Indonesian book giant turns to tech to fight piracy

JAKARTA -- Indonesian conglomerate Kompas Gramedia's book publishing unit is optimistic that blockchain technology can help it fight persistent online content piracy, as it also works to overcome challenges including lifting reading levels and reducing regional pricing discrepancies in the sprawling island nation.

The company's storied history began in 1963, and six decades later it has eight business pillars: retail and publishing; media; education; event and venue; printing and packaging; property; hospitality; and digital. It has a network of over 100 Gramedia stores selling books and other goods including stationary across Southeast Asia's largest economy.