Ryan Manafe is the CEO and co-founder of Dagangan, a rural commerce startup that makes it easier for rural Indonesians to access high-quality goods at affordable prices. 

Dagangan covers more than 20,000 villages with free daily goods distribution to tier 3 and 4 cities in Indonesia. They last raised a $6.6M Pre-Series B in June last year. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

My work can be explained in three main points:

1. Solving real rural issues. Imagine everyone's talking about urban and city stuff, but I'm like, "Hold on, what about the rural areas?" I help shift the attention from cities to places that might not be noticed much. It's about finding real problems in rural areas that actual people are facing, and then coming up with practical solutions.

2. Going local, not copy-paste: You know how people might try to copy a successful idea from somewhere else? Well, I believe in something different. I want folks to know that our own problems and answers are important. I believe that solutions should come from our own backyard. Like, what works in Indonesia might be different from what works overseas.

3. More than money talk: Most times, startups are judged by how much money they make. But what I care about is the actual change we create. It's like, sure, money matters, but what's even cooler is making things better. So, my job is about looking at rural spots, encouraging local solutions, and caring about the impact we make.

In a nutshell, my work centers on uncovering and resolving genuine issues in rural areas through community-driven solutions, emphasizing local innovation, and valuing the transformative impact through a rural commerce platform.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Besides being in charge of Dagangan, there are two more sides to me: First, I'm a dad to a wonderful son. Yep, in addition to all the work stuff, I also get to experience the joys and challenges of parenthood. 

Second, I'm a preacher too. That means I enjoy offering support and sharing messages of faith with others. It's like having a trio of roles that make my life more meaningful.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I dreamt of becoming an Indonesian Air Force fighter pilot from a young age. Although I couldn't pursue that path due to parental reasons, this disappointment fueled my determination to contribute to my country in unique ways. 

Exploring digital platforms' power to connect urban and rural areas, I discovered a new avenue for impact.

In 2012, I interned at the Presidential Work Unit for Development Supervision and Control (UKP-PPP). This experience exposed me to diverse aspects of national development. 

My time at McKinsey & Company, as an analyst and consultant, deepened my insights into our country's challenges.

Before founding Dagangan, I gained valuable experience as CEO of Indonesia's SUN Energy, pursuing the vision of sustainable energy solutions. Armed with this background, I envisioned using a digital platform to bridge urban-rural gaps, leading to the birth of Dagangan. 

From day one, I believed my journey was about serving my country, but recently, it's become more tangible with concrete results directly impacting communities.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

You know how sometimes we see a cool idea somewhere and try to copy it? I think we can do better. I believe our own issues and solutions matter, right where we live.

This year, something interesting is happening. People are stepping up and creating actual businesses that tackle real problems here in Indonesia. They're using technology to find precise solutions. 

Instead of just following trends, they're focusing on things that make sense financially, help them grow, and importantly, actually make a positive difference for the people here. It's like a shift toward solutions that matter to us, right where we are.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Living in a developing country comes with a silver lining; while we face more challenges, it also translates to more opportunities to make a difference.

Here's my suggestion: Start by observing your surroundings and paying attention to the real issues people are encountering. Instead of seeking problems to solve in distant places, focus on those right here at home. 

Now, here's the key: Work on developing robust solutions, ensuring that these solutions leverage your unique strengths and advantages. Think of it as harnessing your natural abilities to become a superpower for effecting change in your environment.

By following this approach, you're not only resolving problems–you're also crafting transformative change rooted in your individual strengths

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Oh, you've just stumbled into my never-ending chatter zone! Seriously, if you ask me about one thing I could blabber on and on about, it's the whole circus of how faith and modern science do this tango. 

I mean, it's like science has this fancy new dance move, and faith's like, "Hey, I've got some cool moves too!" And they're grooving on this cosmic dance floor.  

Imagine this: science with its microscopes and test tubes, trying to figure out the nuts and bolts of the universe. And then, you've got faith, with its 'believe in the unseen' vibe. 

But wait, here's where it gets juicier than a mystery novel: How do these two, you know, coexist? Like, can you trust the data and still have that ‘Leap of Faith’ thing going on? 

It's like science and faith are these quirky friends at a party, and I just can't stop watching their interactions. 

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

First up, there's Mind Explained–this mind-boggling docuseries that takes you on a wild journey through our brain's mysteries.   

And then, there's The Playbook–coaches spilling their secret life strategies, hidden in the sports world. It's like getting cheat codes for real-life challenges. 

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Sea salt! 

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.