Willix Halim Steps up as Bukalapak's Temporary CEO

On the same day (29/12), after Rachmat Kaimuddin resigned from his position as President Director, Bukalapak announced Willix Halim as the company's Acting President Director or temporary CEO. He will lead Bukalapak during the transition period until the closing of the Company's EGMS which ratifies and confirms the resignation of Rachmat Kaimuddin and the appointment of a new President Director.

Teddy Oetomo and Natalia Firmansyah will continue to serve as Bukalapak's Directors.

"During his tenure as Acting President Director, Willix will be responsible for the company's overall operational activities and ensure that Bukalapak maintains its mission of creating A Fair Economy For All," Bukalapak management wrote in an official statement.

Willix joined Bukalapak as Chief Operating Officer in 2016. Under his departmental position, Willix handles all Bukalapak business operations, product, data & design, and technology.

Previously, he served as a Senior Vice President Growth for Freelancer.com, one of Australia's largest startups. Willix received a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Mechatronics with First Class Honors in 2009 from the University of Melbourne.

Bukalapak's management previously said that Rachmat's resignation had been submitted on December 28, 2021, he planned to continue working for the government. According to the spreading rumor, it is reported that Rachmat will continue his career as one of the deputies under the leadership of Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investments.

The Philippines scheme

Amid the managerial shifting, Bukalapak is reportedly eyeing expansion to the Philippines. It is marked by the job vacancy for the Country Manager position in the Philippines. The company's representative has not provided any feedback to DailySocial regarding this matter.

Previously, Bukalapak, along with Sembrani Kiqani, BRI Ventures' latest managed fund, were involved in the Yield Guild Games Southeast Asia (YGG SEA) funding with a total of $15 million in two rounds. YGG SEA is a DAO under YGG, a blockchain-based game development startup from the Philippines.

According to the e-Conomy SEA report, the country's GMV generated from the digital economy is predicted to reach $17 billion, 93% increased YoY. The largest contributor came from the e-commerce business with a growth of 132% or worth $12 billion. At a 24% CAGR growth, it is predicted the overall internet economy is likely to reach a value of $40 billion by 2025.

In fact, the country's internet penetration growth still has a wide scope, even one of the lowest compared to neighboring countries in ASEAN, since only 68% of the population are familiar with online services.

–Original article is in Indonesian, translated by Kristin Siagian