Jack Ma can’t solve Indonesia’s ecommerce dilemma

Jack Ma is the founder and chairman of Alibaba. Photo credit: Asia Society.

Alibaba chairman Jack Ma took on a role as advisor to the Indonesian government – specifically, an ecommerce committee consisting of 10 ministers.

The range of reactions it triggered is noteworthy.

Analysts in Indonesia warned of a “potential conflict of interest” – because Alibaba owns a controlling stake in Lazada, which also operates in Indonesia – and that local startups could “fall under Jack Ma’s control.”

The Jakarta Post, on the other hand, is ecstatic and foresees “great things to come.”

I think they all miss the target. Ma’s appointment isn’t really a big deal.

It’s of symbolic significance, sure – but it doesn’t mean he’ll dictate Indonesia’s future ecommerce laws.

Photo credit: Dietrich Ayala.

What Ma has been asked to do is recommend ways to strengthen Indonesian small businesses and help them access markets like China. His role is similar to one he held with the former British Prime Minister.

Indonesia’s ecommerce roadmap is long overdue.

Indonesia’s ecommerce association (IDEA) also takes a relaxed stance.

Not just Ma, other international and local ecommerce luminaries will be asked to advise the panel too, said Aulia Marinto, the head of the group, in an interview with Tech in Asia.

And besides, the government won’t just follow blindly what Ma suggests, Aulia assured media yesterday. IDEA, he signaled, would be there to help the government review any suggestions.

Show me the roadmap

Protectionist versus open

Impossible balancing act