Durian Dreaming

Neha Gupta

Introducing Durian Dreaming – a podcast that delves into the dynamic world of doing business in Indonesia, one of the most vibrant and rapidly evolving markets in the world. Join us as we sit down with leading luminaries from the business, corporate, and startup landscapes to uncover the opportunities and challenges of navigating Indonesia’s unique ecosystem. Each episode offers inspiring career stories, valuable insights, and strategies for building impactful businesses in this exciting region. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or an aspiring professional, Durian Dreaming is your gateway

  1. #028 TH Kim, President Director of Lotte Grosir and Lotte Mart Indonesia

    29/10/2025

    #028 TH Kim, President Director of Lotte Grosir and Lotte Mart Indonesia

    In this episode of Durian Dreaming, we spoke with T.H. Kim, President Director of LOTTE Shopping and LOTTE Mart Indonesia, about how one of Korea’s biggest retail giants is reshaping shopping experiences in Indonesia. T.H. shares his fascinating journey from Procter & Gamble, where he spent over 20 years honing his leadership and customer-centric mindset, to Guardian (DFI Group) and now LOTTE, a move that took him from supplier to retailer, and from Korea to Indonesia. He discusses adapting his leadership to the Indonesian culture, where harmony and decisiveness go hand in hand, and shares insights on managing a team of nearly 5,000 people while navigating one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. The conversation dives deep into the K-Wave phenomenon from K-pop to K-beauty and now K-food — and how Indonesian consumers are embracing Korean culture in everyday life. With LOTTE’s stores becoming cultural spaces serving authentic Korean cuisine, T.H. highlights how K-brands have evolved from “aspirational” to “everyday favorites.” He also talks about LOTTE’s footprint across Indonesia, its strategy to balance affordability and quality in a price-sensitive market, and its expansion focus between urban hypermarkets and wholesale outlets supporting small businesses. As Indonesia’s economy cools and e-commerce surges, T.H. shares how LOTTE is modernizing its offline experience, making stores more compact, experiential, and digitally connected — while building backend strength and partnerships with platforms like Grab and HappyFresh. Finally, he predicts the next big trend in Indonesian retail: experience-driven shopping that blends community, culture, and convenience — the “K-retail” way.

    30 min
  2. #027 Hernie Raharja, CEO, Raharja & Partners Consulting Indonesia

    03/10/2025

    #027 Hernie Raharja, CEO, Raharja & Partners Consulting Indonesia

    In this episode, Hernie, a former VP at Unilever Indonesia, shared insights about the company's marketing success and her career journey as a female leader, emphasizing the supportive culture and work-life balance policies that helped her advance despite challenges. The discussion explored Unilever's operations in Indonesia, including the balance between global frameworks and local decision-making, as well as the challenges and strategies for managing brands and adapting to the evolving consumer landscape. Hernie reflected on her decision to leave Unilever to start her own consulting firm, sharing advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and young marketers in Indonesia while highlighting the country's unique market opportunities and consumer preferences.

    33 min
  3. #026 Jasmine Karsono,Chief Portfolio, Products and Services Officer, PT Kimia Pharma, TBK

    22/09/2025

    #026 Jasmine Karsono,Chief Portfolio, Products and Services Officer, PT Kimia Pharma, TBK

    In this episode, Jasmine talked about her career journey, which included transitioning from academia and P&G to Kimia Pharma in Indonesia, where she focused on transforming state-owned pharmaceutical operations and implementing structured processes. Jasmine discussed her experience working across different areas from FMCG to pharmaceuticals, including her work at Kimia Pharma and their initiatives in TB diagnostics and stem cell innovations. She shared insights about maintaining innovation in the generic drug industry and offered advice for pursuing international careers, emphasizing the importance of confidence, professionalism, and work-life balance.

    26 min
  4. #025 Stephen Luchterhand, General Manager/President Director, Flora Food Group

    14/09/2025

    #025 Stephen Luchterhand, General Manager/President Director, Flora Food Group

    In this episode, we discussed the rebranding of Flora Food Group, including its name change from Upfield, and the celebration of Blue Band's centennial anniversary, while exploring strategies to balance heritage with innovation for younger consumers in Indonesia. Stephen shared his career journey from finance to general management, emphasizing the importance of commercial aspects and forming cross-departmental partnerships, while also discussing his experiences in Indonesia's market. The conversation concluded with discussions about product innovations, market trends, and Stephen's personal insights about taking risks and embracing new opportunities in his career.

    28 min
  5. #024 Will Lumentut, President Director & CEO, BAT Indonesia

    09/09/2025

    #024 Will Lumentut, President Director & CEO, BAT Indonesia

    In this episode, Will shared his experiences working across different cultures and leadership styles, particularly in French-speaking Africa and Indonesian companies, highlighting how his background in relationship-driven business culture helped him adapt to various work environments. He discussed his work at BAT Indonesia, including the implementation of business processes, organizational change, and the company's initiatives in smokeless products and sustainability efforts. Will emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tobacco industry, sharing his personal experiences and advice for women entering the field, while also discussing the unique challenges and leadership dynamics in Indonesian business culture.

    30 min
  6. #023 Stephanie Leong, Director & Co-founder, WeNetwork

    09/09/2025

    #023 Stephanie Leong, Director & Co-founder, WeNetwork

    In this episode, Stephanie Leong, co-founder of WeNetwork, shared her career journey from marketing to recruitment and discussed how her diverse experience at global and local recruitment firms inspired her to launch an Indonesia-first recruitment agency. She highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the Indonesian market, emphasizing the importance of timing, partnerships, and personal growth in building a purpose-driven business while maintaining flexibility and trust. Stephanie also discussed recruitment industry trends, challenges, and resume advice, emphasizing the value of personalized interactions, cultural nuances, and authentic content in the evolving job market.

    26 min
  7. #022 Dr Danang Cahyono, Chief Operating Officer, SIRCLO

    09/09/2025

    #022 Dr Danang Cahyono, Chief Operating Officer, SIRCLO

    In this conversation, we discussed with Dr. Danang Cahyono, COO of SIRCLO, Indonesia, about online shopping infrastructure in Indonesia. We discussed SIRCLO's role in enabling omni-channel commerce, the impact of AI and IoT on logistics, and the recent TikTok Shop and Tokopedia merger in Indonesia's e-commerce landscape. The conversation also explored challenges and opportunities in omni-channel retail, SIRCLO`s solutions, and advice for aspiring e-commerce professionals.

    24 min
  8. #021 Anish Daryani,Founder, CEO & President Director Moonfolks,President Director Havas Moonfolks

    21/08/2025

    #021 Anish Daryani,Founder, CEO & President Director Moonfolks,President Director Havas Moonfolks

    Anish Daryani discussed the founding of his creative agency, Moonfolks, in Indonesia, and the importance of creativity in brand building and problem-solving. He also shared his experiences working with TikTok and the rise of live commerce in Indonesia, as well as the importance of hiring talent with a passion for doing their life's best work. Lastly, Anish discussed memorable advertising campaigns, his company's strategic approach, and his ambitions.

    19 min
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About

Introducing Durian Dreaming – a podcast that delves into the dynamic world of doing business in Indonesia, one of the most vibrant and rapidly evolving markets in the world. Join us as we sit down with leading luminaries from the business, corporate, and startup landscapes to uncover the opportunities and challenges of navigating Indonesia’s unique ecosystem. Each episode offers inspiring career stories, valuable insights, and strategies for building impactful businesses in this exciting region. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or an aspiring professional, Durian Dreaming is your gateway

Information

  • Creator
    Neha Gupta
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    28