A Vision Sparked by a Simple Conversation
The journey of IDN began in 2014, when Winston, then working at Google Singapore, identified a glaring gap in Indonesia’s media landscape.“Millennials and Gen Z made up the majority of the population, yet no media spoke directly to them,” Winston recalls.
Motivated by the desire to bridge this information gap, Winston conceptualized IDN Times from his apartment, launching it on June 8, 2014. That same evening, he called his brother William, who was building his career in investment banking in Los Angeles.
The conversation was brief but transformative within moments, William decided to return to Indonesia to help turn IDN into reality.
Winston’s passion for the project resonated deeply with William. It wasn’t just about starting a business it was about revolutionizing the way media serves the younger generation. From that day on, their shared mission set the foundation for IDN’s future success.
Winston (left) and William Utomo, led the IDN. Photo: IDN
The Strength of Brotherhood
The close bond between Winston and William has been instrumental to IDN’s continued growth. Their relationship, built on trust and mutual understanding, has allowed them to navigate the complexities of running a rapidly expanding company. This deep connection has enabled the brothers to balance the demands of both family and business, allowing them to seamlessly integrate personal and professional life.As brothers and business partners, their ability to rely on one another has shaped not only their leadership style but also the strategic direction of IDN. This dynamic has been crucial in guiding the company through its most significant challenges and milestones, allowing it to flourish.
From Media Startup to Consumer Tech Platform
In the ten years since its inception, IDN has transformed far beyond its digital media roots. What began as a platform designed to connect Millennials and Gen Z with news relevant to their lives has grown into a diversified operation, spanning livestreaming, entertainment, the creator economy, and much more. This expansion culminated in a significant rebrand in June 2024, marking IDN’s evolution into a full-scale consumer tech platform.The rebrand was more than a simple business decision—it reflected IDN’s deeper commitment to empowering Indonesia’s younger generations. By creating an ecosystem that caters to their needs, IDN has moved beyond its media origins to become a hub for innovation, creativity, and positive social impact. This new chapter positions IDN to continue expanding its influence and reach, providing a platform that shapes the future for Indonesia’s youth.
A People-First Culture: The Heart of IDN
Throughout IDN’s rapid growth, Winston has consistently emphasized the importance of a people-first culture, known internally as "Timmyness." This philosophy places the company’s employees, known as "Timmy," at the center of IDN’s success.By fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to grow, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully, IDN has cultivated a strong sense of purpose and community among its workforce. This commitment to people has been a driving force behind the company’s innovation and long-term sustainability.
Winston is clear in his vision: “Our goal is to build a company that lasts 100 years, and that journey starts by investing in our people and ensuring that our culture remains our core.”
A Legacy of Brotherhood
As IDN steps into its second decade, Winston and William’s commitment to their original mission is stronger than ever. For the Utomo brothers, IDN is not just a company it is a legacy of shared values and the collaboration that has driven them from the start. This familial bond has shaped not only the way they lead but also how the company operates, promoting a culture that emphasizes teamwork, trust, and long-term vision.Their vision for IDN extends far beyond immediate success. Winston and William see it as a lasting legacy, one that will continue to inspire and create positive change across Indonesia for generations to come. As they look to the future, the brothers remain focused on staying true to their mission, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of Indonesians. The journey of IDN is far from over, and they are excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead.
“We’ve come a long way, but we’re only scratching the surface. Our focus is still on bringing a positive impact to Indonesia, and we’re excited for the road ahead. Because IDN stands for Indonesia, and we build for a better Indonesia,” Winston adds as quoted from the statement, Thursday, 31 October 2024.
IDN is a consumer technology platform company for Millennials and Gen Z in Indonesia. Founded on June 8, 2014, in Surabaya by brothers Winston Utomo and William Utomo, IDN has a vision to shape a better Indonesia and a mission to empower the young generation as bearers of change for a prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious future.
IDN continues to grow and expand its business network. Currently, IDN operates four business lines: livestreaming, entertainment, creator economy, and digital media. The company has 18 business units, including IDN Platform, Saweria, IDN Pictures, JKT48, Boss Creator, ICE, MORF, IDN Times, Popbela.com, Popmama.com, GGWP, Duniaku.com, FORTUNE Indonesia, Yummy, IDN Creative, and IDN Event. Additionally, IDN supports non-profit initiatives through the IDN Research Institute and IDN Foundation.
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