Synergy in Building Digital Business in Indonesia

The development of digital business in Indonesia is becoming a trend and a new field that is greatly demanded in the career world. Creativity seemed to never stop both in startup creation and promotion.

As one of the universities that care about such things, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) accommodates the interest of startup builder to synergize with the university, industry, and alumni. For that, UGM organized “Innovative Academy Pitching To Business Practitioners” on Thursday  (23/02) at University Club UGM.

On that event were also present three UGM alumni as practitioners to share their experience to the digital business activists.

Wibawa Prasetyawan (Vice President of Digital Business Garuda Indonesia)

Successfully graduated from Electrical Engineering Study Program in 1997 and has earned his master degree from Bournemouth University, Iwan was more involved in banking field of career before eventually became Vice President of Digital Business Garuda Indonesia.

Iwan’s career in banking world is namely AVP Card Business Analyst and Planning PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, VP of Out-Region Card Portfolio Management Department PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, VP of National Card Acquisition and Usage Department PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, and SVP Card Acquisition and Distribution Network PT Bank Mega Tbk.

As one of digital business practitioners, Iwan believes that entrepreneurship needs the involvement of many parties including alumni, university, and startup builder. “We as alumni are present to provide industry connection to strengthen the involvement of various parties,” said Iwan. For him, industry’s trust is needed to startup developers. But, startup developers is not yet quite understand the industry’s way of thinking, for that, the role of alumni is deemed quite significant to solve the problem.

“Furthermore, there are some transactions in the industry that cannot yet be captured by startup activists and we are also trying to bridge the matter.” Said Iwan when giving understanding that industry’s trust will affect the available ‘cookie’ distribution to the startup.

“Startup is a movement, not a program. Movement has to have motion, Let’s move together!” he invited all UGM alumni closing the interview session with the Media Team of Sub-directorate of Alumni Relation UGM.

Ari Lastina (Head of Cards and Loan Product Citibank)

For Ari Lastina, Head of Cards and Loan Product Citibank, startup is hot topic due to the fact that any person with money or idea will build one.

“The challenge is of course the connection establishment between money, idea, and user/customer so all of them are connected to drive the economy and the startup industry itself,” said the alumna of Management UGM 1994.

Ari is a figure that has been engaged in the Indonesian banking world for long enough. In 2008, Ari has become President Marketing Affluent and Mid Market Segment HSBC, and then a Senior Vice President of Marketing HSBC. Moreover, before her current career, Ari had served as Head of Privilege Banking UOB Indonesia.

Due to her experience and education background, Ari has already understood how to see the market’s needs. “Developing a startup is not only starting from the market’s need, but you also have much to learn, listen to other people, and socialize more. Don’t forget to focus!” she said when giving tips for startup builder.

“Alumni have moral duty for their almamater and if we all can contribute, then we can make a bigger impact for the community.” she said to all UGM alumni.

Taufik M Heriawan (Ketua APJII Yogyakarta)

As the Head of Indonesia Internet Service Provider (APJII) Yogyakarta, Taufik M Heriawan is well aware that almost all Indonesian population can be accessed by the internet. That is to say that human interaction of the country majority is done via internet.

“This is an opportunity for startups to fill the needs of Indonesian content,” said Taufik. He also expressed that currently, almost all contents come from outside the country and what becomes a challenge is how to increase the authentic Indonesian content.

“As an alumnus, I’m surprised that today’s youth, especially from UGM, has ideas and thoughts that have not even occurred other people,” said the alumnus of Electrical Engineering UGM 1991.

Upon entering the digital era, all parties inevitably will have prepare to follow the development. For that, Taufik also advised to young generations that they shouldn’t be afraid to dream and to bring out new ideas. When all has been realized, then proceed to the next stage that is to actively pick all opportunities that exist.

“Don’t be afraid to try!” advised Taufik to UGM alumni closing the talk about startup development in Indonesia.