Blockchain Technology and Applications, Webinar Series 1. Telkom University through International Office in collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Science, Netherlands organized Webinar series entitled “Blockchain Technology and Application” on March 10^th and 17^th 2021 by inviting several Blockchain’s experts from both universities. The first session, on Wednesday, 10^th March 2021 at 2.30 PM (GMT+7) was held via zoom meeting, and attended by more than 100 participants from Indonesia, Germany, China, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Spain, and United Kingdom. This session invited three main speakers including:

1. Anak Agung Gde Agung, S.T., M.M. (Telkom University): “Introduction to Blockchain”
2. Andry Alamsyah, Ph.D. (Telkom University): “Blockchain Implementation & Potential Application”
3. Christa Barkel (Saxion University of Applied Science): “Blockchain Ecosystem”

Now and then, business always runs on information. The faster it is received, the more accurate and the better it is. Blockchain is good for delivering that information because it provides immediate, shared and completely transparent information stored on an immutable ledger that may be accessed only by permission network members. A blockchain network can track orders, payments, accounts, production, and far more. However, how can we define blockchain? The first speaker from Telkom University, Anak Agung Gde Agung, S.T., M.M. stated that Blockchain could be a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the method of recording transactions and tracking resources in an exceedingly business network.

According to Andry Alamsyah, Ph.D., this technology is inevitable future for our computer networks. It is a cost-efficient system, during which everyone seems to be the judge and protector of data, both theirs and someone else. Inside a blockchain, there is no danger that your data are stolen, changed, or tampered with – it is because most are watching and keeping exact records of everything that has ever happened within the system, while the entire process is securely protected with cryptography. Simply, it is a Trust Machine. He explained that Blockchain is an encrypted, distributed database that records data, or in other words it is a digital ledger of any transactions, contracts – that needs to be independently recorded. The most exciting feature of Blockchain is that it greatly reduces the possibilities of a data breach.  He also explained that Blockchain revolutionary the way organizations respond to the increasing complexity of our world environment (distributed, trusted, automatic, transparent). the current centralized authority faces the limited capacity problem.

Blockchain in Travel Industry

Interesting presentations also delivered by Christa Barkel (Saxion University) about the use of blockchain in travel industry. How this technology evolves into ecosystem and encouraged the small business to be developed.

Travel almost inevitably involves data sharing amongst multiple players, including travel advisors, online travel providers, airlines, credit card companies; vehicles rent agencies, and hotels. Blockchain has the potential to form accessing and storing important information easier and more reliable because responsibility is shared across the full network. With information decentralized the data corruption, accidental deletion, or an intentional cyberattack can be sidestepped.

Apart from its sophisticated technology, the public still sees negative gaps in this technology, especially regarding the data that is permanently stored on the blockchain. And the transaction is irreversible; there is almost no way of dealing with errors. However, according to Andry Alamsyah, Ph.D., on this technology, the new transaction is always can be performed, and the data can be updated anytime, so the old data can be neutralized.

This webinar gave a window open to the participants’ insights that blockchains are not just about the bitcoin; this technology has a wide variety of uses across several fields of business. No matter what the context, there is a strong possibility that blockchain will affect the future business. The very big question is, WHEN.(IO)***