DNV in Indonesia

Name: Achmad Zakky Ridwan

Title: Country Chair - DNV Indonesia

Company name: DNV

Company headquarters: Hovik, Norway

Website: www.dnv.com

1.    What is your business/business model?

DNV is an independent expert in assurance and risk management. We have business areas in Maritime (Ship Classification and Maritime Consulting), Energy Systems, Business Assurance, Supply Chain and Product Certification, Digital Solutions, and Inspection.

2.     How long has your company had a presence in Indonesia?

DNV has been established in Indonesia since 1992.

3.     What advice would you give Nordic companies looking to enter the Indonesian market?

It is beneficial to have an understanding of the culture as it holds such a high influence on how business is conducted. Another important thing is knowing how to ensure regulatory compliance as this poses a lot of challenges.

4.     What are some of the biggest mistakes you see foreign investors in Indonesia make?

 In general, knowing Bahasa Indonesia will help you develop your local businesses. Bahasa Indonesia is relatively simple because it does not have tenses and gender recognition (there is a gender-neutral designation).

Language barriers may sometimes create some level of bias and can also cause misunderstandings. However, this can be helped if you often interact directly with locals. Body language in the process of communicating may help to understand more precisely what is conveyed.

This also applies in business relations, where most of the business documents and regulations we come across may mostly use Bahasa Indonesia or dual languages. Understanding Bahasa Indonesia will always prevail in the event of a dispute, which will ultimately reduce business mistakes.

5.     What are some trends in Indonesia that you think are noteworthy/that you are excited about?

 This country is progressing despite the political situation being quite dynamic, especially nearing the year 2024 when the General Election will be held.

6.     Why did you decide to become a member of The Nordic Chamber in Indonesia?

 DNV is a Nordic company with Nordic values, therefore, being a part of the Nordic business community, with likeminded business-people will always be beneficial.

 7.     How can your company help Nordic companies in Indonesia?

 We can share our multi-decade experiences in doing business in Indonesia.

8.     How can members reach out to you?

 Reaching out via email is preferable, we will be available to reply to you there.

9.     Anything else you’d like to share?

We are happy to have joined the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia.