A Technologist Redefining Indonesia’s Future Through Innovation
Dr. Eddy Yansen
Founder and Director
Despite his entrepreneurial success, Dr. Eddy Yansen considers being an engineer his true calling. Inspired by the technological revolution of the early 2000s, he launched his first business at just 19, recognising the transformative potential of mobile phones and the internet. This experience taught him to stay ahead of trends, adapt quickly, and think strategically about how technology can reshape industries. For Dr. Eddy, entrepreneurship has always been an extension of his engineering passion rather than a primary goal. He views business as a platform to deliver impactful, efficient solutions to societal challenges. His computer engineering background shapes his approach to problem-solving, crafting creative, lasting solutions that add real value. Every decision he makes reflects this mindset, focusing on achieving product-market fit and driving innovation that matters. As the founder and director of PT. Suryadhamma Investama, Dr. Eddy is dedicated to leveraging technology to address complex challenges. His leadership is defined by a forward-thinking vision, staying ahead of industry trends, and fostering sustainable growth. His journey exemplifies how a passion for engineering can fuel entrepreneurial success, with technology as a catalyst for meaningful change. In an interview with TradeFlock, Dr. Eddy shares insights into his journey and strategies for success.
How did you tackle challenges during Indonesia’s digitalisation boom and help companies adapt?
During Indonesia’s digitalisation boom, the challenge was shifting traditional businesses from conventional methods to digital solutions. As a pioneer in web-based systems, I was at the forefront, helping major airlines implement Indonesia’s first webbased ticketing platform, transforming the booking experience. I also guided newspapers and magazines through the transition to e-magazines and e-newspapers, reshaping how content was delivered. These gamechanging innovations empowered companies like Indonesia Big Company to thrive in the digital age. I’m proud to have played a key role in this transformative shift, shaping the future of Indonesia’s digital landscape.
What excites you about robotics and AI, and what are your goals for the next decade?
As a technologist and engineer, I’m excited by the transformative potential of robotics and AI to revolutionise industries and improve lives. These technologies can automate labour-intensive tasks, enhance problem-solving, and create a more equitable future. What excites me most is their integration into daily life, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning. AI-powered early disease detection and autonomous farming robots are just the start of addressing global challenges. In the next decade, I aim to advance healthcare robotics, AI for climate change, and smart infrastructure—focused on ethics and inclusivity. Robotics and AI are partners in shaping a brighter future, and I’m eager to contribute.
How will your legacy as a technology leader inspire Indonesia's next generation of innovators?
As a technology leader and entrepreneur, I believe my legacy will be defined not by today’s success but by the foundation I lay for future generations of innovators. Throughout history, humanity’s greatest achievements have been driven by developing tools that enhance capabilities and drive progress. In Indonesia, my work contributes to this ongoing evolution. The companies I’ve built and technologies I’ve developed are stepping stones for the next wave of entrepreneurs and engineers to build upon. With advancements in AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies, the next generation has the potential to solve problems in ways we can’t yet imagine. My legacy will ultimately be defined by the impact I have on future leaders—encouraging them to innovate, build, and evolve the world with the tools we’ve created together.
In your book "Goal-less Thinking," you explore unconventional approaches to success. How has this shaped your leadership and decisions?
In my book, I present a radical approach to success: excelling in the present moment. Rather than fixating on distant goals, I encourage embracing immediate opportunities and adapting to challenges. Overplanning can limit progress, as future outcomes are shaped by unpredictable factors. By focusing on adaptability and real-time decisions, we stay relevant in a fast-changing world. This mindset has greatly influenced my leadership. I’ve learnt that success comes from thoughtful, present-focused choices—not rigidly chasing long-term goals. This fosters a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous growth, empowering my team to thrive and evolve without the burden of predefined targets.
What key lessons from setbacks have shaped your entrepreneurial success?
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, setbacks have been powerful teachers. One of the biggest lessons was the importance of trusting the right people. Early on, I partnered with individuals who didn’t align with my vision, nearly leading to bankruptcy. This taught me that trust is earned, and choosing the right team is essential for success. I also learnt that in innovation, success is a numbers game—out of many ideas, only a few will succeed. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial, as it brings insights that lead to breakthroughs. The rapid pace of technology has shown me the importance of flexibility, and setbacks have taught me resilience. Every failure is a chance to refine, improve, and grow. Perseverance is key to long-term success.
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