Arif Setiawan

Background

About Arif Setiawan

When I was a sophomore at university, I joined a multi level marketing company called Tiens and this was the start of my journey into the business world. In 2004, during my senior year, I worked at an insurance company called Allianz Life as a sales assistant and stayed for 2 years. After graduating, I started several businesses and experienced my biggest loss in 2006 when the flower preservation factory that we had invested in went under. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the fallout from that led me to a “rain shoe” product that was produced by my friend. Rain shoes are like a rain coat for shoes, and they are used by motorcycle riders. I started selling rain shoes online from 2007 until 2010. This business achieved modest success. After three and a half years running this business, my partner and I decided to go our separate ways. I was then hired by a businessman named Mr. Sandiaga Uno (No. 37 on Forbes 40 Richest men in Indonesia 2010), and I worked for him from 2010 to 2013. At first, I was tasked to developed sandiaga-uno.com website and the concept behind the website. At the same time, I was in charge of starting Indonesia Setara Foundation before I joined a private equity company named PT. Sarana Pundi Utama (SPU) as an investment manager. The company has investments in airport services, security services, and also a golf driving range. Not long after that, I was promoted as the Head of Entrepreneurship for the Mien R. Uno Foundation. Because of this role, I have to develop Entrepreneurship program for collage students. With the help of The US Embassy of Jakarta, I was sent to the US for a month, visiting 8 cities and meets with NFTE (Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship), Business Incubators Association, Kauffman Foundation and several Universities Entrepreneurship Centers. The purpose was to develop the best Entrepreneurship Scholarship for collage students in Indonesia. Just recently I was promoted as the Director of PT. Sarana Pundi Utama. Since December 2013, I resign from Mr. Sandiaga Uno and his affiliate organizations. Working for him was a great experience and I learned so much in such a little time. In 2013 I was invited by The US Department of State to participate in the IVLP Program for Entrepreneurship. I spent 3 weeks visiting 5 cities in the United States to learn about how entrepreneurship and its ecosystems support startup and young entrepreneurs. Unique Traits at work : Committed, Work with Passion, Trustworthy