Indonesia, 27 October 2021 - Celebrating Hari Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge Day) on 28 October 2021, Indonesian technology company Tokopedia shares an inspiring story of Surabaya MSMEs ‘Revolt Industry’ led by five young people, one of whom is Agung Dwi Kurnianto (31).
After graduating from college, Agung and his colleagues started a leather craft business such as wallets and bags from a small garage. “With minimal capital, the five of us were self-taught, from sewing, managing a team, business and finance. All from the internet,” explained Agung.
In mid-2014, Revolt Industry was officially established. “Revolt can be interpreted as a struggle, resistance or rebellion to rise, while the word Industry symbolizes something that is constantly moving,” said Agung.
“Our business is a relentless struggle to raise local products so that we can rise together because local MSMEs are the driving force of the national economy,” added Agung.
Revolt Industry first marketed its products through an event in Surabaya. Their sales exploded after participating in the event, but at the end of 2014, their homebase burned down in 15 minutes.
“Finally, we started again from zero—from minus, even. First step we took was renting a lease. Then, we experienced floods, robberies and many other challenges, but as long as there is hope, we will continue the struggle,” said Agung.
Now Revolt Industry is able to employ 40 employees. The pandemic then became a blow in itself. Their turnover fell by 80%.
“We racked our brains so that the minimum operational costs can be covered and there is no need to reduce employees. The best defense is to attack,” said Agung.
Revolt Industry finally attacked by opening its first gallery store after seven years and by continuing to innovate through product design, shaping the mentality of the team to campaigns - for example the 'Play Role Campaign' to invite people to help the economic recovery affected by the pandemic by using local products - though not taking any profit.
“The most important thing is how we respond, not only blaming the situation, but what we can do for ourselves and those around us. We donated 10% of the sales to foundations and participated in actions in Surabaya and its surroundings to help starving people,” added Agung.
Digital platforms like Tokopedia are Revolt Industry’s hope to survive, especially during the pandemic. Tokopedia, according to Agung, makes it very easy to manage a business, “Only from the front of the laptop, we can decorate the store, adjust the opening and closing of the store, stock, and analyze the market.”
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About Tokopedia
Tokopedia, as an Indonesian technology company, has a mission to democratize commerce through technology. Tokopedia’s vision is to build a Super Ecosystem where anyone can start and discover anything. To this day, Tokopedia has empowered millions of merchants and users across the marketplace and digital goods, financial technology and payment, logistics and fulfillment, including Mitra Tokopedia.
Media Contact
PR Team Tokopedia | pr@tokopedia.com