In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Ryan Manafe, co-founder and CEO of Dagangan, shared his insights on revolutionizing rural distribution in Indonesia. Drawing from his personal experiences in Central Java, Manafe identified the significant challenges faced by rural communities in accessing daily necessities.

Some of the topics that Ryan covered in detail:

• In Indonesia, 80% of the population lives outside major cities like Jakarta. These areas represent a substantial market with unique needs, often neglected by large corporations.
• The importance of building a hub-and-spoke distribution network with micro-warehouses in villages.
• How local community leaders and religious figures play a vital role in educating villagers about new services.
• Facilitating access to the most remote markets for big brands like Coca-Cola and promoting local brands as well.
• How Dagangan isn't just about distributing goods; it's also about improving lives. For example, Dagangan partnered with a local milk company to address the issue of stunted growth in children by promoting affordable, nutritious milk in school canteens.