Latest news with #Gojek
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Bali jungle resort is beyond the tourist crowds and traffic of Ubud
I'm having a ginger tea and a toes-up on the expansive deck of the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort. With an enormous angular water feature designed to look like a swimming pool, and a dozen or so couch and table-settings shaded by decorative sun umbrellas, you might say it's a tad OTT for what is essentially a patio. That is, until the clouds part and you clock the view. In the big blue yonder, sacred Mount Agung, Bali's highest mountain, juts into the sky like an arrowhead. The supporting peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Abang point to the Balinese heavens next to it. Such views aren't usual for resorts with Ubud in their name. Accommodation in Bali's spiritual heartland – known for its yoga retreats, holistic therapies and holidays to reset mind and body – is more often 'immersed in bamboo jungle', or 'overlooking rice paddies', or 'hidden among traditional village houses and temples'. But those familiar with the terrain will know Anantara Ubud is a good 40-minute drive (about 20 kilometres) from Ubud, closer by way of address to the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan. Not long ago, my preference for an overnighter (or a staycation, given I've lived here for nearly four years) would have been as close to Ubud's heart centre as possible, somewhere within a leisurely walk to the galleries and artisan shops along Jalan Raya Sanggingan perhaps, and a quick Gojek ride to the Campuhan Ridge walk. But like Bali's busy southern beach communities, Ubud has had its share of overtourism, failing infrastructure and standstill traffic. Resort stays well beyond the city centre are increasingly looking like a great idea. Part of Minor Hotels hospitality group, Anantara Ubud opened in October last year. It has an admirable hilltop-down design with a sprawling lobby level and main public areas taking full advantage of that, and the 85 suites and pool villas tiered down the hillside.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
New Bali jungle resort is beyond the tourist crowds and traffic of Ubud
I'm having a ginger tea and a toes-up on the expansive deck of the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort. With an enormous angular water feature designed to look like a swimming pool, and a dozen or so couch and table-settings shaded by decorative sun umbrellas, you might say it's a tad OTT for what is essentially a patio. That is, until the clouds part and you clock the view. In the big blue yonder, sacred Mount Agung, Bali's highest mountain, juts into the sky like an arrowhead. The supporting peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Abang point to the Balinese heavens next to it. Such views aren't usual for resorts with Ubud in their name. Accommodation in Bali's spiritual heartland – known for its yoga retreats, holistic therapies and holidays to reset mind and body – is more often 'immersed in bamboo jungle', or 'overlooking rice paddies', or 'hidden among traditional village houses and temples'. But those familiar with the terrain will know Anantara Ubud is a good 40-minute drive (about 20 kilometres) from Ubud, closer by way of address to the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan. Not long ago, my preference for an overnighter (or a staycation, given I've lived here for nearly four years) would have been as close to Ubud's heart centre as possible, somewhere within a leisurely walk to the galleries and artisan shops along Jalan Raya Sanggingan perhaps, and a quick Gojek ride to the Campuhan Ridge walk. But like Bali's busy southern beach communities, Ubud has had its share of overtourism, failing infrastructure and standstill traffic. Resort stays well beyond the city centre are increasingly looking like a great idea. Part of Minor Hotels hospitality group, Anantara Ubud opened in October last year. It has an admirable hilltop-down design with a sprawling lobby level and main public areas taking full advantage of that, and the 85 suites and pool villas tiered down the hillside.
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Bebasinindo: Indonesia's Digital Dawn or Just Another Mirage?
In the ever-evolving digital archipelago that is Indonesia, a new name has started echoing through the corridors of online forums, fintech whisper networks, and algorithmically curated timelines: Bebasinindo. It sounds revolutionary, promising, even liberating — and perhaps that's by design. But what exactly is Bebasinindo? A fintech disruptor? A movement? A mindset? Or yet another sleek facade masking old systemic issues? This is SPARKLE, your digital wordsmith, decoding hype from substance. Buckle up. Let's begin with etymology. The word 'Bebasinindo' fuses two powerful linguistic currents: 'bebas' (freedom) and 'Indonesia.' Together, they imply a platform or movement aimed at unshackling the Indonesian populace from something — perhaps economic constraints, digital illiteracy, bureaucratic sludge, or social inequality. A compelling premise, and a potent brand identity. But a great name doesn't guarantee a great future. Execution does. As of early 2025, Bebasinindo is still shrouded in semi-mythical status. Public information is fragmented, landing pages are vague, and press coverage leans more on potential than performance. Yet whispers in the industry suggest something bigger: a blockchain-fintech hybrid with social justice leanings. Think Gojek meets Revolut, with a sprinkle of civil resistance. So what's the reality behind the rumor mill? While the formal mission statement hasn't been made public, insiders and leaks suggest that Bebasinindo was conceived as an 'economic sovereignty platform' — a decentralized, user-first digital infrastructure that promises to bypass traditional banks, government red tape, and exploitative intermediaries. That may sound a bit idealistic, but it's not without precedence. Indonesia's tech adoption rates have exploded in recent years, and the archipelago now boasts over 212 million internet users. A young, mobile-first demographic is hungry for services that reflect their lived realities — from urban startup workers to rural farmers with smartphones. Bebasinindo appears to tap into this national zeitgeist, positioning itself as the people's fintech — anti-establishment, pro-independence, and deeply rooted in local values. Its unspoken manifesto? Financial freedom as a birthright, not a privilege. According to internal documents and API demo leaks surfacing in late 2024, Bebasinindo functions through four core modules: B-Wallet: A secure, blockchain-powered digital wallet allowing for crypto, fiat, and hybrid transactions. B-Connect: A peer-to-peer transaction layer that allows unbanked individuals to perform microtransactions, send remittances, or lend funds without institutional approval. B-Vault: A savings and micro-investment tool designed with syariah compliance at its core. B-Pasar: A digital marketplace aiming to support Indonesian SMEs, cooperatives, and artisanal brands with transparent payment systems and zero-commission storefronts. These modules are modular, open-source, and API-friendly. Theoretically, developers can integrate Bebasinindo features into their own apps, extending the ecosystem organically. If executed properly, this kind of infrastructure could be transformative — offering digital independence at both personal and national levels. Indonesia's dual economy — modern on one side, deeply traditional on the other — is both its charm and its Achilles' heel. While Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya are rapidly modernizing, rural Indonesia still struggles with access to banking, logistics, and market exposure. Over 49 million Indonesians remain unbanked, while inflation and currency instability continue to impact purchasing power. Bebasinindo, if real and robust, could play the role of a digital equalizer. Imagine a batik artisan in Yogyakarta selling directly to consumers in Singapore via B-Pasar. Picture a rice farmer in Central Java receiving microloans through B-Connect with transparent repayment protocols. Envision a schoolgirl in Makassar learning personal finance through gamified lessons on B-Wallet. That's not just fintech. That's economic reengineering. And it's what Bebasinindo claims to deliver — freedom from middlemen, gatekeepers, and even data monopolies. Let's break the fourth wall for a moment. SPARKLE doesn't buy hype without receipts. And while the concept of Bebasinindo sounds exhilarating, we've seen this movie before. Disruption rarely arrives clean. Here's where the cracks might begin to show: Indonesia's central bank and financial services authority (OJK) aren't exactly known for their love of decentralization. As crypto and P2P lending surge, so do concerns about fraud, money laundering, and financial instability. Bebasinindo may find itself squarely in the crosshairs. Freedom requires understanding. Even if Bebasinindo builds the tech, can it ensure responsible, informed usage? Financial education isn't a given, and if users don't grasp the tools, the platform risks becoming a breeding ground for exploitation. Blockchain promises transparency and tamper-resistance. But no system is immune to social engineering, poor password practices, or state-level cyberattacks. If Bebasinindo really is building a decentralized financial engine, it'll need Fort Knox-level protection — not just from hackers, but from corrupt institutions too. How does Bebasinindo stay afloat? Will it issue its own coin (BBSN)? Will there be transaction fees? Will the data of users be the hidden currency? Economic freedom often comes at a cost, and the details here remain elusive. One of the platform's most debated points is its dual identity: is Bebasinindo a movement, or is it a product? The branding is undeniably activist — full of fiery slogans, #bebasdari (#freedomfrom) hashtags, and community-driven visual aesthetics. It draws inspiration from Indonesia's long history of anti-colonial struggle, invoking the spirit of independence for the digital age. But without transparency on ownership, governance, and funding, it risks becoming a commodity masquerading as a cause. If Bebasinindo truly belongs to the people, we need to know: Who sits on the governance board? Are user profits reinvested into community infrastructure? How do users vote on changes or upgrades? Open-source isn't synonymous with ethical. Decentralized doesn't always mean democratic. Despite its relative obscurity in mainstream media, Bebasinindo has already inspired a ragtag community of early adopters, developers, and evangelists. Take Anisa Wulandari, a social entrepreneur in East Kalimantan. She's using the B-Vault prototype to offer micro-investment options to Dayak women artisans. 'With Bebasinindo, I don't need to wait for government grants. I can create my own fund ecosystem,' she says. Or Ricky Hidayat, a 23-year-old developer who forked Bebasinindo's API to build a zero-fee payment gateway for warungs (roadside food stalls). 'For the first time, we're not waiting for Silicon Valley. We're building our own thing,' he says. Stories like these don't just give Bebasinindo credibility — they give it soul. Whether or not Bebasinindo reaches mass adoption, its ambition has already attracted international curiosity. Digital sovereignty is a hot topic globally, and countries from Brazil to Kenya are experimenting with similar models. Indonesia, with its massive population and rich digital culture, is uniquely poised to become the poster child of ethical, decentralized innovation. There's talk that Bebasinindo could be showcased at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Digital Freedom Summit — a chance for it to present itself on the world stage. But with visibility comes scrutiny, and Bebasinindo will have to decide whether to scale or remain grassroots. So, what is Bebasinindo? A buzzword? A code repo with a manifesto? A libertarian fantasy? A fintech startup with delusions of grandeur? Or — just maybe — the beginning of a paradigm shift? The truth, like most revolutions, is messy. Bebasinindo is currently equal parts idea and infrastructure, dream and deployment. It represents a collective yearning — not just for economic liberation, but for a kind of digital dignity that respects autonomy, culture, and fairness. If it fails, it will likely fade into the background noise of a thousand tech experiments. But if it succeeds, it could redefine how Indonesia — and the world — thinks about money, power, and freedom. And that, dear reader, would be a legacy worth chasing. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Independent Singapore
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
‘Don't blame the driver for your selfishness' — Gojek driver slams passenger who gave him a 1-star review
SINGAPORE: After a woman left a negative review, a Gojek driver took to social media, writing, 'Don't blame the driver for your selfishness.' On the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Monday morning (May 26), a group member named Ks Law, who drives for Gojek, addressed a female passenger who had left a negative review for him, saying that he had been 'very impolite with his comments.' On May 24, Mr Law had apparently picked up the woman and her companion after taking a bike ride, leaving them all sweaty and wetting the seats in his vehicle. 'To the female passenger: Yes, in our industry, we have to accept all passengers, but that doesn't mean the next passenger can accept wet, sweaty seats. Don't blame the driver for your selfishness. From the time you got on the bus to the time you got off, I just said the seat was wet, and you said you would clean it for me? Did you really do it? Don't be a third-rate citizen in a world-class country. Isn't our poor service attitude caused by your behavior?' he wrote. Mr Law also posted a screenshot that showed that the passengers had taken a 12.49-kilometre ride in his vehicle that lasted 38 minutes from East Coast Parkway to Hougang Street. Screenshot The woman, who gave Mr Law a one-star review, wrote that he 'was very impolite with his comments, such as 'you are very sweaty' and 'you made my seat wet' as my friend and I just finished cycling. I feel that as a driver, he/she has to be prepared to pick up all kinds of customers.' Many netizens commenting on the post sided with the Gojek driver, saying he had been gracious for even taking on the passengers. 'I wouldn't even pick them in the first place. This driver is so nice and kind already to pick you up despite your smell, and not to mention maybe your dirty bicycle, which dirtied the back boot. This world is becoming unkind, and they just want to complain,' one wrote. 'These kinds of passengers are super selfish,' wrote another. One simply wrote, 'Driver is right.' 'Yes, sweaty passengers definitely need to be more self-aware. It also says so much about oneself with that self-entitled behaviour,' a commenter chimed in. Another suggested, 'Just let them get out and then take photos… Bodily fluids can claim cleaning fees… Passenger wanna play, you also must know how to play… Let her get the bill from Gojek, then she will learn…' The Independent Singapore has contacted Mr Law for further comments or updates. /TISG Read also: Man quits his IT job due to stress but ends up driving for Grab/Gojek 14 hours a day because he can't find another job
CNBC
21-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
'Fail fast, learn fast': She built a property startup from her garage. It's raised over $75 million
It's no secret that building a successful startup often involves risk, iteration and failure. Dayu Dara Permata knows this well. The 36-year-old is the co-founder and CEO of Indonesian property transaction platform Pinhome. Over the course of about five years, she went from bootstrapping the business out of her own garage to raising over $75 million to date, according to a company representative and data from PitchBook. "Entrepreneurship is really hard. There's no instant success ... You just have to be ready to fail," Permata told CNBC Make It. "If you are trying to avoid failure altogether, [then] you're just delaying it." "Maybe you're not trying enough — that's why you've not seen failures, but what it does is it's really hindering growth," she added. Permata, who was born and raised in Indonesia, has always been an overachiever. "I'm born from a very simple family ... we didn't come from money, so I had to really earn everything that I wanted," she said, adding that her parents were always strict and demanding with her. "I was always expected to deliver, to be number one, to succeed academically," she said. "I always liked property, because, living with very strict parents — [it was] my house, my rules. So, I thought I wanted to own my own house, so I could have my own rules," Permata said. She said she was studious, competitive and "always focused on academics" as a kid. By the age of 23, she had already purchased an investment property, the first of several. Upon graduating from university, she went on to pursue an almost decade-long corporate career, eventually landing a senior vice president role at Southeast Asian on-demand services platform Gojek, where she met Pinhome co-founder Ahmed Aljunied. After working at Gojek for about four years, Permata said she felt ready to embark on her own entrepreneurial journey. "I think at the end of my time at Gojek, [the company] was operating in 200 plus cities in all of Indonesia," she said. "I had worked with my CTO, Ahmed ... [He] was always very entrepreneurial. He had built businesses before, and he [said]: 'Why don't we start our own?'" So in early 2019, the two began ideating and building the business out of Permata's home garage. Over the course of about nine months, Permata said she invested about $150,000 of her own savings into bootstrapping the company. "My husband was my first employee. We had our first five team members working out of our [garage]. It was really like nine months of bootstrapping," she said. "I was also working full time at Gojek, and it was still quite long hours that [I was working there], but we managed to squeeze in time [for our startup.]" Informed by her own experiences as a property investor, Permata knew she wanted to address the many pain points in Indonesian real estate. She said the process of buying and maintaining property was very "manual" and "fragmented." "All the pain of searching for a home, and connecting with agents ... [It's a] six to nine month process, all on WhatsApp, and you're dealing with complete strangers ... and I thought: 'Why is it so traditional and why hasn't technology transformed the sector?'" Permata and her co-founder felt that the real estate sector in Indonesia was ripe for transformation. "We tested different business models ... In the first business model, we were exploring crowdfunding for real estate. The second business model, we were exploring property management. Then the third time, we were exploring ... co-ownership of real estate," she said. "We went through that iteration almost every two or three months," she said. After testing a few failed ideas, Permata and Aljunied landed on their fourth idea, which ultimately became what Pinhome is today — an end-to-end property transaction platform that offers brokerage, mortgage and home services. Pinhome was launched in January 2020 and serves more than 3.5 million monthly active users across its website and mobile apps today, according to a company representative. "Fail fast, learn fast. That's how you get closer to success," Permata suggested. "Try to fail every day, but learn from it ... I think that will help you with your stamina in the long run, because it isn't a sprint, it's a marathon." "If you are not managing your energy well, then you might quit before you reach success," she added.
