Diego Perdana – Product Manager Portofolio

As a seasoned product manager with over 7 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working in various industries in Indonesia. With its massive population and growing economy, Indonesia presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for product managers. In this article, I’ll share my insights on what it’s like to become a product manager in Indonesia, specifically targeting fresh graduates, those shifting careers, and foreigners joining companies in Indonesia.

Opportunities for Product Managers in Indonesia

Indonesia offers many opportunities for product managers, including:

1. Growing Economy: Indonesia’s economy is growing rapidly, creating a demand for innovative products and services.
2. Large Market: With a population of over 270 million, Indonesia presents a vast market for product managers to tap into.
3. Diverse Industries: Indonesia has a diverse range of industries, from e-commerce to fintech, offering a wide range of opportunities for product managers.
4. Talent Pool: Indonesia has a large pool of talented professionals, including fresh graduates and experienced professionals looking to shift careers.

Challenges of Being a Product Manager in Indonesia

As a product manager in Indonesia, you’ll face unique challenges such as:

1. Cultural Differences: Understanding and adapting to local cultural norms and customs.
2. Language Barriers: Communicating effectively with teams and stakeholders who may not speak English as their primary language. Majority of Indonesia people can speak and understand English but if we go to tier 2 or tier 3 cities, its need Bahasa language to speak to the customers.
3. Market Complexity: Navigating the complexities of the Indonesian market, including regulatory requirements and competition.
4. Limited Resources: Managing with limited resources, including budget constraints and limited access to technology.
5. Creating a Paid Product for Consumers Facing: Creating a product for consumers facing, such as a subscription-based service or a seamless B2B SaaS, can be challenging due to the following reasons:
   • Buying Power: Consumers in Indonesia often have limited buying power, making it difficult to create a product that is both affordable and profitable.
   • Regulatory Requirements: Creating a product that complies with Indonesian regulations can be challenging, especially in industries such as fintech.
6. Creating a Fintech in Indonesia: Creating a fintech in Indonesia can be challenging due to the following reasons:
   • Regulatory Requirements: Indonesia has strict regulations governing the fintech industry, making it difficult to create a product that complies with these regulations.
   • Competition: The fintech industry in Indonesia is highly competitive, with many established players. For example in if you want to create a Card issuance startup, you will required bank license.
   • Limited Infrastructure: Indonesia’s infrastructure is still developing, making it difficult to create a fintech product that can effectively serve the needs of consumers.

Conclusion

Becoming a product manager in Indonesia requires a unique blend of skills, qualities, and adaptability. While there are challenges to navigate, the opportunities are vast and exciting. If you’re considering a career in product management in Indonesia, I encourage you to take the leap and join the growing community of product managers in this vibrant and dynamic market.

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