Microsoft invests in Bukalapak to reshape Indonesia's eCommerce landscape

Microsoft has tied up with indonesian eCommerce platform Bukalapak to reshape the eCommerce landscape in the country. The partnership will see Microsoft making an investment in Bukalapak, and Bukalapak adopting Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform. According to Bloomberg's sources, Microsoft's investment is valued at US$100 million.

The partnership will also see Bukalapak leveraging Microsoft’s expertise in building a resilient cloud infrastructure to support its services for more than 12 million micro, small and medium enterprises, and 100 million customers. Both companies will also look to bridge the digital gap by exploring opportunities to help make the digital world relevant for every individual daily. Additionally, Microsoft will provide digital skills training for Bukalapak employees and its merchants. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Bukalapak for additional information. 

Rachmat Kaimuddin, CEO of Bukalapak, said the partnership signals a "deep collaboration" with Microsoft on an array of technology projects that will transform the technology-driven commerce solutions and operations solution and operations in Indonesia. “Microsoft’s confidence with Bukalapak highlights our position as the leading homegrown technology player in Indonesia and our continued objective to create a positive impact on our country and customers," he added.

Haris Izmee, president director of Microsoft Indonesia, added that the partnership will allow merchants and consumers to have more efficient and reliable buying and selling experiences. This will in turn create business resilience and help accelerate growth in the Indonesian digital economy. He said: “Bukalapak and its services have had real and enduring impact on Indonesian society, and its innovation mindset in a rapidly changing market will create new opportunities for merchants, businesses and consumers."

According to a press statement, Bukalapak was founded with the singular mission of empowering Indonesia through digital technology. It aims to transform the economy beyond eCommerce by digitalising traditional warungs (small family-owned businesses) so that every business in Indonesia can have access to the online economy. The company also offers financial services and payment options for its users, including but not limited to, gold and mutual funds’ investments, bill payments and credit services. 

Earlier in June, Bukalapak also tied up with GrabKios, to provide and distribute digital products in more than five million Mitra Bukalapak’s traditional kiosks and agents located throughout Indonesia. Through this collaboration, GrabKios will provide digital products on the Mitra Bukalapak platform which can be sold by kiosk owners and agents to their customers to continue earning income amidst the pandemic. Collaboration between Mitra Bukalapak and GrabKios is aimed to empower warung kiosk owners whose income is affected during the implementation of Large Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) in several regions during that time. 

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