To improve literacy and education about blockchain technology at the university, the Indonesian Blockchain Association (ABI) presents the ABI Goes to Campus program

JAKARTA, Indonesia, 26 July 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Indonesian Blockchain Association (Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia/”ABI”) has established strategic partnerships with several universities in Indonesia including the University of Indonesia (“UI”), Bandung Institute of Technology (“ITB”), Bina Nusantara University (“BINUS”), and Telkom University through a program called ABI Goes to Campus designed by ABI as an educational program aimed at imparting knowledge related to blockchain technology for students at all universities. This program focuses on discussing blockchain technology and its implementation can also be accompanied by additional knowledge (both technical and non-technical) and updated information related to the current development of the blockchain industry. The expected result of this program is that it can provide insight into blockchain technology for students as an effort to increase students’ activity, capacity and skills in the Blockchain field to provide work and work preparation process, especially in the blockchain industry which today needs many talents with knowledge and abilities in this field.

Asih Karnengsih, MM, Chairman ABI said that this program was initiated because “There is a huge need for talents in the blockchain industry, both domestically and abroad, while a special curriculum has not been implemented in universities to introduce blockchain technology. From the latest data that we received from KOMINFO, since the issuance of the new KBLI in 2020 which is specifically used for blockchain developers, there have been more than 500 companies registered under this KBLI, although widespread socialization has not been carried out, imagine if it has been done, how many there will be many companies using KBLI, which means that a large number of talents – both from an IT perspective and in general – will be needed.”

Setiadi YazidPh.D who lectures at the University of Indonesiaand Dr. Andry Alamsyah, M.Si who is a lecturer at Telkom University, both of whom are honorary members of ABI, also expressed their appreciation for the initiation of the ABI Goes to Campus programme. According to Andry, “the role of the industry in providing knowledge about the situation and condition of the industry is a positive program and must be supported, in line with what is activated by the government that has facilitated the Merdeka Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) program, where students and lecturers can learn directly from specific industries through internship, research and teaching programs designed to gain knowledge and latest industry experience from practitioners, this aims to keep the university’s role relevant in contributing quality talent and Human Resources (HR), while Yazid said that ABI The Goes to Campus program is a good and interesting program because it combines the idea of ​​collaboration between industry/business and academics, it’s just that the goals of this program must be mutually agreed upon so that both parties can maximize the benefits.

But what is the current level of digital literacy in Indonesian society? Andry explained that in general, Indonesian digital literacy is quite good, in the sense that the number Indonesia’s the young generation is much larger than the older generation. With this large proportion of the younger generation, in general, the Indonesian people are quite technologically savvy, so students must be able to read about the latest technology and become more adaptable as they are native digital citizens.

Indonesian digital literacy, especially for students, still needs to be improved, especially the understanding of new technologies is necessary for the younger generation to train their spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. With new technology, it is hoped that there will be more new ideas that will eventually support Indonesia’s economic strength and support the vision of a golden Indonesia in 2045. Yazid added, “As a new technology, it is certain that there are many gaps and opportunities related to blockchain, so it needs to be explained more deeply through the program. ABI goes to campus, where problems and opportunities can be overcome with blockchain technology.”

Gilang Bhagaskara, CEO of Blocksphere also gave his opinion regarding the ABI Goes to Campus program. Gilang explained that “current conditions in the blockchain industry require qualified human resources who understand blockchain beyond just trading or mining crypto, but can also develop blockchain systems and use cases in various business sectors. The potential for HR needs in the blockchain field in the future is quite large. Currently, Indonesian human resources expertise that can compete with human resources from abroad, but compared to this, the number is still quite behind other countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam and Malaysia. Human resources with blockchain expertise, in general, will be highly valued and will be sought after by the industry on a global level, therefore it is important for blockchain developers in Indonesia to be more exposed to the rest of the world”.