209/2025”).
**BAPPEBTI Regulation No. 4 of 2020 on the Guidelines for Resolving Customer Disputes in the Commodity Futures Trading Sector (“BAPPEBTI Regulation No. 4 of 2020”).