Entering my fourth year in the Cardano ecosystem has taught me many lessons — especially about how to communicate blockchain technology and introduce Cardano to broader audiences in Indonesia.
In my first three years, my messaging was nearly identical to most blockchain communities: I focused on the keywords “blockchain” and “decentralization.” But over time, I realized that approach didn’t produce meaningful growth.
For many people, blockchain has become synonymous with cryptocurrency and airdrops, leading them to think mainly about “easy money.” Cardano, however, moves differently — its focus is on ecosystem building, education, and governance. The movement is not about speculation but about creating long-term impact through structured community participation.
One turning point for me was advice shared by Daniel Ribar on X: “We can apply Cardano without always using blockchain jargon.”
That thought changed my approach. During visits to universities and talks with professionals and academics, I realized how difficult it was to convince people with the question, “Why use blockchain?” Instead, I shifted the conversation toward real problems and practical governance solutions that could benefit them directly.
Governance-First Adoption: A Socio-Technical Approach
(Total attendance 42 people)
Instead of starting with blockchain technology, I began introducing Cardano’s values and systems of governance. This shift led to an experiment within my closest ecosystem — the IA ITB MBA Alumni Association — to apply decentralized governance principles inspired by Intersect MBO, Cardano’s member-based governance structure.
Together with President Inti Intishar, MBA and Vice President Randy, MBA, we adopted the same committee and board framework used within Intersect to organize community governance. This model allows every member to have a voice, clear representation, and structured channels for decision-making.
This governance structure has been officially enacted through Decree No. 139/SK-IAP/PP.IA-ITB/VII/2025, formally establishing the Board, Committees, and Working Groups within the alumni organization. It represents a major milestone — real-world decentralization, where governance becomes a participatory system, not just a technical concept.
Moving forward, the IA ITB MBA community will conduct committee elections, presidential selections, and proposal submissions through a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) built on the Cardano Blockchain.
This initiative also aligns with our Project Catalyst Fund 14 proposal: Tracer Study & Alumni Data Onchain System. The project aims to record and verify alumni data via on-chain identity proofs, ensuring transparency and authenticity in membership.
Why This Works — Brief Theoretical Lens
- Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers) — Innovations spread effectively when they appear useful and compatiblewith existing practices, not when they’re introduced as abstract technologies.
- Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) — Adoption increases when users perceive a system as both useful and easy to use. Simplifying language and integrating familiar processes make governance adoption smoother.
- Governance-first approach — By implementing real governance structures before introducing the blockchain layer, we allow communities to experience the benefits of transparency, participation, and accountability first — then connect those benefits to Cardano later.
Practical Lessons for Adoption
- Start with real problems, not tech. Show how governance solves transparency and decision-making issues.
- Use familiar formats. Translate Cardano’s governance into committee models or voting dashboards people already understand.
- Run small pilots with visible impact. Let people see results before talking tech.
- Provide clear roles and playbooks. Structure engagement so everyone knows their part.
- Measure outcomes and share results. Data builds trust and demonstrates real value.
- Empower local ambassadors. Champions who understand both the tech and the context accelerate adoption.
Conclusion
This journey taught me that real adoption doesn’t start with technology — it starts with people.
By shifting from blockchain jargon to practical governance adoption, Cardano can be applied in a way that truly serves communities, not just crypto enthusiasts.
Our experiment at IA ITB MBA proves that decentralized governance can work today — in real organizations, with real structures, and real impact.
It’s a living example that Cardano’s governance philosophy can inspire transparency, inclusivity, and collective decision-making beyond blockchain.