"Work Together" Welcoming the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia

The tagline for the independence anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia this year is “Joint Work”. A word that should be done by the Indonesian people now. Working together with their respective expertise to bring Indonesia's glory. The tagline “Work Together” in other contexts can also be said as collaboration. Something that has been done by many startups in Indonesia. Together we try to improve the condition of Indonesia using digital technology.

In the midst of the heated political climate in Indonesia since the last three years, many Indonesians are also trying to do their best in their fields to try to do what is best for the Indonesian nation. Many startups have sprung up, many solutions are offered. The transformation to the digital realm has more or less changed the behavior and conditions in various sectors. Many solutions offered by startups bring positive changes, both for society and the industry itself.

Transportation

We used to know ojek as one of the alternative modes of transportation that we could rely on when traffic jams. Although it is not recognized by the state through official regulations, the presence of ojek transportation is quite helpful for the community to break up congestion or just to enter small alleys that are not accessible by other public transportation.

Everything changed when Go-Jek started to launch a mobile application. The startup with its characteristic green color has gradually transformed the function of the “ojek taxi driver”, which was originally just hanging around but now can be asked to pick up. What used to be just taking people was now being asked to buy food or deliver goods. Up to this point, the introduction of the new benefits of ojek by Go-Jek brought a number of changes. Fortune for "motorcycle taxi drivers" and comfort for its users.

[Also read: List of Startup Providers of On-Demand Services from Indonesia]

So far, Go-Jek is not alone in the transportation sector. Its presence, which is considered quite successful, has inspired many similar services to appear in the regions. Their presence is actually not only a matter of competition, but also how to solve transportation problems in various regions.

E-commerce

Buying and selling online is a new trend in Indonesian society. With the widespread use of the internet and social media, people are getting used to doing transactions with people they meet in the “digital world”. This habit has finally been perfected by startups such as Tokopedia and Bukalapak. Two of the most popular e-commerce marketplace sites in Indonesia today.

Both of them provide "online stalls" for the public to make it easier for them to sell and buy. Transaction security guarantees become a strong foundation until it has finally come this far.

Tokopedia, Bukalapak and a number of other e-commerce services play a role in advancing the Indonesian MSME industry. Not only with the services they offer but also the MSME and community training they develop.

The presence of Tokopedia and Bukalapak helps many small and medium traders to expand their marketing reach. Previously, they could only be found in certain cities, even in the midst of the bustle of the market or in a series of kiosks in shops, now they can be found easily at Tokopedia and Bukalapak stalls. The chance to be found is bigger, the transaction opportunity is also getting bigger.

Startups with a marketplace concept open up wider competition, letting them fight with the quality of service and price offered. It's no longer a strategic store location or a larger kiosk area.

On the other hand, it is easier for users to find the things they are looking for. No need to heat up and spend a lot of time on the weekends. Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and many other e-commerce sites have started to change the culture of the Indonesian people in shopping.

The spread of online shopping culture has also triggered other parties to clean up. Among them are payment solutions and inter-logistics services that are starting to improve their respective services with a number of features that suit today's needs.

Education

Two main problems of education in Indonesia that are still being discussed are the distribution of quality teachers and infrastructure. In the education sector, the digital solutions offered by startups are no less great.

Presence of startups and digital solutions such as Ruangguru make it easier for people to access subject matter and bring students closer to teachers. On the other hand, Ruangguru can also be a means for teachers to develop achievement, improve teaching quality, and include providing additional income.

apart Ruangguru, startups such as Kelase and KelasKita also provide technology solutions for the world of education. The difference between Kelase and KelasKita provides solutions for virtual classrooms. Trying to form a culture of learning from a distance.

[Also read: List of Indonesian Startups in Education]

Agriculture and livestock

The solutions brought by startups are not only enjoyed by those who live in big cities. In the agricultural and livestock sectors, the same thing applies. In fact, the solutions offered by startups targeting this sector are complex.

The names of agriculture and livestock startups, such as iGrow, TaniHub, Etanee, Crowde, Angon, BantuTernak and others provide various forms of solutions, but they are varied. It all boils down to the welfare of farmers and ranchers.

[Also read: List of Indonesian Startups in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock]

Most of the concepts promoted by agricultural and livestock startups are opening up access to capital. Helping people in cities to invest in rural areas where there are still plenty of farmland and livestock available.

More complex solutions are also widely available. Such as providing assistance and also helping to sell agricultural and livestock products through digital services. Cut the conventional distribution chain which is considered detrimental to farmers and ranchers.

Not quite here yet

In the real sector, including some of the sectors mentioned above, in fact there are still many problems that can be handled. For example, in the agro sector, food shortages often occur, which is caused by an unhealthy food chain. Likewise in other sectors, such as transportation, problems regarding illegal fees or brokers can actually be solved by presenting a system that emphasizes transparency.

The main capital of an innovation is solving a problem. This momentum can be used as a trigger for the spirit to continue to innovate. It is hoped that those who still care about Indonesia's progress can use technology to "work together" to build the nation.