Bitcoin itu apa? (What is Bitcoin?) Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, meaning it’s not controlled by a single entity like a central bank or government. Think of it as digital gold, a scarce and verifiable asset that exists solely in the digital realm. It allows for peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, potentially offering faster, cheaper, and more private ways to send and receive money. The core technology underpinning Bitcoin is the blockchain. This is a public, distributed ledger that records every transaction ever made with Bitcoin. Imagine a giant, shared spreadsheet that anyone can view, but no single person can control. When a transaction is initiated, it’s bundled with other transactions into a “block.” This block is then cryptographically secured and added to the existing chain, creating an immutable record. “Mining” is the process by which new blocks are added to the blockchain. Miners use specialized computers to solve complex mathematical problems. The first miner to solve the problem gets to add the next block to the chain and receives a reward of newly minted Bitcoins. This process also validates the transactions within the block, ensuring their legitimacy and preventing fraudulent activity. This competitive process secures the network and ensures the integrity of the Bitcoin ledger. One of Bitcoin’s key features is its limited supply. Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist. This scarcity is a fundamental principle designed to maintain Bitcoin’s value and protect it from inflation. Unlike traditional currencies, which central banks can print at will, Bitcoin’s supply is fixed and predictable. This predictable scarcity is often touted as a hedge against economic uncertainty. Using Bitcoin involves owning a “wallet,” which is essentially software that allows you to store, send, and receive Bitcoin. Wallets can be software-based (on your computer or phone) or hardware-based (a physical device). Each wallet has a unique address, which is a long string of characters used to identify your Bitcoin account. When you send Bitcoin, you are essentially transferring it from your wallet to the recipient’s wallet using their address. The value of Bitcoin is determined by market demand. Like stocks or commodities, its price fluctuates based on supply and demand. Factors that can influence Bitcoin’s price include media attention, regulatory changes, adoption rates by businesses and individuals, and overall market sentiment. While Bitcoin offers several advantages, it also has its challenges. Volatility is a major concern. The price of Bitcoin can be highly unpredictable, making it a risky investment. Scalability is another issue. The Bitcoin network can currently process a limited number of transactions per second, which can lead to delays and higher transaction fees during peak times. Regulations surrounding Bitcoin are still evolving, and uncertainty about future regulations can impact its price and adoption. In summary, Bitcoin is a groundbreaking digital currency that aims to revolutionize the way we think about and use money. Its decentralized nature, limited supply, and transparent blockchain technology offer potential benefits, but its volatility, scalability challenges, and regulatory uncertainty should be carefully considered. Understanding these aspects is crucial for anyone considering investing in or using Bitcoin.