Indonesian government looks to NFTs to preserve cultural heritage

March 30, 2023 Coin Telegraph

Analysis

The Deputy of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy explains how NFTs and cryptocurrency can help solve social and economic challenges within Indonesia.

One of the primary benefits of blockchain technology is the ability to record and capture information in a permanent, tamper-proof record. Once data is on a blockchain network, it cannot be altered, making it an ideal solution for record-keeping.

Tokenized assets, such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs), can also be placed on a blockchain. This can verify ownership while demonstrating that certain events occurred at particular times. For example, the Meta History Museum tokenized data from the war in Ukraine in May 2022, placing the information on a blockchain network to preserve records of the war.

Ensuring that specific events take place is also becoming more important than ever due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to generate deep fakes, along with historical images that may appear realistic.

NFTs for preserving cultural heritage

Preserving information using decentralized technologies is gaining traction. For instance, Muhammad Neil El Himam, deputy chairman for digital economy and creative products in Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, told Cointelegraph that he recently formed a partnership with Quantum Temple — a privacy company using NFTs for preservation — to help maintain the country’s cultural heritage. Himam explained that NFTs could ensure that heritage can be preserved and created without limits:

“I believe that NFTs can contribute to preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage while enhancing virtual tourism. NFTs may also be a medium in ushering in the next billion users into the crypto space, especially if the NFT elements of the cultural heritage are well-known and appreciated.”

Linda Adami, CEO of Quantum Temple, told Cointelegraph that her firm developed a multichain NFT marketplace to bring cultural heritage and tourism to the Ethereum and Algorand blockchain networks. Adami explained that the platform is working closely with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to tokenize tangible and intangible cultural heritage as unique digital assets.

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“Digital representations include traditional ceremonies, craftsmanship, and knowledge of nature and our universe, but also musical and oral expressions, dances and pilgrimages. By tokenizing cultural heritage, three critical areas of value are created: immutable archives of culture, transparent alternative income streams through royalties, verified provenance and recognition for cultural creators,” she stated.

On March 21, 2023, Quantum Temple launched its “Paths to Alangö” NFT collection at L’Atelier des Lumières in Paris, France, during Paris Blockchain Week. “The collection includes 11 unique NFTs that represent different aspects of Balinese cultural heritage, such as dances, temples, landscapes and philosophy. The NFTs are created by local artists and cultural heritage experts,” Adami said.

*NFT artwork displaying a Galungan celebration at Penglipuran Village in Bali, Indonesia. Source: Quantum Temple*

Adami said that technological innovations such as blockchain could play a significant role in addressing key challenges within a country’s cultural sector.

“Authenticity and quality are fundamental to cultural heritage’s tangible and intangible value. Blockchain can be used to create an immutable and invaluable record that recognizes authorship and guarantees the authenticity and provenance of creative assets,” Adami remarked.

Harry Halpin, CEO and co-founder of decentralized privacy platform Nym, told Cointelegraph that documenting things like cultural artifacts is becoming critical to prevent manipulation. According to Halpin, blockchain technology is one of the best ways to ensure this, noting that Nym has been working with the decentralized storage provider Filecoin to document war crimes on its blockchain network.

With this potential in mind, Himam believes that it is highly likely other regions will incorporate blockchain elements in the future. “Indonesia is just one example of many developing countries that have begun to explore the potential of these technologies,” he said.

Challenges remain

While tokenized digital assets could be a solution for preserving important information, regulatory and technical challenges may hamper adoption. For instance, while Himam is bullish on blockchain technology, he noted that regulatory uncertainty within the region might create friction.

Himam said that Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency controls how blockchain technology is applied domestically. “Crypto assets are categorized as a commodity that can be used as the subject of futures contracts traded on an exchange,” he said. However, he added that as Indonesia begins to implement more blockchain use cases, the government will start to establish clear regulations and policies on how decentralized technologies could be applied.

It’s also notable that Indonesia’s national crypto exchange is scheduled to be completed in June 2023. According to Himam, Indonesia is showing clear interest in cryptocurrency adoption. “The country has created regulations around cryptocurrencies and is encouraging their use,” he said.

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However, Indonesia’s technical infrastructure could create challenges for projects using decentralized networks. Himam pointed out that blockchain-based technologies require specialized infrastructure, such as digital wallets, which may not be widely available in certain areas in Indonesia. This, coupled with the fact that most Web3 projects require skilled professionals, could result in slow regional innovation.

Despite the challenges, Quantum Temple’s Adami believes that Asian institutions may be the furthest along in understanding blockchain-based use cases. “The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy leadership understands how NFTs could offer a new funding model for the cultural and creative sector while also protecting the intellectual property rights of artists,” she remarked.

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How does the economy work?

March 26, 2023 Coin Telegraph

Coin Telegraph

The economy is a system of producing and exchanging goods and services in a society.

The economy is a complex system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Understanding how the economy works can be challenging, but it is essential for making informed decisions about personal finance, investing and public policy.

This article will explore the fundamental concepts of how the economy works, including the factors that influence it and the various components that make up the economy.

Factors that influence the economy

The economy is a dynamic system that is constantly changing and evolving. It is a vast network of people, organizations and governments; each involved in creating, moving, and using commodities and services. The economy is influenced by a wide range of factors, including macroeconomic factors like government policies, interest rates and international trade, as well as microeconomic factors such as individual decisions about spending and saving.

Government policies

Through its policies, the government significantly impacts how the economy develops. Fiscal policy, for instance, describes how the government uses spending and taxation to affect the economy. The government can stimulate the economy or deflate an overheated one using its purchasing power. Taxation is another tool the government can employ to manage the money supply and affect the level of economic activity.

➡️ New: Legislature's personal income tax & corporate tax proposals would raise between $1.6 – $2.1 billion:

• Senate & Assembly income tax increase: $710M

• Assembly corporate tax increase: $1.2B for MTA & other transit

• Senate corporate tax MTA surcharge: $930M for MTA pic.twitter.com/zj4gYE319K
— Fiscal Policy Institute (@NYFiscalPolicy) March 16, 2023

Interest rates

The cost of borrowing money is represented by interest rates, which impact both consumer spending and company investment. Borrowing money is less expensive when interest rates are low, which can promote economic growth. High interest rates make borrowing more costly, which can stifle economic growth.

International trade

International trade also plays a crucial role in the economy. Trade between countries allows for the exchange of goods and services, which can increase economic growth and efficiency. However, trade can also lead to job losses in certain industries and countries, and imbalances in the trade deficit.

Components of the economy

The economy comprises three primary components: households, businesses and government. Each of these components plays a vital role in the economy and interacts with the others in complex ways.

Households

Households are the consumers of goods and services. People use the money they earn from employment or investments to pay for goods and services from companies. Due to the fact that household spending makes up a sizable share of the demand for goods and services, it has a considerable impact on economic growth.

Businesses

Businesses are the producers of goods and services. To create items and services sold to consumers or other businesses, they employ staff and invest in inputs like raw materials, equipment and technology. Business investment is critical to economic growth since it boosts productivity and creates jobs.

Government

The government plays a crucial economic role through its policies and spending. The government provides essential public goods and services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure, and it also regulates the economy to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.

Economic indicators

Several economic indicators are used to measure the health of the economy. These indicators provide insight into the level of economic activity, and can help individuals and policymakers make informed decisions.

Gross domestic product (GDP)

GDP is the total value of goods and services produced in a country over a specified period — usually a year. GDP is one of the most widely used economic indicators and provides a broad measure of economic activity.

Public sector debt excluding public sector banks was £2,507.3 billion at the end of February 2023, or around 99.2% of gross domestic product.

A debt-to-GDP ratio last seen in the early 1960s.

➡️ https://t.co/eEaU2HoHvy pic.twitter.com/rHvCU9heBg
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) March 21, 2023

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate is the proportion of the labor force that is unemployed but actively looking for work. It is an important indicator of the labor market’s health and sheds light on the level of economic activity. High unemployment rates indicate a low labor market and a low level of economic activity. In contrast, low unemployment rates indicate a strong labor market and a high level of economic activity.

Inflation rate

The inflation rate gauges how quickly the average cost of goods and services is rising across an economy. Several causes, like a growth in the amount of money in circulation or a rise in the demand for goods and services, can contribute to inflation. Low inflation rates might signal sluggish economic growth, whereas high inflation rates can signal an overheated economy.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The CPI measures the average price of a basket of household goods and services. It is used to track inflation over time and to adjust for changes in the cost of living. The CPI is an important indicator of consumer spending patterns, providing insight into the economy’s health.

#BEFOREandAFTER

Inflation "Good News, Bad News"

The GOOD NEWS is increases to the Producer Price Index &the Consumer Price Index are slowing!

The BAD NEWS is the CPI is 4 times what it was on Inauguration Day &the PPI is triple!

I.e. Inflation has to fall over 75% for us to… pic.twitter.com/c7Req5JO4J
— Man In the Middle (@NE1Honest) March 24, 2023

Retail sales

Retail sales are a measure of the total amount of goods sold by retailers over a specified period. Retail sales can be a good indicator of consumer spending patterns. High retail sales indicate a strong economy, while low retail sales suggest weak economic activity.

Industrial production

Industrial production measures the total output of the industrial sector of the economy, including manufacturing, mining and utilities. It is an important indicator of the health of the manufacturing industry — a critical component of many economies.

Housing starts

The number of new residential construction projects that have started over a specific period is called housing starts. They are a crucial gauge of the housing market’s health and the state of the overall economy. Low numbers of home starts can signify sluggish economic activity, while high levels can suggest significant economic growth.

How does blockchain affect economic growth?

Blockchain technology has the potential to significantly impact economic growth in several ways. By enabling secure and efficient transactions, reducing costs, and increasing transparency and trust, blockchain can promote innovation, productivity and financial inclusion.

In addition, blockchain-based apps can produce fresh company models and sources of income, stimulating the economy and opening up job prospects. Because blockchain technology is still in its early stages of development and adoption, the total influence of this technology on economic growth has not yet been realized.

Yet, the ability of blockchain to revolutionize many businesses and sectors — from logistics and supply chains to finance and healthcare — makes it a viable tool for promoting economic growth in years to come.

Economy