Keroyokan Bangun ‘Padepokan Unicorn’ - Jockie Heruseon | Endgame #115

TL;DR

Jockie Heruseon discusses Telkomsel's role in fostering digital innovation.

Transcript

GITA WIRJAWAN: Hello friends, today we have Jockie Heruseon, VP at Telkomsel who take care of business development and innovation. Jockie, thank you very much. JOCKIE HERUSEON: Thank you, Sir, for inviting me here and for receiving me here; it's a pleasure to meet you. - You're welcome, tell us about your life journey, you were born in North Sumatr... Read More

Key Insights

• Jockie Heruseon's unique background as a Javanese born in Sumatra highlights cultural diversity in Indonesia. Despite his Javanese name, he cannot speak Batak, showcasing the complexity of cultural identity.
• Jockie emphasizes the importance of early education and a competitive spirit, instilled by his mother, which laid the foundation for his academic success and career in digital innovation.
• Telkomsel's digital transformation is driven by the need to stay relevant amidst growing competition from digital platforms like WhatsApp, which have impacted traditional telco services.
• Telkomsel is fostering innovation through programs like Polaris, encouraging employees to develop a founder mentality and incubating their ideas with financial and technical support.
• The shift from focusing on GMV to profitability is reshaping startup strategies, with Telkomsel supporting this transition through its venture builder and investment initiatives.
• Telkomsel's T-Connext program bridges startups with investors and stakeholders, facilitating access to capital and resources, and helping them overcome barriers like language and market entry.
• Jockie highlights the potential for Telkomsel to support education through initiatives like Skul.id, which connects schools with digital resources and educational startups.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift within Telkomsel towards impact-driven work, ensuring that the company remains relevant and contributes positively to society.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Jockie Heruseon's background?

Jockie Heruseon was born in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with a culturally diverse background. Despite his Javanese name, he grew up in a Batak region but cannot speak Batak. His early education was heavily influenced by his mother, who instilled a strong competitive spirit in him, contributing to his academic success and career in digital innovation.

Q: How does Telkomsel approach digital transformation?

Telkomsel's digital transformation is driven by the need to remain competitive in a market increasingly dominated by digital platforms. The company is expanding its digital product offerings while maintaining its core telco services. Telkomsel is also fostering innovation internally through programs like Polaris, which encourages employees to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and supports their ideas with financial and technical resources.

Q: What is the Polaris program at Telkomsel?

The Polaris program at Telkomsel is an initiative designed to foster innovation within the company. It consists of three sub-programs: Polaris Founder, which identifies employees with entrepreneurial potential; Polaris Ideation, which encourages idea generation; and Polaris Incubation, which provides support and resources to develop these ideas into viable projects. The program aims to cultivate a founder mentality among employees and support the creation of new digital solutions.

Q: How does Telkomsel support startups?

Telkomsel supports startups through its T-Connext program, which connects them with investors and stakeholders, providing access to capital and resources. The program also offers mentorship and training to help startups overcome challenges like language barriers and market entry. Telkomsel's ecosystem includes venture builder initiatives and investment arms like TMI, which invest in promising startups to foster growth and innovation.

Q: What is the shift from GMV to profitability in startups?

The shift from focusing on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) to profitability reflects a changing landscape in the startup ecosystem. Investors and companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainable business models that demonstrate profitability rather than just growth in GMV. This shift presents challenges, especially for early-stage startups, but it also aligns with a more realistic and sustainable approach to business development.

Q: How does Telkomsel contribute to education?

Telkomsel contributes to education through initiatives like Skul.id, which provides schools with digital resources and connects them with educational startups. The platform aims to improve educational outcomes by offering better management tools and access to quality content. Telkomsel's involvement in education is part of its broader commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

Q: What is Telkomsel's vision for the future?

Telkomsel's vision for the future involves building a digital ecosystem that remains relevant and impactful. The company aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that its workforce is equipped with the skills and mindset needed to drive positive change. Telkomsel is focused on expanding its digital products and collaborating with external innovators to create a sustainable and inclusive digital future.

Q: How does Telkomsel address sustainability and social impact?

Telkomsel addresses sustainability and social impact through its CSR initiatives, which include programs like Indonesia Next and NextDev. These programs provide funding and support to develop digital talent and social impact projects. Telkomsel's focus on sustainability is integrated into its business strategy, aiming to create meaningful impacts for customers and society while maintaining business growth and relevance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jockie Heruseon shares his life journey from a village in North Sumatra to becoming VP at Telkomsel, emphasizing the role of early education and cultural diversity in shaping his career. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the digital transformation of Telkomsel.

• Telkomsel is actively fostering innovation through programs like Polaris and T-Connext, which support employees and startups in developing digital solutions. The company is adapting to market changes by focusing on profitability and expanding its digital ecosystem.

• Jockie highlights the importance of talent and culture in Telkomsel's future, emphasizing the need for impact-driven work and collaboration with external innovators. He envisions a bright future for Telkomsel and the digital ecosystem in Indonesia, driven by education and inclusive access to resources.