Tag: Indonesia

Indonesia – Indonesia-based coffee chain Flash Coffee has raised an additional $3 million in fresh funding to accelerate its nationwide expansion and roll out a bold new store concept across key cities.

The new funding round was led by TA Ventures, with continued backing from long-time investor White Star Capital. The investment follows a strong year for Flash Coffee, marked by solid unit economics and an average store-level EBITDA of 22%.

The capital will be used to support Flash Coffee’s expansion strategy, which includes surpassing 70 stores across Indonesia in 2025 and entering two additional cities. With revenue per store having doubled over the past year and all outlets now operating profitably, the company is positioning itself for sustained national growth.

Richard Armstrong, venture partner & SEA lead at TA Ventures, said, “We spent significant time analysing the opportunities of this category in Southeast Asia; as a result, we’re excited to join Flash Coffee’s journey. Today’s Indonesian consumer is cross-generational, seeking experiences that are meaningful and personal. Flash Coffee has perfectly adapted, responding to this shifting consumer behaviour.”

Part of the funding will also go toward enhancing Flash Coffee’s store design. The new concept integrates natural textures, regional materials, and greenery to create spaces that encourage longer visits and deeper brand engagement.

Flash Coffee is also introducing a refreshed brand identity, which includes a redesigned logo and the ‘Kebanggaan Indonesia’ (‘Proudly Indonesian’) watermark. The rebranding effort draws from local craftsmanship and culture, aligning the company more closely with its Indonesian roots.

Developed entirely in-house, the visual overhaul is intended not just as a stylistic update but as a strategic tool to strengthen customer loyalty and support profitability as the company scales across both existing and new markets.

“The past year has been about discipline. We’ve focused on getting the fundamentals right: profitable stores, stronger teams, better menus, and spaces that reflect modern Indonesia. We didn’t chase growth; we earned it,” said Jakob Angele, executive chairman of Flash Coffee. 

“This latest investment will help us scale what works: beautifully designed stores, high-performing teams, and a product that speaks to today’s Indonesian consumer,” he added.

Jakarta, Indonesia – Following the merger of three telcos–PT XL Axiata Tbk, PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, and PT Smart Telecom, Indonesia officially welcomes the establishment of PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, marketing a new chapter in the country’s telco industry. In a press release, XLSmart stated that the company is poised to redefine connectivity, drive innovation, and elevate customer experience across the archipelago.

With a combined market share of 25%, projected proforma revenue of IDR 45.8 trillion, and a customer base exceeding 94.5 million, XLSMART is positioning itself as a key player in the industry.

Company leadership has also emphasised a focus on customer-centric operations. Rajeev Sethi, president director and CEO of XLSMART, stated that the company aims to enhance responsiveness and service quality across both urban and rural regions of Indonesia.

“The establishment of XLSMART is a defining step toward realizing our purpose: to connect every Indonesian for a better life. We bring together the complementary strengths of XL Axiata and Smartfren under a unified leadership and shared vision—setting the pace for Indonesia’s digital progress,” Rajeev said.

He added, “We will continue to operate our beloved brands to serve our mobile cellular and home broadband customers through XL, AXIS, and Smartfren as well as SME’s and corporate customers with XLSMART for Business, while enhancing service quality, expanding coverage, and introducing smarter, more integrated digital experiences. With over 94,5 million customers1, each connection matters, and we are committed to delivering services that are reliable, inclusive, and transformative.”

Alongside its strategic vision, XLSMART has introduced a new brand identity. The centerpiece of the rebranding is the “Infinity World” logogram, which the company says symbolises unlimited connectivity and opportunities. The brand’s tagline, “Bersama, Melaju Tanpa Batas” (“Go Beyond, Together”), reflects the organization’s goals of collaboration and growth following the merger.

The company has also launched an updated digital presence, allowing customers to access information about its products and services.

“Our new identity reflects not just who we are, but what we aim to build—an Indonesia that thrives in the digital age. The Infinity World logogram captures our belief in progress without limits. Together with our customers, employees, and partners, we’re setting the pace for a smarter, more connected nation,” Rajeev concluded.

Indonesia – MARKETECH APAC’s inaugural NEXT Awards Indonesia 2025 has announced its first set of jury members, featuring prominent figures in the country’s marketing industry.​

As the pinnacle of What’s NEXT in Marketing Series, the NEXT Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in marketing, providing a platform for individuals, teams, agencies, and organisations to showcase their contributions to the evolving marketing landscape across the Asia-Pacific region.​

The jury panel comprises seasoned professionals who will evaluate entries across various categories, bringing their expertise to recognise outstanding achievements in the marketing field.​

The first roster of jury members includes:​

  • Sheldon Chuan, SVP Growth & Marketing at Amartha
  • Ignatius Untung, Chief Marketing Officer at BIENSI FESYENINDO
  • Dian Paskalis, Director of Growth and Regional VP Online Marketing at Cove
  • Renny Hasibuan, GM Marketing at Euromedica Group
  • Sawitri Soedarno, Head of Country Marketing, Indonesia at Jobstreet by SEEK
  • Adeline-Ausy Setiawan, Director, Strategic Marketing Services at Kawan Lama Group
  • Radita Gautama, Head of Marketing at MODENA
  • Ria Sutrisno, Head of Marketing at MR. DIY Indonesia​
  • Aldila Meitiasari, Head of Digital Performance & Analytics at Permata Bank
  • Yosua Tanuwiria, VP Marketing at Pluang

These jury members bring diverse experiences from various sectors, including fashion retail, digital platforms, recruitment, and consumer goods, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries.​

The NEXT Awards Indonesia 2025 features 49 categories, encompassing marketing campaigns, agencies, individuals, teams, and Grand Prix recognitions. The Grand Prix awards honour brands, agencies, and tech organisations that demonstrate exceptional performance across all categories, with points assigned for each win. 

All scores submitted by the panel will undergo an audit by the head of the jury, who will also be responsible for verifying and approving the final list of finalists and winners.

The NEXT Awards also introduces a unique tournament-style format—Bronze, Silver, and Gold winners from Indonesia will advance to the grand finale, where they’ll compete against top winners from Malaysia, the Philippines, and across APAC at the NEXT Awards 2025 Asia-Pacific in Singapore on 28 November.

The judging criteria are as follows:​

Marketing Campaign Categories:

  • Objective (20%)
  • Strategy (25%)
  • Execution (25%)
  • Results (30%)​

Agency Categories:

  • Performance (25%)
  • Culture (25%)
  • Innovation (25%)
  • Influence (25%)​

Individual Categories:

  • Business Contributions (35%)
  • Leadership (35%)
  • Industry Influence (30%)​

Team Categories:

  • Team Culture (35%)
  • Business Innovation (35%)
  • Team Performance (30%)

Key dates for the NEXT Awards Indonesia 2025 are as follows:​

  • Entries Deadline: 16 June 2025
  • Judging Period: 26 June – 9 July 2025
  • Finalists Announcement: 18 July 2025
  • Awards Night: 18 September 2025​

For more information and to submit entries, visit the official NEXT Awards Indonesia 2025 webpage.

Vietnam – VinFast has entered a strategic partnership with Indonesian service provider PT Penta Artha Impressi (Bengkel BOS) to enhance customer service and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country.

Under the agreement, 12 Bengkel BOS service workshops will be authorised to carry out repair, warranty, and maintenance services for VinFast’s electric vehicle models. The workshops are located in areas including South Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta, Tangerang, and Yogyakarta.

The services will follow VinFast’s technical standards and procedures. Bengkel BOS facilities are equipped with the necessary tools and machinery to meet the automaker’s operational requirements.

In addition to servicing, Bengkel BOS will supply genuine VinFast parts and components to support vehicle upkeep and ensure product consistency across the network.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, commented, “To accelerate the green transition in Indonesia, we believe that building strong, long-term customer trust is paramount. To achieve this, VinFast actively collaborates with reputable partners to expand our network of authorised service workshops in Indonesia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the three core pillars that have defined the VinFast brand: high-quality products, inclusive pricing, and outstanding after-sales service.”

The partnership aligns with VinFast’s broader plan to grow its sales and after-sales network in Indonesia, in line with the expansion of its EV offerings. As part of the collaboration, VinFast will provide training and technical support to Bengkel BOS staff to ensure service readiness as vehicle deliveries increase.

Endro Arifin, president director at PT Penta Artha Impressi (Bengkel BOS), stated, “Leveraging our experience, local expertise, and extensive service workshop network, we are honoured to become a strategic partner of VinFast on its journey to conquer the Indonesian market. Together, Bengkel BOS and VinFast are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to consumers while contributing to the continuous development of the region’s electric vehicle market.”

VinFast’s electric vehicle lineup includes models such as the mini-SUV VF 3, the A-segment VF 5, and the C-segment VF e34. Alongside its growing product range, the company is expanding its network of dealerships and service centres across Indonesia. The company is also developing a wider green mobility ecosystem through partnerships with companies such as electric taxi operator GSM and charging infrastructure provider V-GREEN.

Indonesia – Cinépolis Cinemas Indonesia has made its foray into the virtual gaming world with the launch of its virtual cinema experience on Minecraft Bedrock Edition, marking a first-of-its-kind activation within the popular sandbox game.

Available on all Minecraft-supported devices, the custom-built server transforms the Cinépolis Cinemas brand into an immersive virtual world, featuring mini-games, hidden puzzles, and collectible in-game accessories.

As part of the activation, players can complete interactive missions to earn complimentary movie vouchers, blending entertainment with real-world rewards.

Key features of the virtual cinema experience include a Parkour Challenge, where players navigate obstacle courses set within the cinema lobby, and a Puzzle Hunt that encourages exploration by collecting hidden pieces across the digital space. The platform also includes player-versus-player (PvP) combat zones inspired by cinematic themes. In-game accessories such as popcorn buckets and caps are available for collection, while mini missions offer codes redeemable for select Cinépolis promotions.

The launch coincides with the release of ‘A Minecraft Movie,’ offering a game-based experience that emphasises interactive play and audience engagement. While rooted in cinematic themes, the initiative represents a broader move to extend the Cinépolis brand into digital and gaming spaces.

“With this launch, we’re inviting fans to experience Cinépolis Cinemas beyond the walls of a theatre. It’s fun, it’s digital, and it brings our brand closer to today’s audiences—especially younger movie lovers who live and play online,” said Delfi Kartikawati, brand marketing manager of Cinépolis Cinemas Indonesia.

Indonesia – Haraku Ramen Halal, an Indonesian noodle brand under the Ismaya Group, has launched The One Noodle, a limited-edition product designed to let gamers eat without pausing their game.

The One Noodle is a 3.5-metre-long, unbroken strand designed for gamers who want to eat without pausing their game. With a thicker texture for better flavour absorption, it allows players to stay immersed in gameplay without interruptions.

“When the agency brought us this idea, I remember thinking—this is crazy, but also genius! Gamers don’t want to pause their game just to eat. It’s fun, it’s different, and it solves a real problem in a way that only Haraku can,” said Dewa Ari, marketing manager of Ismaya Group.

Conceptualised by BLKJ Havas and developed with support from Moonfolks in Indonesia, The One Noodle was shaped by BLKJ Havas’ creative direction and Moonfolks’ digital and content strategy to engage gaming communities.

“We also thought it was crazy, and that’s exactly why we went for it. The craziest ideas are often the best. This idea encapsulates Ismaya’s mission to offer seamless experiences for everyone—in this case, gamers. We’re thrilled to give our fans something that’s never been seen before,” shared Guilherme Machado, executive creative director at BLKJ Havas, and Anish Daryani, CEO of Moonfolks Indonesia.

The One Noodle was released as a limited-edition product and sold out within days. Its launch event featured gaming influencers and media representatives, offering attendees a chance to try the product and highlighting its connection to Indonesia’s gaming culture.

Indonesia – To break through Indonesia’s highly competitive food and beverage market during Ramadan, Pizza Hut Indonesia has unveiled a bold and unconventional move—a two-hour-long ad titled “NON-STOP SERU 2 JAM BARENG DIP & CRUNCH.”

Departing from the usual emotional tone of Ramadan ads, the campaign film takes an unconventional approach, featuring a continuous loop of humour and togetherness. It highlights Pizza Hut Indonesia’s 1-metre LIMO Pizza and the newly introduced Dip & Crunch through a playful and unexpected format.

In just two weeks, the campaign gained significant traction, drawing high viewership and engagement. The ad’s extended format and catchy jingle resonated with audiences, reflecting the Ramadan tradition of prolonged togetherness.

Pizza Hut Indonesia’s approach highlights the impact of unconventional marketing in a crowded Ramadan advertising landscape. By stepping away from traditional formats, the brand demonstrated how bold creative choices can capture attention and foster cultural relevance.

Astari Fitriani, senior brand & innovation manager at Pizza Hut Indonesia, said, “As a brand that has been in Indonesia for four decades, we continue to strive to stay relevant by understanding the essence of Indonesian culture towards the Ramadan season and translating it into distinctive creative material to break the clutter.”

Fitriani added, “It might seem like a risky choice, but we are glad that the audience’s reception has been positive. This encourages us as a brand to continuously be a pioneer, pushing boundaries, innovating, and not just sticking with the status quo.”

Indonesia – VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer under Vingroup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with vehicle distributor PT Aribi Amartapura (Amarta) to accelerate the expansion of its showroom network in Indonesia.

Under the agreement, VinFast will tap into Amarta’s 25 years of market expertise to develop 22 new showrooms across Indonesia between 2025 and 2027, with a focus on major cities like Greater Jakarta and Bandung. Eleven of these showrooms are slated to open in 2025, with the first expected to launch in March.

VinFast showrooms will feature a modern design and include charging ports, offering spaces for vehicle displays, test drives, and after-sales services. The showrooms aim to provide a streamlined experience for customers, from exploring electric vehicle options to post-purchase support.

This partnership supports VinFast’s global dealership strategy by expanding its network in Indonesia and aligning with its shift to a dealership model, aimed at optimising operations and reducing costs.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Amarta to bring our smart, eco-friendly electric vehicles closer to Indonesian consumers. This partnership allows us to fully capitalise on Amarta’s deep local expertise, laying a strong foundation for VinFast to become a household name in electric mobility.”

Angga Prawira Awang, CEO of Amarta, added, “It is an honour for Amarta to partner with VinFast, a dynamic and pioneering EV brand from Vietnam. We believe that by combining Amarta’s local market insights with VinFast’s superior product quality and affordable pricing, we can deliver exceptional value to Indonesian customers while promoting green mobility and a sustainable future.”

In January 2024, VinFast received approval from the Indonesian government for its long-term US$1.2 billion investment plan. The Vietnamese EV manufacturer continues to expand in Indonesia, partnering with 14 dealers operating 21 stores across Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bali, and other key locations. Its lineup includes the VF 3, VF 5, and VF e34 mini e-SUVs, with free charging available until March 1, 2028, and warranties ranging from 7 to 10 years, depending on the model.

Since entering the market, VinFast has introduced its EVs alongside GSM’s ride-hailing service and V-GREEN’s charging infrastructure, reinforcing its presence in Indonesia’s growing EV sector.

Indonesia – As a dynamic hub in Southeast Asia’s marketing ecosystem, Indonesia is at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation. With brands striving to adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and leverage emerging technologies, staying ahead is more critical than ever.

To continue empowering marketers and brands with cutting-edge strategies and insights, MARKETECH APAC proudly presents the second instalment of ‘What’s NEXT in Marketing: Indonesia 2025.’ Taking place on 31 July 2025 at Pullman Jakarta Central Park, this premier event aims to redefine the country’s marketing landscape by uniting industry experts to share experiences, proven strategies, and forward-thinking insights that will shape the future of marketing in Indonesia. 

Following the success of last year’s edition, ‘What’s NEXT in Marketing: Indonesia 2025’ will serve as a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas, spark innovation, and explore the future of marketing. 

From customer experience to performance marketing, attendees can expect a diverse range of relevant topics, thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, enlightening fireside chats, and invaluable networking opportunities—all thoughtfully designed to help businesses thrive in Indonesia’s rapidly evolving market.

Leading the discussions are prominent figures in the marketing and digital space, including:

  • Caroline Setiabudi, SVP Marketing at Bank Mega
  • Angelia Susanto, Health Nutrition Marketing & Strategy Director at Danone
  • Rajesh Grover, Group Vice President – AI, Digital & Omnichannel at Kanmo Group
  • Maggie Effendy, Associate Marketing Director at Kimberly-Clark
  • Ria Sutrisno, Head of Marketing at MR DIY Indonesia
  • Derry Rinaldi, Head of Marketing Communications at Starbucks Indonesia
  • …and more to be announced!

The first leg of the What’s NEXT in Marketing 2025 conference series took place in Singapore, drawing 170 delegates from a diverse range of brands. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers from renowned companies, including Braze, Canon, DHL Express, FairPrice Group, H&M, Income Insurance Limited, Riot Games, SleekFlow, and StarHub, among others.

Building on this momentum, the conference will expand to other key markets across the region, including:

To learn how to be part of this conference, click HERE for further details.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected].

For speaking opportunities, contact Katherine Sy at [email protected]; and for registrations, reach out to Kylene Lim at [email protected]. 

Indonesia — Indonesian telecom provider Telkomsel has signed a mobile video advertising agreement with Novosol, a global mobile advertising platform, aiming to expand mobile ad revenue in Indonesia’s $20b advertising market.

The agreement is projected to generate $300m within three years, providing brands, advertisers, agencies, and resellers with access to over 270 million mobile users in Indonesia, including 170 million Telkomsel subscribers. It is also expected to strengthen Telkomsel’s position in the market, where it holds a 59% share by revenue.

Through this partnership, Telkomsel will benefit from Novosol’s ‘moLotus,’ a GSM-based platform that delivers 40-second video ads to mobile inboxes without requiring apps or data, supporting Android, iPhones, and feature phones.

Novosol is enhancing moLotus with AI-driven capabilities, including automated ad creation, campaign optimisation, and data-driven insights.

The platform offers scalability, personalisation, automation, and integration to support diverse advertising needs. Its online portal provides advertisers and agencies with business and operational tools.

With various interaction options, charging models, and ad formats like HQ Video and Slideshow, moLotus enables targeted campaigns to enhance visibility, engagement, and conversions. It also helps brands streamline processes, reducing telemarketing, training, and distribution costs. Advertisers benefit from AI-driven marketing and improved ROI, while agencies and resellers gain new revenue opportunities and better margins.

moLotus is expanding its presence in Indonesia’s growing ad market, leveraging its telco partnerships and high-margin potential. Already adopted by brands and telecom providers across Asia—including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam—it is also exploring opportunities in the US.

The platform is used across various industries, including banking, insurance, automotive, consumer goods, e-commerce, retail, and government, supporting businesses in enhancing customer engagement and revenue growth.

With the Telkomsel partnership, Novosol strengthens its presence in Asia and continues its expansion into Western markets. With the global mobile advertising market expected to surpass US$1t by 2032 (Statista, Fortune BI), moLotus aims to capture a share of this growth.