USE of mobile devices to access the Internet and purchase goods is surging in Indonesia but businesses have not maximised their mobile content to capture this market.
This was the observation made by speakers at WIT Indonesia in Jakarta yesterday that brought together technology and travel industry experts.
Speaking at the event yesterday, Oon Arfiandwi, chief technology officer, 7langit.com, said: “People in Indonesia use the mobile phone for almost every activity. Travellers take pictures, record movies and ‘check in’ at their locations using them.
“Mobile devices can serve not only as (a platform) for social media use but also as a communication channel for brands, but not many brands in Indonesia have taken steps to create mobile content,” Oon noted.
Fery Unardi, managing director Traveloka and Gaery Undarsa, managing director and co-founder of Tiket.com, observed a significant rise in online bookings last year and believes that suppliers need to develop mobile-friendly content to grow the market faster.
Google research on Indonesian travellers’ behaviour last year showed that 47 per cent of respondents planned their last hotel stay using mobile technology, and 61 per cent of them want the freedom to make bookings wherever and whenever.
Hengky Prihatna, head of Travel Google Indonesia, emphasised that in doing so, suppliers must ensure information is simple yet customised. Users seek personalised things and 31 per cent want to have personal travel consultancy, he said.
However the era of desktop computers is far from over.
Said Hengky: “Our research showed that 35 per cent of respondents said it is easier to use a computer for booking, 32 per cent pointed out at the low signal and slow connections (as obstacles to mobile use), while 19 per cent do not trust online payment systems.”
