The process of shipping has become more complicated in business during a time when people want their products yesterday. For some small businesses, trying to branch out to accommodate customers across borders can become far too expensive and prohibitive.
A company called Andalin vows to help Indonesian small businesses deal with a simpler import and export logistics process. Founded by CEO Rifki Pratomo, the company has its base in Indonesia, and is one of the most promising Graduates of the Jakarta Founder Institute.
What will Andalin do to help businesses in Indonesia? Recently, they won a prize at the Tech in Asia Jakarta Arena Pitch Battle, setting them up for further expansion.
Solving Indonesia's Logistics Challenges
Recent reports from Indonesia show logistics have become an ongoing issue for small businesses in the region. Bad roads and general road congestion are the most typical issues. Limited railway services also don't help.
When it come to exporting, it's just as challenging. It's constantly plagued with high costs and uncertainty about when something arrives to its destination.
This is what persuaded Rifki Pratomo to start Andalin as a way to simplify the import-export processes.
For Pratomo, some of his background working with supply chains reinforced his experience.
Rifki Pratomo's Prior Roles
Rifki received his education at Carnegie Mellon University, but many of his first career pursuits were in his native Indonesia. This started in a graduate program at Maybank Indonesia. He soon moved into the role of investment banking manager at the same company.
Later, he worked as a lubricants supply chain manager at Shell, giving him experience on how supply chains work. This transitioned to strategic planning manager at Sea (Garena).
By 2016, Rifki started Andalin, making it a very young company at the time of this writing. However, when you see how well-designed their app is, you'll understand their growth potential.
How Does the Andalin App Work?
Visit the Andalin website and you'll see how simplified they've made their logistics service. First, you need to register to do freight forward exporting or importing.
The box on the left lets you sign up for the export-import option, and the box on the right lets you create an export-import license.
All of it creates a one-stop website that takes care of logistics in minutes rather than going through complex procedures. Their attention to micro and small businesses in Indonesia only benefits business owners there who continually find roadblocks to growth.
It's a concept other countries could use as well, and Rifki's company has a chance to expand thanks to numerous financial windfalls.
Recent Funding for Andalin
The Tech in Asia Pitch Battle prize in Jakarta netted Andalin S$5,000, or $3,600 in American dollars. It's not the only money they've won either. Telecommunications operator Indosat Ooredoo chose three startups through their Ideabox program and handed out a $150,000 investment to all. Andalin was one of the three.
With investments like this, the company continues gaining the capital they need to become a global leader. They have no competition other than logistics companies in the Jakarta region that cost more.
The Future of Andalin
As noted on Tech in Asia, the company has only 2-10 employees, so they're essentially a micro business themselves.
They do have major aspirations to take Indonesian businesses to new plateaus. To quote the company itself on Tech in Asia:
At Andalin, we strive to democratize import and export service for local businesses. It is our core passion to transform these local businesses into global business players, regardless of their size. We don't merely make products or solutions, but we make meaning."
