Adopting Bitcoin 2024

Adopting Bitcoin 2024

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From Ban to Bitcoin: Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Indonesian Communities
2024-11-16 , Mises Stage

With Bitcoin Indonesia, we have embarked on an incredible journey to support the people of Indonesia despite the 2018 ban by the Central Bank. Our mission is to make Bitcoin accessible and understandable to the 280 million Indonesians, giving them the tools for financial freedom and supporting their human rights. In my talk, I will share the story of how we grew the local Bitcoin community to over 20 monthly meetups, opened Bitcoin House Bali, and developed a closed-loop-system to overcome legal challenges and promote economic empowerment.


In 2018, the Indonesian Central Bank banned Bitcoin and all foreign currencies, severely restricting financial freedom. However, since 2023, we’ve been on a relentless journey to empower Indonesia through Bitcoin, providing people with the knowledge and tools to overcome financial repression.

In my talk, I will share our story of how we grew the local Bitcoin community against all odds. With our non-profit initiative, Bitcoin Indonesia, we now host over 20 monthly meetups across the country, we hold presentations at schools and universities, run regular workshops, are the MFB Lightnode of Indonesia, and offer free education to local people daily. Additionally, we opened the Bitcoin House Bali, a physical education center and community hub. This house serves as an epicenter for bringing Bitcoin to the people and as a blueprint for circular economies in Indonesia.

I'll discuss our closed-loop system, a legal alternative to showcase Bitcoin usage on a daily basis, similar to a circular economy. I will reveal how it operates and how other communities can implement similar strategies to navigate challenging legal environments.

In Indonesia, where 77% of the population is unbanked or underbanked and struggle with inflation, censorship, and other social and financial challenges, Bitcoin offers a way out. I’ll provide real-life insights into these harsh realities and illustrate how Bitcoin is becoming a beacon of hope.

This talk promises to deliver valuable insights, local stories, real-life learnings, and practical strategies for empowering communities through Bitcoin. Join me to discover how we turned obstacles into opportunities and created a pathway to financial freedom in Indonesia.

Diana is the co-founder of Bitcoin Indonesia and Bitcoin House Bali. She is very passionate about the social implications of Bitcoin adoption in Indonesia, focusing on human rights and education. Diana wrote the book "Bitcoin For Indonesia" and co-organized the Indonesia Bitcoin Conference 2023. Active on social media as @bulebitcoin, she shares insights into her life as a Bitcoin Nomad in Bali.

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