Bali program pairs policymakers with developers to turn regulatory vision into working prototypes
JAKARTA, Indonesia – July 31, 2025 – The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) announced today the launch of its “Governance for New Leadership” program, which will bring senior policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to Bali this September. The week-long executive course (September 7–13, 2025) builds on the success of PBA’s pilot program in Lucerne, Switzerland, and marks the Academy’s first expansion of its policy education initiative to Asia.
Taking place in Nusa Dua, Bali, in partnership with Mandala Blockchain Academy (the education arm of Mandala Chain), the program runs concurrently with PBA’s flagship developer training campus. This unique setup will allow government decision-makers to work side by side with blockchain engineers on real-world governance solutions during the program.
“The future of governance is programmable, and we’re inviting the world’s most forward-thinking leaders to help write those rules,” said Pauline Cohen Vorms, CEO of Polkadot Blockchain Academy. “What makes the Bali program unique is the direct bridge between policymakers and developers working together in real time.”
Building on Switzerland Success: The Bali offering directly evolves from PBA’s successful Lucerne pilot, which in April 2025 brought UK Members of Parliament, Indonesian and European Union officials together for hands-on blockchain governance training. Dr. Lisa Cameron, Member of UK Parliament and founder of the UK–US Crypto Alliance, called the Switzerland course a “valuable opportunity for MPs to gain firsthand insights into real-world applications of Web3.” Lessons from the pilot have been incorporated to broaden the curriculum and increase its practical impact. The expanded Bali format will encourage participants to translate policy ideas into working prototypes with the support of the concurrent developer cohort.
Indonesia’s Digital Strategy Alignment: Indonesian officials have praised the program as supporting the nation’s digital transformation goals. “Programs like PBA in Bali strongly support Indonesia’s ‘Digital 2045’ vision of cultivating advanced tech talent,” said Pak Ery Wijaya, a representative of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. “We’re proud to see international blockchain leaders partnering with local innovators for long-term economic impact.” By hosting the program in Indonesia, PBA aims to contribute to the growth of Southeast Asia’s blockchain ecosystem and policymaking expertise. Local developer participation via Mandala’s network will ensure knowledge transfer to Indonesian talent.
“We’re not asking leaders to become technologists,” Cohen Vorms explained. “We’re empowering them to lead through technological change by providing strategic clarity and implementation tools they can apply immediately.” The Academy anticipates that graduates will return home with actionable pilot projects and the know-how to guide broader adoption of blockchain solutions in their jurisdictions.
Program Details and Application: “Governance for New Leadership: For Decision Makers Driving Innovation & Real Impact” will run from September 7 to 14, 2025 in Nusa Dua, Bali. The seats of the program are limited, to ensure an intimate, high-engagement experience. The fee of USD $2,000 covers tuition, accommodation, and meals for the week. (Indonesian public officials may apply for a sponsored rate payable in 5 DOT, Polkadot’s cryptocurrency, as part of PBA’s commitment to local capacity-building.)
Applications are open now and will be accepted until August 12th, 2025. Policymakers, regulators, and senior professionals interested in attending can find more information and apply at polkadot.academy/governance-bali. A detailed program brochure and advisory support are available for prospective applicants.
About Polkadot Blockchain Academy:
The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) is a globally renowned educational initiative co-founded by Dr. Gavin Wood (founder of Polkadot) in 2022 and designed to train the next generation of blockchain developers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. PBA delivers state-of-the-art blockchain training through both intensive in-person “Campus” programs and online courses. Its mission is to equip the next generation of blockchain engineers, developers, and thought leaders with the skills to build and contribute to computing decentralized technologies.
About Mandala Blockchain Academy:
Mandala Blockchain Academy is the education arm of Mandala Chain, Indonesia’s first hybrid Layer-1 blockchain network. Launched to accelerate talent development for Indonesia’s digital transformation goals, MBA provides training programs, bootcamps, and workshops that combine the latest blockchain content with real-world use cases.
Contact:
Polkadot Blockchain Academy
Email: admissions@polkadot.academy
Website: https://polkadot.academy/governance-for-new-leadership/