Tag: Indonesia

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].

Indonesia – Advertising agency Moonfolks has released a new whitepaper revealing how economic pressures are reshaping Ramadan consumer habits in Indonesia, spotlighting frugal spending, local brand support, and community values.

The whitepaper examines how Indonesian consumers are navigating financial constraints while maintaining the spirit of Ramadan. The research highlights several key trends, including frugal spending, as people become more cautious about their holiday expenses, and growing disinterest in promotions, with consumers now rethinking the value of discounts.

The report also identifies the rise of “Ramadan LocaInomics,” a surge in pride for locally made products, fuelled by boycotts related to the Middle East conflict. Additionally, the study notes a return to core values, with the spirit of “Gotong Royong” (community togetherness) remaining strong, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as the world’s most generous country.

To navigate the changing consumer behavior this Ramadan, Moonfolks’ whitepaper suggests that brands should focus on affordability, transparency, and cultural relevance in promotions. Embracing digital tools like ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ (BNPL) and fintech apps can boost engagement, while purpose-driven campaigns and storytelling create emotional connections. Leveraging AI for precise targeting and adopting a community-centric approach will also help brands connect with local consumers and navigate Ramadan’s complexities.

Commenting on the release, Anish Daryani, founder, president director, and CEO at Moonfolks, said, “In yet another Ramadan shrouded by economic stress, declining earnings, and increasing costs, the ingenuity and creativity of consumers to overcome these challenges leave us with a feeling of awe. We have used these insights, and more, in developing all our Ramadan campaigns this year. We believe having years on the ground gives our brands an edge in staying ahead of the market challenges, ensuring we continue to deliver audacious commerce for them, even in times that are less favourable.” 

Elki Hendria, chief strategy and digital officer at Moonfolks, added, “There’s clearly nothing coming in the way of Indonesians making the most of their Ramadan. We call this the spirit of “Semangat,” which translates into “keep up the spirit” or even “keep fighting.”. “Pantang Menyerah” is another terms we use to imply “never give up”. We saw this during Covid-19, and we’re seeing this again during an economic squeeze. Brands need to fuel this spirit to win the hearts of consumers and a share of their wallets”. 

Indonesia – Cheetos, the iconic snack brand from Frito-Lay, has returned to the Indonesian market, marking a major milestone following PepsiCo Indonesia’s new $200m (Rp3.27t) manufacturing facility in Cikarang.

Gabrielle Angriani, director of public policy, government affairs & corporate communications at PepsiCo, announced in a LinkedIn post that the company has successfully opened its first factory in Indonesia and commenced Cheetos production at the Cikarang facility as of January 2025.

“We are thrilled to bring smiles back to the Indonesian people. To ensure the highest quality and taste, we are committed to using only the best ingredients,” she added.

Photos from: Gabrielle Angriani (LinkedIn)

In the same post, Angriani also expressed her gratitude to the government of Indonesia for helping PepsiCo in making the new $200m investment happen.

Cheetos Indonesia also announced its comeback on social media with a series of posts on Instagram.

Cheetos’ return to Indonesia marks the end of its four-year hiatus, which began after a licensing agreement ended in 2021.

According to Jakarta Daily, Cheetos, Lay’s, and Doritos were pulled from the market in August 2021 when their former producer, PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk (ICBP), ceased production following the expiration of its licensing deal with Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V.

The termination reportedly stemmed from a commercial dispute. Before it, Indofood produced the snacks through its joint venture with Fritolay, PT Indofood Fritolay Makmur (IFL). In February 2021, ICBP acquired Frito-Lay’s remaining 49% stake in IFL for Rp494 billion, dissolving the partnership. The expired agreement prohibited Fritolay and its affiliates from producing the brands locally.

In 2023, Reuters reported that PepsiCo had begun constructing a snack factory in West Java, marking its return to Indonesia following the 2021 split. The facility, part of PepsiCo’s $200 million investment commitment over 10 years, is slated to begin snack production by 2025.

Philippines – Cadbury teamed up with Ogilvy Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore for a Valentine’s Day campaign celebrating the beautifully imperfect nature of real love.

Cadbury’s campaign highlights how the most meaningful love stories often defy clichés and expectations. It embraces the complexities of real relationships—from the rollercoaster of emotions and differing tastes to shared vulnerabilities and steadfast support through life’s ups and downs.

The campaign features a film depicting a couple embracing their imperfections and celebrating the unique differences that strengthen their bond.

Alongside the campaign film, Ogilvy, in collaboration with Bulletproof, has introduced a limited-edition split-heart package design for the campaign. The design, which symbolises two halves of a whole, highlights individuality within relationships, representing contrasting preferences such as music genres and travel destinations.

The packaging visually conveys the campaign’s central message: that love finds harmony in difference, illustrating how two distinct individuals can come together to form a meaningful connection.

The limited-edition Cadbury split-heart packaging was released in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Indonesia – More than half of Glance users in Indonesia plan to increase their shopping budgets this Ramadan, with 50% expecting to spend over Rp 3m and 22% anticipating expenditures exceeding Rp 5m, according to a report by consumer technology company Glance.

Glance’s report also found that nearly 58% of Indonesian shoppers prefer to complete their Ramadan shopping four weeks before the holy month begins. Notably, big-ticket items like jewellery did not top their shopping lists, with consumers prioritising more personal and meaningful purchases.

Reflecting the festive spirit, clothing and accessories emerged as the top shopping category across both online (66%) and offline (61%) channels. Confectionery gifting was also a popular choice in both formats. Among online shoppers, home appliances (38%), beauty products (34%), and gadgets (34%) ranked high in preference, while offline shoppers prioritised groceries for home-cooked meals (53%), home décor (44%), and DIY hobbies (41%).

Glance, known for its smart lock screens, reported that during the 2024 Ramadan period, content related to ‘Mudik’ saw significant engagement, with 917.5 million glances (views) and 27 million taps.

Ramadan recipes also attracted strong interest as families prepared for Suhoor and Iftar, generating 380 million glances and 7 million taps. Stories about Eid traditions received 185.6 million glances and 4.3 million taps, highlighting widespread interest in cultural heritage.

Additionally, gaming recorded 37.9 million plays, while users spent 298 million hours watching video content. Fashion and health-related topics also drew notable engagement.

According to the report, user activity on the Glance smart lock screen platform peaked during the daytime hours leading up to Iftar, as many users spent more time on their mobile devices before breaking their fast. This period saw a notable increase in engagement with gaming—accounting for nearly 65% of users—along with a surge in time spent on OTT platforms, streaming services, and religious apps.

Bikash Chowdhury, chief marketing officer at InMobi and Glance, also stated, “Indonesian consumers are at the forefront of the digital revolution and among the most active mobile internet users in the Asia–Pacific region. They have made ‘glancing’ a massive phenomenon in the country, engaging with content across entertainment, gaming, and trends, while brand marketers tap into this behaviour to connect meaningfully with their audiences. We are excited to see Glance’s growth story continue to unfold in Indonesia in the coming years.”

“Glance has profoundly impacted how Indonesian consumers engage with content during Ramadan, where the platform saw a 30% increase in time spent and a 23% rise in engagement rates. This transformative shift presents marketers with an extraordinary opportunity to connect with an active audience building brand salience through tailored communication during this important period,” said Vasuta Agarwal, chief business officer of consumer and performance advertising at InMobi.

Singapore – In a significant reshuffling of its leadership team, Manulife Asia has announced key strategic changes across its operations in emerging markets, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and its finance division.

As part of the leadership changes, Manulife Asia has appointed Dr. Kah Siang Khoo, currently the CEO of Singapore, as the new CEO of Emerging Markets. In this expanded role, he will oversee operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Dr Khoo, who joined Manulife in 2018, has played a key role in driving growth and enhancing the company’s position in the region. He has also contributed to digital initiatives and new distribution strategies while overseeing a successful bancassurance partnership with DBS. Prior to his new role, Dr. Khoo served as the president of the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.

During the transition, Dr. Khoo will remain CEO of Singapore until he officially hands over the role to Benoit Meslet on June 1. Meslet, who is currently CEO of Japan, will assume the position pending regulatory approval.

Benoit has been with Manulife since 2020, driving four years of core earnings growth, doubling new business value since 2022, and leading a fast-paced digital transformation that boosted customer satisfaction and employee engagement. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Asia’s life insurance sector, he is well-equipped for his new role.

Following this change, Ryan Charland, currently CEO of Indonesia, will succeed Meslet as CEO of Japan, effective May 1, 2025. He will join Meslet in Japan in April to facilitate a smooth transition.

Since taking the helm in 2019, Charland has led Manulife Indonesia to expand its market share and achieve a strong Net Promoter Score. He also launched a new Syariah-compliant company to serve Indonesia’s underpenetrated Muslim population. His extensive experience in product development, distribution, operations, finance, and risk management is expected to support ongoing growth in Manulife Japan.

Meanwhile, Lauren Sulistiawati will succeed Charland as CEO of Indonesia, starting February 24, 2025, pending regulatory approval. She will collaborate closely with Charland to ensure a smooth transition and will report to Dr Khoo.

Sulistiawati joins from Commonwealth Bank, where she led the transition to OCBC while maintaining customer satisfaction. She has held leadership roles in Indonesian and multinational banks, with a focus on transformation, Syariah business, and regional insurance partnerships.

Last on the roster of leadership changes, Adrienne O’Neill, currently global controller and group chief accounting officer, has been appointed Asia chief financial officer, reporting to Colin Simpson, global CFO, and Phil Witherington, president and CEO of Manulife Asia.

O’Neill has been with Manulife for over 17 years, holding various key finance roles, including global controller and group chief accounting officer. She also served as global head of investor relations from 2018 to 2021.

Speaking on the appointments, Witherington said, “These changes showcase the depth and strength of our leadership across Asia and position us to continue delivering high-quality sustainable growth and be the number one choice for customers.”

“We are well on track to achieve our goal of contributing half of Manulife’s core earnings by 2027, and these leaders have consistently executed our strategy. Their leadership in these new roles will help define the next chapter for Manulife Asia,” he added.

Phil Witherington will assume the role of president and CEO of Manulife on May 9, 2025. Until his successor is appointed, members of the Manulife Asia senior leadership team will report directly to him.

Manulife has also announced the departure of Michael Thomssen, chief financial officer for Asia, and Sachin Shah, head of emerging markets. The company thanked both for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Indonesia – PT Lippo General Insurance Tbk (LGI), a general insurance provider in Indonesia, has introduced MyGo+, a telematics-driven mobile app that promotes safer driving habits through real-time data analysis and rewards.

MyGo+ tracks real-time driving data to promote safer habits, rewarding users for responsible driving and supporting Indonesia’s road safety efforts.

The app helps drivers build safer habits by analysing data like distance travelled and acceleration. It generates driving scores, which convert into reward points redeemable for vouchers. Users can also join monthly challenges for extra rewards.

The app is available to all drivers, not just LGI policyholders. Users can also access discounts and benefits when purchasing LGI insurance products.

Ricky Choi, vice president and director of PT Lippo General Insurance Tbk, said, “MyGo+ is a transformative step in blending technology with customer engagement. It promotes safer driving and offers meaningful rewards, benefiting both users and our continuous innovation efforts. This app marks a major milestone in our journey to become a digital leader in the insurance industry, and we look forward to introducing even more innovations in the future.” 

MyGo+ is LGI’s first digital innovation since joining Hanwha Life Insurance in March 2023. Aligned with Hanwha’s vision for digital financial services, the app uses AI and machine learning to improve driving data accuracy, minimising errors from road conditions and network issues.