Tag: Indonesia

Indonesia – Apple has reportedly secured local content certificates from Indonesia’s industry ministry for 20 products, including the iPhone 16. However, the company still requires approvals from other ministries before it can begin sales.

According to a recent Reuters report, ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief stated that Apple has been granted local content certificates for 11 phone models and 9 tablets after meeting the necessary requirements. He added that the company still needs approvals from the communications and digital ministry, as well as the trade ministry, before it can sell its products in Indonesia.

The issuance of these certificates follows Reuters’ report last month that Apple has invested over $300m in Indonesia. Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that the investment includes a software research and development centre near Jakarta and manufacturing plants for product components, including AirPods.

The minister also described the months-long negotiations with Apple as “tricky.”

“There’s a principle of justness that we’re trying to uphold. As much as it can add value to the red and white,” Agus said at a press conference, as quoted by Reuters.

Agus has not yet provided a timeline for when Apple will receive approval to sell the iPhone 16 in the country.

Apple, along with Indonesia’s communications and trade ministries, did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. 

This agreement is a key step for Apple and Indonesia, easing tensions after last year’s iPhone ban over local content rules. It was previously reported that Apple proposed increasing its investment tenfold to $100 million—up from $10 million—to persuade Indonesia to lift the ban.

Singapore – 90% of Thai and Indonesian viewers prefer the quality of professional videos over social videos, according to a report from the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA).

According to AVIA’s report, both markets believe that professional videos from over-the-top services such as Disney+, Netflix, TRUEID, Vidio and Viu are of better quality. 

The majority believes that these content captures attention more, and considers the time watching them better spent compared to user-generated content and social videos.

Viewers associate professional videos with stronger emotions, while users generally feel more negative emotions when watching videos on social media.

Additionally, the report found an increased adoption of Smart TVs, signalling more opportunities for advertisers to leverage Connected TV advertising. This also shows a potential for advertisers to explore the OTT landscape.

The research was conducted by Milieu Insight in November 2024.

“In Indonesia, a 10% higher brand recall and purchase intent from OTT advertising campaigns underscores the platform’s growing impact, encouraging more brands and agencies to diversify their media strategies. The momentum in CTV OTT advertising is equally promising, with Vidio’s 150-minute average daily watch time offering advertisers access to a high-quality audience and premium inventory,” Hermawan Sutanto, managing director at Vidio, said.

David Sky, director of advertising solutions at TRUE Digital Group, commented, “At TRUEID, we are dedicated to providing premium OTT services that deliver high-quality professional video content to our viewers in Thailand. We are heartened that almost 9 out of 10 consumers surveyed wholeheartedly agree that premium services out-deliver on quality. And with the increasing adoption of Connected TVs, the time is now for advertisers and brands to take advantage of the increasingly engaged audience on premium OTT.”

“The power and opportunity of premium OTT services in Indonesia and Thailand are significant. This study clearly demonstrates the value these services offer to both consumers and advertisers. We believe this is a call to action for advertisers to leverage the unique advantages of premium OTT,” Louis Boswell, chief executive officer of AVIA, said.

Indonesia – AnyMind Group has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with ACRO Inc. to expand the reach of its Japanese lifestyle cosmetics brand, THREE, in Indonesia.

Previously available in Indonesia through department stores, THREE faced challenges with stringent import regulations, regulatory approvals, and local distribution networks. The brand now aims to strengthen its presence and tap into the country’s growing beauty market.

Through this partnership, THREE will harness AnyMind Group’s BPaaS solutions to drive data-driven cross-border e-commerce expansion, encompassing technology and operations for import handling, e-commerce management, marketing, and logistics.

AnyMind Group will support THREE’s expansion in Indonesia by providing e-commerce, logistics, and marketing solutions tailored to the local market. The company will manage sales and operations through platforms like Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Tokopedia, using its e-commerce management system, AnyX, for data-driven insights.

For logistics and distribution, AnyMind will handle importation and product fulfilment through its global logistics platform, AnyLogi, and local warehouse network. It will also support customer engagement through its conversational commerce tool, AnyChat, and influencer marketing via AnyTag, with AI-powered live commerce initiatives enabled by AnyLive.

Toshiaki Miyazaki, president of ACRO Inc., said, “We are excited to reintroduce THREE to Indonesian consumers with the support of AnyMind Group. We hope that THREE’s signature fragrances and colours will contribute to enhancing the well-being of many customers.”

Akinori Kubo, managing director of global e-commerce at AnyMind Group, added, “We are thrilled to support THREE’s Indonesian market expansion. By leveraging our technology and local presence, we aim to drive e-commerce success through a data-driven approach and innovative marketing strategies tailored to the region.”

Indonesia – Google Play and DDB Group Singapore have introduced a new campaign that reimagines family gatherings during Ramadan, turning them into virtual gaming experiences.

Launched on 4 March in Indonesia, the ‘Level Up Ramadan with Google Play’ campaign highlights how gaming has become a shared activity during Ramadan, with families and friends playing together while waiting for Iftar. 

The campaign film video depicts a family’s preparation for the evening meal turning into a friendly gaming competition across generations. A twist in the campaign reveals the family matriarch as the unexpected gaming champion, challenging stereotypes and emphasising that gaming is for all ages.

Additionally, the campaign highlights the convenience of topping up gaming credits through Google Play, allowing players to continue their sessions seamlessly during Ramadan.

Speaking on the campaign, Vinod Savio, CCO of DDB Group Singapore, said, “Our aim was to create a campaign that resonates with the familial spirit of Ramadan while also reflecting the modern dynamics of family entertainment. We wanted to subvert the usual expectations and celebrate the gaming prowess that can come from any member of the family, even the most unassuming ones.” 

The campaign will be featured on YouTube and YouTube Shorts, supported by influencer collaborations. Google Play has also partnered with popular games like Free Fire and MLBB to offer exclusive promotions during Ramadan, providing players with additional in-game benefits.

Amanda Chan, product marketing manager at Google Play, shared, “Ramadan is a time of unity and reflection, and we wanted to ensure our users can enjoy gaming together without hassle. Partnering with DDB Group Singapore, we’ve managed to capture the essence of this season, celebrating the joy of gaming with seamless and secure transactions.”

The campaign follows DDB’s ‘Protect Your Play’ initiative, which launched in August 2024 with Indonesian action star Iko Uwais. That campaign raised awareness about online security risks for gamers and the importance of staying vigilant against cyber threats.

Indonesia – inDrive has partnered with the Singapore-based financial group Fingular and Indonesia’s Sharia-compliant peer-to-peer lending platform Ammana to launch inDrive.Money, providing drivers in Indonesia with seamless access to cash funding through the inDrive app.

inDrive.Money aims to ease financial challenges for gig workers, who often struggle to access traditional services due to informal employment. Indonesian drivers face similar barriers, as many lenders require proof of income, pushing them toward high-commission alternatives. 

With inDrive.Money, drivers in Indonesia can access cash funding of up to 10,000,000 Rp through the inDrive app, with financing provided by Ammana. Repayments are deducted per ride at a 10-15% commission, with a repayment period of three to five months and flexible monthly installments.

Furthermore, inDrive will evaluate drivers’ creditworthiness based on ride frequency, monthly income, and other key data points, enabling its partners to provide more equitable funding terms.

Mark Loughran, group president at inDrive, shared, “We’ve already disrupted the ride-hailing industry by introducing a people-centric pricing model, allowing passengers and drivers to negotiate fares instead of relying on opaque algorithms. We are now addressing a similar injustice in financial services, where gig workers are often excluded due to legacy credit scoring models that do not accommodate their needs.”

After launching in Mexico and Colombia, inDrive.Money has expanded to Indonesia, marking its first APAC rollout. The pilot phase began in late 2024, allowing partners to refine Fingular’s embedded financing technology based on local drivers’ needs. 

Following a phased introduction in major cities, the service is now available in Pematangsiantar, Purwakarta, Sukabumi, Makassar, Ternate, Garut, Bali Island, Palembang, Bukittinggi, Surabaya, Bandung, and Jakarta.

“We are excited to support inDrive in our common mission to challenge financial injustice by offering the most accessible, transparent, and people-centric financial technologies and services,” said Maxim Chernuschenko, CEO of Fingular.

“This strategic partnership is not just about achieving immediate financial goals but is a testament to a long-term vision for the financial future, where justice, innovation, and customer satisfaction drive every decision,” added Vadim Gurinov, a Cypriot investor and strategic backer of Fingular.

Beyond this initiative, inDrive also views Indonesia as an important market with opportunities for growth in ride-hailing and urban services. The company plans to expand its offerings in the country.

Indonesia – Dentsu Indonesia and Samsonite have teamed up to launch ‘Scholar Panel,’ a noise-reducing solution made from recycled luggage waste to combat aircraft noise pollution in schools near Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

The Scholar Panel initiative is part of Samsonite’s annual trade-in program, developed in partnership with Kamal 09 Elementary School to repurpose discarded suitcases that would otherwise end up in landfills. Schools near Indonesia’s airports often experience noise levels exceeding WHO safety standards, posing risks of hearing loss and long-term health issues for students.

The Scholar Panel consists of noise-deflection panels made from over 2,000 discarded suitcases. Each panel is constructed with layered materials, including 2 cm-thick recycled luggage panels, a glass fibre-reinforced concrete board, and a steel frame. Positioned at a 30° angle, the panels help redirect aircraft noise from planes flying at 6–7.5°, reducing classroom noise levels by up to 40 dB.

The design and installation of these panels were guided by extensive research in collaboration with architects and acoustic consultants to maximise noise reduction and improve the learning environment for students.

Aldila Adininggar, senior marketing communications manager at Samsonite Indonesia, commented, “At Samsonite, we believe travel should not only bring comfort but also create a positive impact. Partnering with Dentsu Creative Indonesia has allowed us to transform an often-overlooked challenge into a meaningful solution. Their expertise in concept and execution has been instrumental in bringing Scholar Panel to life.”

“This initiative goes beyond upcycling—it’s a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation, turning our trade-in program into a force for real change in communities,” Adininggar added.

Dentsu Indonesia led the development of the Scholar Panel initiative, overseeing research, design, execution, and communication strategies to support its implementation.

Since its implementation, Scholar Panel has been installed in schools serving over 2,500 students and has drawn attention from both the public and government. The Indonesian government has since committed to expanding the initiative to more schools in Jakarta and across the country. The project has also received industry recognition and media coverage, generating 975 million IDR in PR value and 101 million impressions.

Defri Dwipaputra, executive creative director at Dentsu Creative Indonesia, shared, “Scholar Panel is a testament to the power of creative problem-solving and collaboration. Our team immersed themselves in understanding the challenge—conducting on-ground research and analysing acoustic data to uncover the best possible approach. Through rigorous ideation and prototyping, we developed a solution that not only repurposes Samsonite’s discarded luggage but also effectively mitigates noise pollution. It’s a perfect example of how cross-collaboration and strategic creativity can turn a pressing issue into a tangible and meaningful impact for students.”

Indonesia – Indonesia’s Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) has fined Singapore-based Trusty Cars Ltd 1.5 billion rupiah (US$91,883) for missing the deadline to report its acquisition of a stake in PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika Rent (MPMRent).

Doing business as Carro in Southeast Asia, the company invested US$53.8m in June 2022 to acquire a 50% stake in MPMRent, aiming to provide MPMX with a complete ecosystem, including an online marketplace, financing, rentals, repairs, and aftersales services in Indonesia.

According to a LinkedIn post by Deswin Nur, KPPU’s head of bureau for public relations and cooperation, Carro was required to notify KPPU within 30 days of the transaction becoming legally effective, with a deadline of July 12, 2022. However, Carro submitted its notification on July 28, 2022, twelve working days past the deadline. 

The penalty was imposed after KPPU considered mitigating factors, including Carro’s acknowledgement of the violation and its request for reduced administrative sanctions.

Additionally, Carro cooperated throughout the trial and has no prior violations. The acquisition was also deemed free of monopolistic or unfair competition risks.

Indonesia –Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, in collaboration with Google Indonesia, has introduced the ‘Gemini Academy,’ an initiative to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations and improve competitiveness.

The Gemini Academy will support both export and non-export local SMEs, with the goal of fostering innovation and helping businesses expand into international markets, Business Times reported.

The program will offer training in three categories—Potential Exporter SME, Basic Export SME, and Advanced Export SME—aimed at improving business processes and market expansion.

Minister Budi Santoso stated that the academy is expected to help SMEs streamline operations, lower costs, and enhance their competitiveness.

“By integrating AI into their business strategies, they will gain valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences, which will enable them to refine their product offerings and improve marketing efforts,” the minister said in a statement, as quoted by Business Times.

Alongside SME-focused training, Google Indonesia will also provide 500 scholarships for Google Career Certificates, giving civil servants at the ministry access to AI-related courses.

Putri Alam, director of government affairs and public policy at Google Indonesia, said, “Indonesia is the first country globally to offer the Gemini Academy training program for SMEs, and the Ministry of Trade is our first government partner in Indonesia.”

She further noted that Gemini, an AI chatbot aimed at supporting creativity and productivity, can be accessed through the Google Play Store, App Store, or its official website.

Indonesia – Kao Corporation, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care, household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals, is expanding its footprint in Asia with the launch of its luxury skincare brand, SENSAI, in Indonesia, marking its latest move in the region’s growing beauty market.

Kao’s expansion into Indonesia marks the next step in its broader growth strategy for the region. The introduction of SENSAI aligns with Indonesia’s strong affinity for established skincare routines.

SENSAI’s first counter in Indonesia will be at SOGO Plaza Senayan in Jakarta, a department store located in the Senayan district, an area known for its upscale shopping and luxury hotels.

Yoshiko Sakurai, SENSAI brand manager, shared, “Indonesia has a strong affinity for Japanese skincare culture, which includes a well-known practice of double cleansing, double moisturising, and UV protection. This aligns perfectly with SENSAI’s skincare ritual, Saho. We believe that introducing SENSAI in Indonesia will help to expand our fan base among affluent consumers across Asia.”

As part of its mid-term strategy, Kao has identified SENSAI as one of its key brands for global growth within its cosmetics division, alongside Molton Brown and Curél. The brand, which initially built a strong presence in Europe, has since expanded to over 40 countries. Its entry into Asia began in 2019 with a launch in Japan, followed by the opening of a flagship store in Shanghai in 2023.

The future of retail and e-commerce in the Asia-Pacific region is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses must navigate the complexities of emerging technologies and immersive shopping experiences. At the same time, the region’s diverse markets present unique challenges in localisation, logistics, and customer engagement strategies.

With mobile-first economies–which is something that is very evident in the region–influencer-driven purchasing trends, and increasing demand for seamless omnichannel experiences, brands must continuously adapt their strategies to remain relevant.

In response to this industry convergence, MARKETECH APAC and its sister publication UpTech Media have joined forces to launch the Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit conference series which aims to unite industry leaders, marketing experts, and tech innovators to explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies driving the evolution of retail and e-commerce in the region.

Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit: Malaysia 2025

Kicking off the series this year is the Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit: Malaysia 2025 which will be held on 22 May 2025 at Sheraton Petaling Jaya, offering attendees a unique opportunity to connect with industry pioneers, redefine their strategies for retail and e-commerce, and seize new growth opportunities in Malaysia’s rapidly expanding market.

The event’s first lineup of speakers include:

  • Low Ngai Yuen, Chief Merchandise & Marketing Officer at AEON
  • Siew Lai Wong, Chief Marketing Officer at BIG CARiNG Group
  • Anand Taparia, Regional Senior Director of Marketing for MY, BN, SG, and ID at Colgate-Palmolive
  • Sreeratha Govindasamy, Head of Customer Care at Philip Morris International
  • Evelyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Secret Recipe Cakes & Cafe Sdn Bhd
  • and more to be announced!

This conference follows the success of the E-Commerce Marketing in Malaysia 2024 conference, held on 25 July 2024.

Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit 2025: Philippines 2025

Next up, the conference heads into the Philippines with the Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit 2025: Philippines 2025. Happening on 25 June 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, this conference is aimed at revolutionising Philippine commerce, and will unite industry leaders, marketing experts, and tech innovators to explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies driving the evolution of e-commerce.

The conference is also rooted in the success of the E-Commerce Marketing in the Philippines 2024 conference, which happened on 8 August 2024.

Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit 2025: Indonesia 2025

Last but not least, the conference series will be making its debut in Indonesia with the launch of the Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit 2025: Indonesia 2025, happening in November 2025.

Joven Barceñas, founder and CEO of MARKETECH APAC and UpTech Media, said, “The future of retail and e-commerce in Asia-Pacific hinges on the seamless fusion of technology and marketing. By fostering discussions on innovation, consumer trends, and digital transformation, businesses can unlock new opportunities, stay competitive, and shape the next era of commerce in this dynamic region.”

For speaking opportunities for these conferences, contact Katherine Sy at [email protected]; for registrations, reach out to Hans Policarpio at [email protected]; and for sponsorship, reach out to Joven Barceñas at [email protected].