Business should not be driven solely by profit, but by a greater purpose and meaningful impact, said Muhammad Fajrin Rasyid, founder of Bukalapak and former director of PT Telkom Tbk. He emphasized that business success should not be measured only by numbers, but also by its ability to create positive change in society and the environment.
“Why do we create a business?” Fajrin asked during a talk titled “Delivering an Impactful Business”, held at the Freeport Auditorium of the SBM ITB, on Wednesday (4/6).
The question immediately sparked enthusiasm among the participants, many of whom answered, “to make money” or “to become rich.” Fajrin challenged them to think deeper. Now serving as Strategic Advisor at Edelweiss Healthcare Group, he asserted that business should be grounded in meaning and value for others.
“A great business is born from a great purpose,” he said.
He cited examples of major companies with clear missions: Google aims to “organize the world’s information,” Microsoft seeks to “empower every person and organization,” and Meta wants to “build community.” These companies, he noted, offer more than products; strong, purposeful goals drive them.
“If we chase only money, we’ll quickly give up when challenges arise. However, with a bigger purpose, we stay motivated because we know what we’re fighting for,” Fajrin explained.
He also emphasized the crucial role of technology in driving business growth and expansion, noting that understanding how to apply technology effectively is more important than merely mastering it technically.
“The key isn’t being great at technology, but knowing how to use it to make your business smarter,” he said.
Fajrin outlined four key components of a successful business: a strong idea based on real problems, a capable and committed team, sufficient capital, and most importantly, consistent execution.
“Business isn’t about who has the coolest idea, but who can execute it consistently,” he said, adding that even a simple idea, like selling fried chicken, can grow into a major venture when pursued seriously and sustainably.
He shared the inspiring story of Jumbo, an Indonesian animated film that took five years to complete. Initially overlooked and even outperformed by a sugar factory, Jumbo eventually attracted over 10 million viewers and earned Rp20 billion in revenue.
“The key was perseverance, idealism, and the right strategy,” Fajrin noted.
In the face of an increasingly complex business landscape, he emphasized the importance of a growth mindset, the willingness to continually learn. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork, he said, are becoming more crucial than ever.
“AI is advancing every day, but it will be your downfall if you lose the will to learn. Believe that humans can still surpass AI, what matters is persistence and a passion for learning,” he said.
Fajrin concluded that impactful businesses are not built solely on capital or brilliant ideas, but on a strong purpose, the right team, effective technology, and consistent execution. The true spirit of entrepreneurship, he emphasized, lies not in getting rich but in creating value and making a difference.