IDN sets sights on a bold regional future in media, entertainment, and technology

In an era where media, technology, and entertainment are evolving quickly, companies must do more than keep up—they must shape the future. For IDN, what began as a startup with a mission to amplify the voices of Gen Z and Millennials has grown into a key player that influences the digital landscape of Indonesia and beyond.

Marking its 11th anniversary, IDN stands at a pivotal moment: reflecting on its journey while setting bold ambitions for Southeast Asia. The company’s story is one of relentless innovation, diversification, and a vision that extends far beyond national borders.

Highest growth performance since launch

Last year, IDN achieved a historic milestone by completing its highest revenue growth since its founding, recording a 58% year-on-year increase. This momentum continued into the first quarter of 2025, with revenues rising 35% compared to the same period the previous year. These achievements stem from measured strategies, disciplined execution, and major transformations across various business lines. 

Today, IDN stands as one of Indonesia’s leading players in media, entertainment, and technology, managing an ecosystem of 18 business units that span digital publishing, live streaming, and the creators’ economy.

IDN’s rapid growth is not solely dependent on advertising—which contributes about 80% of total revenue—but is also powered by the diversification it has pursued over the past few years. New business units have started to deliver promising results, reflecting a mature, well-measured business model that is ready to face the future. Key success factors include synergy across business units, revitalized sales strategies, and a more customer-centric approach.

“We are not building IDN just for today. We are building it for generations to come — not only for Gen Z and Millennials, but also for the generations that follow. Adaptability is our foundation and innovation is our culture,” said Winston Utomo, Co-Founder and CEO of IDN.

3 strategic priorities for IDN

Entering 2025, IDN is shifting focus from massive expansion to a phase of consolidation and acceleration. The company has outlined three key strategic priorities. First is the expansion of its entertainment business by developing IP (Intellectual Property) that can live across platforms and generations, not just single-use content. 

For example, the launch of “microdrama” formats on the IDN App demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, easily accessible short-form content. Signature IPs, such as Pesta Pora, are set for expansion into Malaysia, while JKT48 will release new works that strengthen its position in Indonesia’s music industry.

Second, IDN is investing heavily in technology, particularly in AI (artificial intelligence), to enhance editorial and publishing processes and to make workflows faster and smarter. The company is revitalizing its internal CMS (Content Management System) to align with its ambition of becoming a world-class media tech company.

Third, the company is driving internal transformation to optimize processes. This includes implementing a real-time financial system, harmonizing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) across business units, and accelerating more agile, measurable, collaborative workflows.

The company’s 11th anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a reflection on its future vision. Amid rapid technological advances and shifting audience preferences, IDN aspires not merely to adapt but to help shape the direction of the industry.

Beyond Indonesia, IDN is setting its sights on regional growth in Southeast Asia—a region of around 700 million people that presents strategic opportunities to bring Indonesian local content, IPs, and technologies to a broader audience. 

 In July 2025, IDN will debut Pesta Pora Malaysia, its first overseas entertainment festival IP. Meanwhile, Saweria—a monetization platform for creators—will launch in the Philippines, offering local creators new ways to connect directly with their fans.

The company aims to become the largest media, entertainment, and technology company in Southeast Asia within the next five years.

“The first eleven years were the foundation phase. The next step is the phase of acceleration and regional expansion: scaling up, broadening our impact, and making IDN a company that not only reflects its era, but also helps define it,” explained Winston Utomo.

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This article is a summary of  Fortune Indonesia Magazine’s article, June 2025 edition.