Established in 1999, Kaskus boasts a rich history and unique characteristics as the biggest user-generated content-based (UGC) discussion platform in Indonesia, Edi told a press conference at the company's office in South Jakarta.

"In August last year we launched a subsidiary, Garasi.id, which is an automotive marketplace for secondhand cars. In the coming months we will redesign our website to better show our vibrant communities and discussions, which reach up to 10,000 threads per day, as well as strengthening our Kaskus Kreator product and introducing new programs like Kaskus Groups," said Edi, who has over 20 years of experience in the media and the digital industry, starting his career in Kompas Gramedia Group and in early 2016 cofounding digital advertising technology company ProPS as well as media builder brand and content-marketing company BrandMedia.

Kaskus Kreator has been providing special rewards for "creators" who write or contribute on the platform since the end of 2017. It currently has over 11,000 registered creators and will be launching a dedicated festival at the end of this year. Meanwhile, Kaskus Groups is said to accommodate communities that seek more independence by allowing them to create more segmented groups where they can enjoy more engaging conversations and benefits.

Read also: Kaskus founder leaves company, says IT sector becoming too risky

Edi also revealed plans to introduce a storytelling platform that allows users to create curated stories/threads by the end of this year, as well as to focus more on video-based content and updating its content policy, "because we want Kaskus to not only have high-traffic content but also content that is meaningful, knowledgeable and gives value to our users."

"The keyword here is not 'changing' but 'sharpening' Kaskus as a platform of conversation. The essence [of Kaskus] is a discussion place where people who have similar interests gather, complemented by the existence of the transactional marketplace platform FJB [buy and sell forum]. We're not a news website or e-commerce; but that's what makes us unique."

As it is challenged to become not only a sustainable company but also grow its business portfolio, Kaskus is also set to invest in several startups in the near future for strategic reasons, either to strengthen the company or the industry ecosystem in which Kaskus is involved.

"With all these plans in the pipeline, hopefully we can continue to innovate not only to exist, but also to stay relevant," said Kaskus co-founder Andrew Darwis at the event.

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