Winning Secrets: PT Smartfren Telecom's CEO on why we should reach fulfilment in everything we do

"Every time you leave the house, ensure that by the time you return in the evening, you have gained something valuable," Andrijanto Muljono reminds us.

PT Smartfren Telecom, a telecommunication service provider in Indonesia, offers a wide range of products and services for data and voice, business solutions and digital services. 

Its focus on ensuring its employees are well taken care of is the organisation believes drives its commitment to making every team member feel valued and proud. 

Andrijanto Muljono, Chief Executive Officer, PT Smartfren Telecom (pictured above), was profoundly influenced by a sentiment his father shared with him: the notion that individuals face a choice between the suffering of discipline and the suffering of regret.

This perspective has significantly shaped his approach to challenges and responsibilities, and his dedication to this philosophy contributed to him winning the Bronze award for 'Most People-Focused CEO' at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Indonesia.

In lieu of the win, HRO catches up with Andrijanto to explore how his adherence to this philosophy has inspired his employees to adopt a similar drive and motivation, ultimately leading to overall organisational success while prioritising their wellbeing.

The motivation behind an outstanding people strategy  

Andrijanto believes that the success of a business rests on three crucial aspects: the business model, the system, and the people. At Smartfren, its business model thrives on competition, driven by both its systems and its people. However, if there’s one element that stands out, it’s the people. 

People are the most valuable asset for the company. He understands that content and motivated employees are the cornerstone of Smartfren's success. When employees are well-cared for, they are more dedicated and enthusiastic about their work. This positive energy translates into exceptional service for Smartfren customers, creating a cycle of satisfaction and loyalty. 

Andrijanto is committed to ensuring that every team member at Smartfren feels valued and proud to be part of the company which in turn makes the customers happy and company happy. This harmonious relationship is encapsulated in Smartfren's HR Vision: 'Happy Customer, Happy Employee, Happy Company.'

Overcoming challenges in the journey

Andrijanto's journey began in a humble background, born into a middle-to-low-income family where he faced significant pressure and hardship. He believes these challenges were God's way of giving him the opportunity to forge his character. Through these experiences, Andrijanto resolved that if he ever became a leader, he would strive to make people happy and proud. 

When he assumed the role of CEO at Smartfren, Andrijanto immediately set out to fulfil this vision. He brought this philosophy with him, focusing on building a culture that encouraged innovation, resilience and collaboration. He believed that by collectively pushing boundaries and tackling seemingly impossible challenges, Smartfren could achieve extraordinary success.

This collaborative spirit inspired the creation of the slogan: 'Ayo pinter bareng, ayo kerja bareng, ayo sukses bareng' (Let’s get smarter together, work together, and succeed together). 

A vision for the future of Smartfren

Andrijanto envisions a future where everyone at Smartfren, as well as all those who have come into contact with him, achieve success regardless of their starting point. What truly matters is not where you begin, but where you end up. He inspires people to be self-driven without needing constant reminders, to take responsibility on their own, to work diligently without being prompted, and to be honest and disciplined by nature. 

He hopes that Smartfren can contribute more to Indonesia by creating more job opportunities for its people. Andrijanto passionately asserts that if we love our country, we should strive to generate employment opportunities. One of his key focuses has always been ensuring that everything Smartfren does benefits Indonesia.

He wants to make Indonesia proud of Smartfren and contribute to the nation's growth by reducing poverty, increasing digital literacy, and supporting the development of Indonesian. 

Words of wisdom for anyone with aspirations

Andrijanto advises those who are still striving and building their careers to have a clear vision for their future. Whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur or to advance in your career, discipline and planning are crucial. Create a precise plan for each day and adhere to it with discipline. 

Every time you leave the house, ensure that by the time you return in the evening, you have gained something valuable. Whether it's expanding your network, increasing your knowledge, boosting your income, gaining new exposure, or performing acts of kindness. If you don’t achieve any of these, you might be wasting an opportunity. 

Remember, everything we do contributes to our reputation, relationships, and achievements.

These elements accumulate to shape our future success. Don’t forget to pray often for guidance and protection, as there are unseen forces that assist us along the way, Andrijanto affirms. Trust that there is a higher power supporting and guiding us. 

The driving force behind this leader's success

 Andrijanto's inspiration comes from his own parents, particularly his father. As the first son, he was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility towards himself, his family, and his community. His father taught him that one must be hard on oneself to experience an easier life. Discipline and perseverance were core values imparted to him. 

His father often said, 'Everyone has only two choices of suffering: the suffering of discipline or the suffering of regret. It's your choice which one to endure.' These words left a lasting impact on Andrijanto, shaping his approach to challenges and responsibilities. 

Andrijanto tended to choose tasks that others considered difficult or impossible. He believed that achieving what others deemed unachievable would set him apart. "While others see impossibility, I see opportunity," he would say. This mindset drove him to consistently seek out and embrace challenges, believing that success in these endeavours would define his unique path. 

Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!

Lead image / Provided