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Tag: bali

  • Birkenstock Opens First Indonesian Concept Store in Bali with 180-Sqm Community Hub

    Birkenstock Opens First Indonesian Concept Store in Bali with 180-Sqm Community Hub

    Birkenstock opened its first standalone concept store in Indonesia on September 10, adding a two-storey, 180-square-metre community space in Ubud, Bali.

    The location takes the German footwear brand into direct retail in Southeast Asia’s largest consumer market after years of selling exclusively through local department stores.

    Balinese Architecture and Premium Footwear

    Architect Yoka Sara designed the Ubud property around traditional Balinese residential layouts, using the concept of ‘Umah’, the local word for home. Sara placed the store entrance around a kitchen layout, reflecting the traditional first room entered in a Balinese house.

    Retail space on the upper floor carries Birkenstock’s higher-margin 1774 line alongside an exhibition detailing shoe assembly methods and raw materials. Adjoining the sales floor, the two-level community hub hosts sound healing sessions, yoga classes, and craft workshops run by local practitioners.

    We want to strengthen our presence in strategic markets while staying true to what defines us; creating experiences that are relevant to the places and communities we become part of.

    Direct Retail Over Wholesale Shelves

    Choosing Ubud over Jakarta shifts Birkenstock’s commercial entry point away from high-traffic Indonesian shopping malls. Bali gives the footwear maker direct access to international tourist footfall and resident expatriates who already know the brand, keeping customer acquisition costs lower than a ground-up push in the capital.

    The format also protects pricing power. Selling premium lines like the 1774 collection inside department stores limits brand control and exposes inventory to concession discounting, whereas a dedicated venue allows Birkenstock to sell full-price stock alongside experiential programming.

    Regional Expansion Track

    Direct store rollouts across Asia-Pacific have accelerated following Birkenstock’s flagship opening in Tokyo’s Shibuya district in July 2026. The shift reflects a wider push across the region to convert third-party wholesale accounts into owned mono-brand flagships in primary resort and metropolitan locations.

    Store traffic metrics from Ubud will determine whether Birkenstock expands the standalone concept into Jakarta and Surabaya mall developments later in the financial year.

  • Eastern Communications Targets Regional Enterprise Deals at BATIC 2026

    Eastern Communications Targets Regional Enterprise Deals at BATIC 2026

    Eastern Communications pitched its enterprise connectivity portfolio to regional partners at the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference in Nusa Dua, Indonesia, seeking cross-border deals across Southeast Asia. The four-day summit brought together regional operators and digital infrastructure providers to negotiate wholesale bandwidth, enterprise links, and cloud interconnects.

    The push comes as Philippine telecommunications operators prepare more than USD 2.2 billion in capital expenditures for 2026 network upgrades. Eastern Communications, which is approaching its 150th year of operations, wants to capture more corporate traffic flowing between Manila and regional hubs like Singapore and Jakarta.

    Enterprise Focus in Bali

    Company co-coordinators Atty. Aileen Regio and Jaeson Evangelista led discussions at the Bali International Convention Center from August 25 to 28. Management focused talks on international enterprise clients that require dedicated bandwidth and cross-border connectivity across the Philippine archipelago.

    “Technology may connect the world, but it is people who make those connections meaningful,” Regio said, pitching the company’s customer support and service model to international carriers looking for local landing partners.

    Regional Wholesale Traffic

    Competition for regional enterprise traffic has intensified across Southeast Asia as businesses digitize supply chains and shift workloads to distributed data centres. Philippine carriers are actively securing bilateral agreements with regional telcos to defend enterprise margins against domestic rivals and international network providers.

    Eastern Communications plans to roll out additional enterprise data products and international partner links before the end of the year.

  • Indosat’s AI-Driven Shield: Blocking 200 Million Spam & Scam Contacts in 90 Days!

    Indosat’s AI-Driven Shield: Blocking 200 Million Spam & Scam Contacts in 90 Days!

    Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) has announced significant success in the initial months following the launch of its AI-powered Anti-Spam and Anti-Scam feature. Just three months after its introduction, the feature has blocked hundreds of millions of potential digital fraud attempts. Launched on August 7, 2025, the tool has intercepted more than 200 million potentially harmful calls, flagged over 90 million dubious messages, and safeguarded an average of 11.5 million customers per month from possible scams.

    Artificial Intelligence Meets 5G

    This anti-fraud feature is a key component of Indosat’s AIvolusi5G program, an initiative that combines the power of artificial intelligence with cutting-edge 5G technology to enhance the safety and dependability of the network. This system works automatically on a network level, screening calls and messages for possible fraudulent activities. This does not necessitate the installation of additional applications or the use of specific devices by customers.

    According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance’s 2025 State of Scams in Indonesia report, 66% of Indonesian adults have been the target of scam attempts in the past year, with 14% suffering financial losses totaling IDR 49 trillion (USD 3.3 billion). The majority of these scams have taken place through direct-messaging channels like SMS and chat platforms.

    Impressive Results

    Indosat’s internal data has revealed that the company’s VoLTE network alone has detected over 290 million spam calls. When expanded to encompass Indosat’s entire customer base, this results in more than 500 million identified scam and spam calls and messages within just two and a half months. Additionally, the system has flagged over 145 million spam and scam messages, which includes 110 million confirmed fraudulent messages.

    Bilal Khazmi, Director and Chief Commercial Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, commented on the results, saying: “Our technology is designed to help customers of all age groups navigate the digital world with increased confidence. By offering fast connectivity, accessible products, and robust protection, we remain dedicated to delivering superior digital experiences that connect and empower every Indonesian.”

    While the system has not managed to block all malicious communications, Indosat has noted that its early warning alerts have contributed to reducing financial losses and increasing public awareness of online threats. Customers receive alerts about potentially harmful numbers or messages before they interact with them, enabling them to take preventative measures.

    Indosat’s approach to cybersecurity follows the Zero Trust principle, which emphasizes verification over trust assumptions. This principle forms the foundation of Indosat’s efforts to combine technological safeguards with continuous digital literacy programs.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the AIvolusi5G program?
    The AIvolusi5G program is an initiative by Indosat that merges artificial intelligence with 5G technology to improve the security and reliability of their network.

    What is the primary goal of Indosat’s Anti-Spam and Anti-Scam feature?
    The primary goal of this feature is to protect customers from potential digital fraud attempts by screening calls and messages for suspicious activity.

    How does Indosat’s cybersecurity approach work?
    Indosat follows the Zero Trust principle, prioritizing verification over trust assumptions. This approach underpins their efforts to combine technological safeguards with ongoing digital literacy programs.

  • Road to Batik 2025: Sparking the Future of Digital Innovation in Retail

    Road to Batik 2025: Sparking the Future of Digital Innovation in Retail

    The Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) is set to make waves with its landmark 10th edition, taking place from August 26th to 29th, 2025, at the upscale Bali International Convention Center within the luxurious Westin Resort in Nusa Dua. This year’s theme, ‘Igniting Tomorrow’s Digital Evolution’, encapsulates the industry’s transition from traditional infrastructure to fostering intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystems.

    Where Innovation Meets Connection

    Building on the momentum of last year’s gathering, BATIC 2025 promises to be a nexus for global tech leaders, digital disruptors, and groundbreaking infrastructure innovators, collectively exploring the exciting frontiers of digital evolution. Attendees can expect a rich tapestry of forward-looking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to reimagine how digital infrastructure plays a pivotal role in an increasingly hyperconnected world.

    Expanding Horizons: Beyond Just Connectivity

    This year’s agenda ventures beyond mere cables and cloud services, placing a spotlight on how connectivity serves as a catalyst for innovation across various industries. Key themes include ‘Laying the Digital Foundation,’ which will delve into the essential role of robust and secure networks in enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, streamlining advanced messaging, and elevating next-generation digital experiences. Additionally, ‘Next-Gen Infrastructure: Enabling the Tech Revolution’ will unite top industry minds to discuss the transformative power of next-gen networks in reshaping global connectivity. Not to be overlooked, ‘Unveiling Technology in Shaping Today’s World’ will center on AI, immersive technologies, and other disruptive innovations, promising insights that might just spark the next big idea.

    The Premier Forum for Shaping Digital Futures

    BATIC 2025 will not just be another conference; it’s poised to be the premier platform for dialogue and collaboration in the digital sphere. With its inclusive and engaging environment, the event encourages industry leaders to forge connections, build partnerships, and ultimately shape the future of global connectivity. It’s the place where ideas will flow as freely as the island’s famous cocktails—or at least that’s the hope!

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main theme for BATIC 2025?
    The main theme for BATIC 2025 is ‘Igniting Tomorrow’s Digital Evolution,’ focusing on enabling intelligent, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystems.

    Who can attendees expect to meet at BATIC 2025?
    Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with global tech leaders, digital disruptors, and infrastructure innovators, all of whom will explore new phases of digital evolution.

    What are some key topics that will be discussed at the event?
    Key topics will include the critical role of robust networks in AI, the transformation of global connectivity through next-gen infrastructure, and innovations in immersive technology.

  • Line Launches Digital Bank in Indonesia

    Line Launches Digital Bank in Indonesia

    The country – the world’s fourth most populous – is its third overseas market, following launches in Thailand and Taiwan.

    Japan-headquartered mobile and internet services firm Line has launched a digital banking platform in Indonesia in collaboration with Bank KEB Hana Indonesia, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hana Bank, and LINE Financial Asia.

    Line Bank by Hana aims to make banking easier and expand access to financial services in a country that counts one of Southeast Asia’s largest unbanked populations. Its product line includes savings accounts, time deposits, debit cards, and bill payments. Line said it plans to expand the range of products to include loans, partnership loans, and QR payments.

    In Indonesia in particular, due to this market’s unique geographical characteristics, we believe bringing banking services to people’s mobile phones will greatly increase their availability and convenience,» Young Eun Kim, Line Financial Asia CEO, said in an announcement on Friday.

    Founded in 2011 as a messaging app in Japan, Line has since grown into a global ecosystem that includes AI technology, fintech, and more. The company has lay the groundwork in Indonesia since 2018, when it became the second-largest shareholder of Hana Bank Indonesia when it acquired 20 percent of the company through a Share Subscription Agreement.

    Line has its work cut out in the country: it is competing in a crowded market with giants such as Gojek with Bank Jago, Sea Group with Seabank Indonesia, Akulaku with Bank Neo Commerce, and Kredivo.

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  • Bali`s economy grew by 6.24 percent in 2016

    Bali`s economy grew by 6.24 percent in 2016

    Balis economy registered a growth of 6.24 percent in 2016, a 0.20 percent increase as compared to 6.04 percent recorded in the previous year.

    The increase was sustained by a high growth of nine percent registered in the health services and social activities sector.

    “This was followed by an 8.91 percent growth in the education sector as well as a rise of 6.04 percent in the information and communication sector,” Head of the Bali Bureau for Statistics Adi Nugroho stated in Denpasar, Bali, on Monday.

    He further noted that each of the three sectors contributed significantly to the islands economic growth.

    Meanwhile, the highest expenditure came from household expenses, recorded at 48.30 percent in 2016, indicating a 6.69 percent increase as compared to the previous year.

    Balis economy, calculated on the basis of the gross domestic product (GDP), had reached Rp195.38 trillion in 2016 based on the constant price of Rp137.19 trillion and regional GDP recorded at Rp46.52 million.

    Nugroho added that looking at the islands GDP economic structure based on the work fields, it is dominated by three main activities comprising food and beverage provision, at 22.82 percent; agriculture, forestry, and fishery, at 14.74 percent; and transportation and storage, at 9.48 percent.

    The bureaus head stated that Balis economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2016 was noted at 5.47 percent as compared to the same period in 2015 (year-on-year).

    Growth was recorded in almost all sectors except for electricity and gas provision, which experienced a decrease of 1.63 percent.

    The highest growth came from the information and communication sector, at 9.15 percent; followed by finance services, at 9.08 percent; and insurance services, at 8.92 percent.

    Balis economic structure in the fourth quarter of 2016 was still dominated by three sectors comprising accommodation and food services, with 22.52 percent; agriculture, forestry, and fishery, with 15.07 percent; and transportation and storage, with 9.25 percent.

    Compared to the same period in 2015, all three sectors indicated an increase of between three and six percent.

    The main growth contributors were agriculture, forestry, and fishery, with 2.92 percent, and construction, with 1.69 percent, Nugroho noted.

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  • American man in Bali faces death penalty over drugs

    American man in Bali faces death penalty over drugs

    An American citizen, alongside two individuals from Kazakhstan, are potentially facing the death penalty on accusations of drug-related offenses in the popular Indonesian vacation destination of Bali, according to local authorities. The announcement was made on Thursday, underscoring the severity of Indonesia’s narcotics laws, which are among the harshest globally.

    Although Indonesia is known for its stringent penalties for drug-related crimes, including previously executing foreign nationals, the country has maintained a moratorium on capital punishment since 2017.

    American National Arrested

    William Wallace Molyneaux, an American national, was apprehended on May 23, suspected of possession of seven packages containing a total of 99 amphetamine pills, as informed by Bali’s narcotics agency to media representatives in Denpasar, the provincial capital. Molyneaux is facing several charges, including drug distribution, a crime punishable by death.

    Two men from Kazakhstan were also detained in April, purportedly in possession of approximately 49 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The allegations suggest they planned to deliver the drugs as part of a deal. They were charged with drug trafficking, a crime carrying the death penalty as the harshest possible punishment.

    Neither the American nor the Kazakh embassies in Jakarta responded immediately to requests for comments.

    Increasing Drug Cases in Bali

    The narcotics agency shed light on the discovery of 15 drug cases in Bali between April and May, leading to 21 arrests, five of which involved foreign nationals.

    Other significant cases included an Australian man arrested with nearly 200 grams of hashish and 92 grams of THC in Denpasar, and an Indian man apprehended at Bali’s international airport with 488 grams of marijuana in his possession. Both individuals could face lengthy prison sentences.

    This news follows the commencement of the trial of three British nationals on Tuesday. All three are accused of drug smuggling or involvement in a drug deal, potentially leaving them facing the death penalty as well.

    The Indonesian administration under President Prabowo Subianto has recently initiated efforts to repatriate several high-profile prisoners, all convicted for drug offenses, to their home countries. As per the reports from Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, over 90 foreign nationals are currently on death row in the country, with all cases being drug-related.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the consequences of drug-related offenses in Indonesia?
    Indonesia has some of the world’s most stringent narcotics laws. The country imposes severe penalties for drug-related crimes, including death by execution.

    Who are the foreign nationals currently facing drug-related charges in Indonesia?
    William Wallace Molyneaux, an American national, and two men from Kazakhstan are facing charges related to drug possession and distribution. Three British nationals are also on trial for alleged involvement in drug smuggling or deals.

    How many foreign nationals are on death row in Indonesia for drug-related crimes?
    According to the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, over 90 foreigners are on death row in Indonesia, all on drug charges.

  • Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee’s IPO oversubscribed by 200 times

    Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee’s IPO oversubscribed by 200 times

    Indonesian coffee chain Fore Coffee made its trading debut on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), following a heavily oversubscribed initial public offering that attracted more than 114,000 investors.

    The East Ventures-incubated company priced its IPO at US$0.012 (RP188) per share, issuing 1.88 billion new shares to raise approximately $22.3 million (RP353.44 billion) in fresh capital.

    Fore Coffee plans to allocate around 75 percent of the funds to its domestic expansion, with a target of 140 new outlets over the next two years.

    An estimated $3.8 million (RP60 billion) will be invested in launching a new doughnut concept, while the remaining $1.1 million (RP18 billion) will go towards working capital.

    Wilson Cuaca, president and chairman of Fore Coffee, and co-founder and managing partner at East Ventures, said the strong response to the IPO demonstrates the appeal of homegrown startups to public investors.

    “The counter-intuitive decision to proceed with the IPO during the lowest IDX Composite index since the pandemic paid off,” Cuaca said.

    Mandiri Sekuritas and Henan Putihrai Sekuritas acted as joint lead underwriters and intermediaries for the offering.

  • GoTo posts first full-year underlying profit

    GoTo posts first full-year underlying profit

    Indonesia’s biggest tech firm PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia forecast a sharp increase in its underlying earnings for 2025 on Wednesday, and also posted its first ever full-year underlying profit.

    GoTo, which offers ride hailing, food deliveries, logistics and financial services, also forecast a surge in its core earnings, or adjusted EBITDA, the company’s key measure of profitability.

    “We saw a significant increase in our user numbers throughout the year and expect this to continue into 2025,” said Patrick Walujo, GoTo Group CEO.

    The tech firm now expects its adjusted EBITDA for 2025 to be in the range of 1.4 trillion rupiah (US$85.16 million) to 1.6 trillion rupiah.

    It’s a significant increase from GoTo’s underlying profit of 327 billion rupiah for 2024, swinging from a loss of 3.670 trillion rupiah last year.

    The firm’s financial technology segment, whose earnings jumped 70 per cent last year, is expected to expand further in 2025 as the user base for its GoPay app and its loan book grows, the company said.

    GoTo, which is backed by Japan’s SoftBank Group and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, had reportedly been involved in merger talks with Southeast Asian ride-hailing and food delivery company Grab.

    But GoTo said in a filing last month it had not engaged in talks regarding a potential merger with any party, noting media reports involving Grab.

    In an interview with the Financial Times, GoTo CEO Walujo expressed openness to a potential deal.

    “I will always be open to anything that is enhancing our shareholders’ return . . . in the long term,” Walujo said.

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  • Indosat, ZTE Enhance Indonesia’s Connectivity with Advanced Microwave Technology

    Indosat, ZTE Enhance Indonesia’s Connectivity with Advanced Microwave Technology

    Utilizing ZTE’s microwave technology, the partnership aims to provide reliable, high-speed communication to remote islands and rural regions, granting more Indonesians access to IOH’s 4G network.

    Indonesia faces significant challenges in building communication infrastructure due to its rugged terrain and high costs. Traditional wired communication solutions often fall short, leaving many areas disconnected and limiting economic and social growth.

    To address this, Indosat and ZTE have deployed more than 550 ultra-capacity backbone microwave links nationwide, connecting nearly 80% of major cities and remote regions. ZTE’s innovative technology, designed for Indonesia’s specific needs, ensures long-distance, high-capacity transmission, providing previously isolated communities with reliable connectivity.

    Kevin Chen, Sales Director of PT., ZTE Indonesia, said, “ZTE are committed to seizing strategic opportunities in digitalization, intelligence, and low-carbon development. ZTE microwave backbone connects ZTE, IOH, and Indonesian residents together, [and] will explore more new possibilities in communication ways, contributing to the digital economic growth of Indonesia and the global community.”

    The solution incorporates advanced features tailored to Indonesia’s environmental conditions. ZTE’s multi-frequency Ultra Broadband Antennas (UBA) facilitate flexible frequency selection, reducing infrastructure costs. Customized branching units enhance efficiency and performance, while durable equipment withstands harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, and corrosion.

    Additionally, the integration of 4T4R modem boards and energy-saving technology ensures rapid deployment with minimal resources. The system’s scalable design supports future upgrades, enabling up to eight times the capacity and extended coverage to new areas.

    Indosat’s subscriber base has seen substantial growth, especially in remote regions, due to a strategic initiative that has expanded backhaul capacity in areas like Sumatra and Kalimantan to 2-3 Gbps, with peak speeds reaching up to 6 Gbps. This improved connectivity enables residents to access real-time information, online education, and digital entertainment seamlessly. Moreover, the initiative has spurred local economic development by generating employment opportunities, enhancing tourism, and encouraging knowledge exchange, while also driving progress in healthcare and education.

    Indosat and ZTE plan to strengthen their partnership to expand network coverage across Indonesia, focusing on improved communication infrastructure. Their joint efforts aim to enhance product capabilities, lower costs, and deliver innovative solutions to empower Indonesians in the digital age.

    Desmond Cheung, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, commented, “This partnership with ZTE reflects our dedication to connecting communities across the nation, regardless of geographic challenges. By deploying advanced technology, we are not only improving digital experience but also unlocking opportunities for economic and social progress, creating a brighter digital future for Indonesia.”

  • Indonesia to investigate Batik Air after pilots fall asleep mid-flight for 28 minutes

    Indonesia to investigate Batik Air after pilots fall asleep mid-flight for 28 minutes

    Indonesia’s transport ministry said Saturday it would open a probe into local airline Batik Air after two of its pilots were found to have fallen asleep during a recent flight.

    A pilot and co-pilot were simultaneously asleep for approximately 28 minutes during a flight from South East Sulawesi to the capital Jakarta on January 25, a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) said.

    The incident resulted in a series of navigation errors, but the Airbus A320’s 153 passengers and four flight attendants were unharmed during the two-hour-and-35-minute flight.

    The transport ministry “strongly reprimands” Batik Air over the incident, air transport director-general M. Kristi Endah Murni said, calling on airlines to pay more attention to their air crew’s rest time.

    “We will carry out an investigation and review of the night flight operation in Indonesia related with Fatigue Risk Management for Batik Air and all flight operators,” Kristi said in a statement.

    Batik Air said in a statement on Saturday that it “operates with adequate rest policy” and that it was “committed to implement all safety recommendations”.

    The pilots involved in the January 25 incident had been temporarily suspended, the statement added.

    The KNKT report, seen by AFP on Friday, was uploaded to the agency’s website in late February.

    One of the pilots had not rested adequately on the night before the flight, according to the report.

    About half an hour after the plane took off, the captain asked permission from his second-in-command to rest for a while, with the request being granted.

    The co-pilot then took over command of the aircraft, but also inadvertently fell asleep, the report said.

    “The second-in-command had one-month twin babies. His wife took care of the babies and he assisted while at home,” the report said.

    A few minutes after the last recorded transmission by the co-pilot, the area control center in Jakarta tried to contact the aircraft. It received no answer.

    Twenty-eight minutes after the last recorded transmission, the pilot woke up and realized his co-pilot was asleep and that the aircraft was not on the correct flight path.

    He immediately woke his colleague up, responded to the calls from Jakarta and corrected the flight path, the report said.

    The plane landed safely after the incident. Investigators did not identify the pilots, but said they were both Indonesians and were aged 32 and 28.

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  • Indonesia’s GoTo in talks with TikTok over potential e-commerce partnership

    Indonesia’s GoTo in talks with TikTok over potential e-commerce partnership

    Indonesia’s biggest tech firm GoTo Gojek Tokopedia said on Friday it was in talks with short video app TikTok over a potential e-commerce partnership in the Southeast Asian country.

    No final deal has been reached, GoTo added in a statement. The company also said the discussions did not include a takeover plan or any sale of more than 50 per cent of its shares to any party.

    Indonesia in October banned online shopping on social media platforms to protect smaller merchants and users’ data, after which TikTok had to close its e-commerce service TikTok Shop. TikTok has 125 million users in the country.

    Indonesia’s small and medium enterprises minister Teten Masduki told Reuters in November that TikTok had spoken to five companies including GoTo, Bukalapak.com and Blibli about possible partnership.

    Bloomberg earlier this week said TikTok had struck an agreement to invest in a unit of GoTo, citing people familiar with the matter.

    Indonesia’s e-commerce market is expected to grow to around $160 billion by 2030 from $62 billion this year, according to a report on Southeast Asia’s internet economy by Google, Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings and consultancy Bain & Co.

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  • Electronic retailer Mobile World grows revenues in Indonesia

    Electronic retailer Mobile World grows revenues in Indonesia

    Erablue, the electronics retail chain of The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World ) in Indonesia, has increased its monthly sales to VND30 billion from VND17.5 billion (US$0.7 million) in the latter part of 2022.

    With five stores, it reported monthly revenues of VND25 billion ($1.05 million) in the first half of this year.

    The VND5 billion ($0.2 million) per store represents higher sales than in Vietnam, Doan Van Hieu Em, CEO of two of the country’s leading electronics retailers, The Gioi Di Dong and Dien May Xanh, said. The latter also sells home appliances.

    While the amount is only equivalent to 0.5% of that of a Dien May Xanh store, it is enough to achieve positive EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization), he noted.

    Erablue is a joint venture between The Gioi Di Dong and Erafone Artha Retailindo, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s largest technology product retailer.

    It opened its first store in Jarkata late last year before expanding to Tangerang, an area considered a new economic driver.

    Erablue, which opened its sixth store this month, targets 25 more by the end of this year, halving the plan it made at the beginning of the year.

    Em said it is very hard to find showroom-sized properties in Indonesia, and the joint venture has to rent five to seven adjacent buildings and turn them into a big enough place for an Erablue store.

    But the potential of Indonesia’s electronics market is double or even triple that of Vietnam, he added.

    The Vietnamese electronics retailer has determined that sales and after-sales services, especially delivery and installation, will be a strong point of Erablue stores.

  • Indonesian Based Apparel Startup Claude sewn the Seed in Funding

    Indonesian Based Apparel Startup Claude sewn the Seed in Funding

    The fast growing direct-to-consumer apparel company, Claude, that aims to be everyone’s go to brand for going shopping has just announced the closing of its seed round.

    This independent brand that introduces relevant elevated looks has been busy stealing the hearts of the global market, stepping out from the comfort zone of domestic base and successfully penetrate international waters, from Southeast Asia, to Europe, to the United States. Suspected to be one of the first brands from Indonesia that are daring to be global and succeeded. “In this globalized world where technology enables us to cross-border real-time, becoming global immediately enhances your total addressable market hundred times over while simultaneously strengthening the strong brand equity we carefully preserve”, Co-Founder and CEO Tommy Budihardjo says.

    Revolutionary in its business model, Claude uses micro-batches system for new designs and produces more only after the demand is proven, hence minimizing waste while enhancing the speed in offering of new designs. Combined with its own real-time analysis, Claude understand the customers’ behaviour and taste real time and therefore can adapt instantly. “Apparel industry is one of the biggest contributor of waste – especially due to unsold stock – the industry is overdue for a change, and we are happy to lead the charge with our business model that successfully cut finished goods waste by 90% and maximize the revenue and profitability at the same time”, the CEO stated.

    Claude’s latest round will be used to enhance current product offerings and strengthen the market it has already penetrated. The fund was led by one of the early-backers of Tokopedia and Kakao Corp, CyberAgent Capital and supported by the family office Prima Fund I. “Indonesia is one of the largest consumer retail markets in the world. With Claude’s strong brand value along with the experiences brought by the management team, we believe that the company could bring its unique value propositions and be well-accepted by the huge Indonesian and SEA apparel markets.”, says Nobuaki Kitagawa, Managing Director of CyberAgent Capital, Inc.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is set to mount flights to the Ilocos Norte capital of Laoag starting May 22, making it the 35th domestic destination in the airline’s network.

    Cebu Pacific said flights from Manila to Laoag will be daily, as the airline seeks to tap travelers seeking to explore the Ilocos region.

    “Laoag plays a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich history and culture, and we are excited to finally be able to bring more Juans to this beautiful city,” President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

    “We hope the launch of the Laoag route will encourage more people to travel and experience the Ilocos region,” he added.

    The carrier reported a P14-billion net loss in 2022, marking an improvement from the P24.9-billion net loss incurred in the previous year as it cut its operating loss by about half to P11.4 billion.

    The company is set to add 11 more aircraft to its fleet this 2023, seeking to return to profitability within the first quarter of the year.

    Shares in Cebu Air Inc., which operates the carrier, were trading up by P0.05 or 0.12% at P41.70 apiece as of 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday.

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