ESSEC Alumni in Indonesia: “This country is a land of opportunity”

Reza Pir Nazar (EXEC M11), President of ESSEC Alumni’s Indonesia Chapter, tells us more about the local community – and the activities he offers to them. If you are a graduate or a student in the area, join their online group!

ESSEC Alumni: What is your personal history with Indonesia? 

Reza Pir Nazar: I moved to Indonesia in 2012. At the time, I was working at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann in Paris and was offered the opportunity to assist the Indonesian partner in accelerating the opening of their local store. What was initially planned as a 15-month assignment extended to two years, at the request of my management. Then I worked with the country’s largest retailer, which manages over 150 brands and operates 3,000 stores nationwide. During this time, I led key initiatives such as launching a coalition loyalty program and integrating the department store network into the company’s e-commerce platform. In 2019, I decided to pivot and launch my own startup, Kadokita, an experience gift platform designed to simplify gift-giving by offering curated experience vouchers. I had to put it on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic but I am currently raising funds to relaunch the project with a new vision. In parallel, I consult for retail companies, helping them address challenges in loyalty, data analytics, and digital transformation, and I serve as the co-president of La French Tech Indonesia, a community of 300 and counting. 

EA: What are the profiles and backgrounds of our alumni in Indonesia? 

R. Pir Nazar: When I took on the role of President, I gathered a team of dedicated volunteers to clean and update our database, a process that is still ongoing. Currently, our WhatsApp group has about 40 members, representing a variety of professional backgrounds. Among them are alumni from the IMHI program, general managers of prestigious hotels in Jakarta, founders of tech startups, consultants, media specialists, country managers for major French companies, even professionals working in philanthropy and the director of IFI (Institut Français d’Indonésie) Yogyakarta! In terms of demographics, our group is approximately 50% French expatriates and 50% Indonesian locals. Most of us are based in Jakarta, though there is also a growing community in Bali. 

EA: What opportunities do our alumni have in Indonesia? 

R. Pir Nazar: Indonesia truly is a land of opportunity. With a population of 280 million people and an economy that has consistently grown at around 5% per year over the last decade (excluding the Covid-19 period), the potential is immense. Consumption is booming, and sectors like tourism, real estate, and technology continue to thrive. Bali has become a haven for digital nomads seeking an inspiring and connected environment. In Jakarta, the fast-paced business landscape offers a wide array of prospects in corporate, entrepreneurial, and consulting roles. Granted, these opportunities come with challenges. Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands, and infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, the education system struggles to produce sufficient skilled talent to meet the demands of a growing economy. Navigating political and regulatory complexities can also be daunting. However, with the right local partners, these challenges can be managed effectively. 

EA: What are the links between Indonesia and France?

R. Pir Nazar: Recently, Indonesia elected President Prabowo, who has strong ties to France. This positive relationship between the two nations has been bolstered by the unwavering support of the French ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone. The ambassador actively participates in and supports our initiatives, creating a solid foundation for collaboration. We have also built a vibrant and dynamic business community that serves as a shining example of successful partnerships. Organizations like IFCCI (Indonesian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CCE (French Foreign Trade Advisors), La French Tech, various embassy services, and the Indonesian business ecosystem come together to foster innovation and growth. Also, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the growing number of Indonesians who are passionate about learning French and discovering French culture.

EA: What about the ESSEC brand? Is it an asset on the local job market? 

R. Pir Nazar: The ESSEC brand carries significant weight in Indonesia, particularly among those familiar with international education and the value of a top-tier business school. Then of course, there is always room for improvement. We are currently working with the Singapore campus to develop executive education programs tailored specifically for the Indonesian market. Additionally, we’re partnering with IFI (Institut Français d'Indonésie) to ensure that ESSEC is included in the Indonesian government’s prestigious scholarship program. This program provides financial support for students to pursue higher education abroad, and it’s a critical step in encouraging more Indonesian students to consider ESSEC as their gateway to a global career. 

EA: Economics aside, what are other Indonesia highlights? 

R. Pir Nazar: For those who love diving, Indonesia is a global paradise, boasting some of the world’s most stunning underwater ecosystems. What truly stands out, though, is the warmth and kindness of the Indonesian people. However, living here is not the same experience for everyone, especially when it comes to Jakarta. The city is vibrant and dynamic, but it can be challenging for those unprepared for its fast pace, heavy traffic, and urban density. I always advise anyone considering a move there to speak with at least three local people to gain an honest perspective of life in the capital. On the other hand, Bali is a completely different story. It has a unique, captivating energy that draws people from all over the world. 

EA: What are the offers and services of ESSEC Alumni’s Indonesia Chapter? 

R. Pir Nazar: We are only a few months into relaunching the chapter, so we are in the rebuilding phase. The most important service we currently offer is our time. We warmly welcome all ESSEC graduates and students who arrive in Indonesia, are passing through, or need information about the country and its business landscape. Whether it’s connecting them to the right people, offering insights into the local ecosystem, or simply sharing a coffee, we’re here to help our alumni feel at home. 

EA: What events do you organize? 

R. Pir Nazar: Back in January, we held an alumni mixer with five other French Grandes Écoles. The ambassador graced us with his presence and gave an inspiring speech about the year’s program, which marks the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. Looking ahead, we plan to host regular monthly or bi-monthly gatherings, other mixers with French schools’ alumni, and gatherings at the French Residence. 

EA: Who are the members of your team? 

R. Pir Nazar: We are a dedicated team of five: Antoine Weinstein (IMHI 11), General Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre; Ario Danurdoro Widodo (M21), Manager at PwC Indonesia; Wissam Aboujaoude (IMHI 04), Director Of Operations at Doubletree By Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro; Zacharie Legrand (E21), Business Development Manager at Naval Group Indonesia; and myself. And we’d love for more volunteers to join us. In particular, we hope to bring on more women to achieve parity. Feel free to reach out! 

Join our Indonesia Chapter and our 125 clubs and chapters!

Interview by Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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