TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia: Boosting National Economy by Ensuring Accessibility, Building Careers
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Putri Anyelir at the MR.D.I.Y. store
C
onsistently affirming its position as the go-to shopping destination for household tools and equipment in Indonesia, MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia remains committed to its mission through 1,000 nationwide stores offering more than 18,000 high-quality products at affordable prices.
From Sabang to Merauke, easy access is MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia’s biggest strength. With its stores strategically located from bustling centers to remote areas like Toraja and Balige, the company ensures that all communities have equal access to its wide catalogue of products.
Its presence in North Toraja regency, for example, has positively impacted the local community.
“In the past, we had to travel to Makassar or shop online at high prices to purchase furniture or small decorations. But now with MR.D.I.Y. nearby, it's so much easier,” said one resident, Sion Oktafianus.
Sion shared that his first visit to a MR.D.I.Y. store was a rather emotional experience, as he was in the middle of renovating his childhood home.
“The house had become quite worn down, so I needed all sorts of items for massive renovations, from tools to decorations. I was surprised that I was able to find literally everything I needed in this one store at an affordable price,” he recalled.
Providing easy access for customers not just in major cities but wherever they are like North Toraja is a key priority of MR.D.I.Y., which believes that providing local stores allows its customers to get easier access to high quality daily household needs affordably without leaving their hometown. This affirms MR.D.I.Y.’s mission of expanding access to all corners of Indonesia.
Aside from being a go-to destination for home improvement, MR.D.I.Y. has also established itself as an integral part of daily life for families.
North Sumatra resident Putri Anyelir, who once lived in a dormitory in Balige district, fondly remembers how the all-in-one shop was often the highlight of her weekends.
“At first, we went to MR.D.I.Y. for my necessities for my dorm room, things like stationery, toiletries and cutlery. But then we started seeing it as a fun experience, a place where we could just buy a lot of random things without worrying about going over budget,” Putri recalled.
She also said MR.D.I.Y. made important occasions like birthday parties easier. “If one of our friends had a birthday, we’d buy gifts and decorations all in one place. We didn’t have to visit multiple stores. They had everything, cute stuffed animals, photo frames, even scented candles.”
Though she has since graduated university, Putri and her friends still visit MR.D.I.Y. frequently, now shopping for home essentials with their families.
“MR.DIY has become a part of our lives,” she said.
A similar experience is shared by Honggo Wijaya of Inspira Furnexindo, which produces high-quality wooden kitchenware and organizers. However, the company struggled to enter the local market until it partnered with MR.D.I.Y..
“Before working with MR.D.I.Y., most of our products were exported. But now, within just one year of collaboration, our sales at MR.D.I.Y. have grown 19 times, allowing us to expand and hire 10 percent more employees,” Honggo said.
“MR.D.I.Y. provides local suppliers with the opportunity to showcase their products nationwide. We hope MR.D.I.Y. continues to grow and supports even more local MSMEs like us in the future,” he added.
With MR.D.I.Y.’s extensive network of stores, its partners have enjoyed more efficient product distribution, eliminating the high costs and barriers that previously prevented these small businesses from reaching wider markets.
These inspiring stories highlight how large retailers like MR.D.I.Y. can play a crucial role in empowering local businesses and promoting Indonesian products. With a product range covering 10 categories, including automotive accessories, electronics, household tools, furniture and toys, MR.D.I.Y. remains committed to providing high-quality, affordable goods to Indonesian families.
The company’s philosophy extends beyond serving customers and supporting businesses to creating jobs. Over 50 percent of MR.D.I.Y. employees come from outside Java, in line with its mission of providing equal opportunity to all Indonesians, no matter where they are based.
Fani Chairulnisa said her job as a store assistant supervisor at MR.D.I.Y. The Park Semarang changed her life.
After previously facing rejection from other companies due to her commitments as a mother, Fani prevailed at MR.D.I.Y. and proved that women could excel professionally while fulfilling their parental responsibilities.
“Working here has improved my family’s financial stability. In 2024, I used my incentives to pay for my child’s school fees. Even when I was affected by a flood, MR.D.I.Y. provided assistance. I’m grateful to be part of this company,” Fani said.
Juniarta, a retail area manager in Papua, has meanwhile built a thriving career since joining MR.D.I.Y. in 2017. Starting out as a store supervisor, he climbed the ranks to area manager and even received professional training in international business from MR.D.I.Y..
“Beyond salary and career growth, the experiences and knowledge I’ve gained here are invaluable,” Juniarta said.
With 1,000 stores and over 18,000 products, MR.D.I.Y. Indonesia continues to make a positive impact on the Indonesian economy through three distinct pillars: creating jobs, supporting local businesses and ensuring equal access for all.
This article is published in collaboration with Mr. DIY
