When Startup Activists Work in Government and Corporations

In mid-June, the startup world was marked by the entry of Bukalapak's Co-Founder, Fajrin Rasyid, to become one of the Directors of Telkom Group. He left the position of President of Bukalapak and became Director of Digital Business replacing Faizal R. Djoemadi.

Besides Fajrin, Co-Founder Gojek Nadiem Makarim has also abandoned his title at startup and served as Minister of Education and Culture.

DailySocial tries to explore more deeply, what causes startup activists to be chosen as officials in strategic positions of government and large corporations -- and how they are expected to have an impact.

Persistent and relevant

Accustomed to a culture full of innovation, agile, and minimal bureaucracy, the transfer of startup activists to corporations and government requires quite a challenging adaptation. They have to adjust to various uploads and compliance with aspects of government.

According to Johnny Widodo, CEO of OLX Autos who previously worked in a corporation, the problem of bureaucracy in a corporation is something that is difficult to avoid.

They may not immediately make drastic changes. There is a process to go through. ideal get buy-in, focus on quick wins and try to gain trust from stakeholders other.

"So focus on high impact less effort first. If it's been proven track record [its success], will be made easier and supported for more radical implementations. In this case, I see that both Nadiem and Fajrin have mature because their previous startup is now like a corporation in size," said Johnny.

Meanwhile, according to CTO Dana Norman Sasono, who has worked for 7 years at Microsoft Indonesia, SOEs and corporations that want to remain relevant need to place people who have the experience, initiative, and culture that agile to help the company.

The selection of startup actors is a strategic step to realize the long-term plan.

"Big corporate the majority is non-digital native. To be able survive and stay relevant in today's world, they need to do digital transformations. Is it for simple things like automating/digitizing business processes, build a delivery channel of existing non-digital products/services, or creating new digital business models," said Norman.

On the other hand, according to Norman, most startup founders are digital native. Corporations need not only input and advice, but also the right way to execute the vision to realize digital transformation.

Merging culture

Although it will be a challenge to implement a startup culture, according to Johnny, in the end, the success of this acculturation will give a breath of fresh air. This change was not made alone. There must be solid support from other stakeholders.

"This is where the key to success is to be able to make high impact through buy-in for the implementation of stakeholders which exists. Bureaucratic changes and should be able to do after studying the situation and the reasons why it exists. So can't play cups old knowledge and just play with it because every problem has a unique situation," said Johnny.

Telunjuk CEO Hanindia Narendrata, who previously worked at Indosat Ooredoo, saw that the experience of the founders of technology startups could help and provide impact to corporations and governments.

"Gojek and Bukalapak certainly has advantages and experience in terms of disruption and agility. The ability of Nadiem and Fajrin to synergize these advantages is the key. So that these advantages can make Telkom and the Ministry of Education provide impact which is even bigger for the community," said Hanindia.

In addition to adjusting their respective strengths and abilities, it is important for startups who turn to corporations to establish positive collaborations with colleagues. According to Norman, this is a distinct advantage, because previously startup players were used to having direct interactions with various levels and did not hesitate to talk to all.

"The ultimate goal is to achieve success in the digital world faster. But to be able to achieve this process, startup actors who then enter corporations and government must be equipped with the authority and space to develop as well as support from various parties in new places to be able to create and execute innovations. new," said Norman.

Give them more trust and confidence so they can prove their ability to improve and improve the existing system for the better.

"I think [the government] brought Nadiem and Fajrin toinstall value agility and control digital transformation. Back again in my opinion, Nadiem and Fajrin's ability to adapt and synergize becomes an interesting thing for us to wait for," said Hanindia.