KELAS KULIAH : MAKRO EKONOMI DAN MODEL BISNIS

Summary

The speaker delves into the nature of business, branding, and economics, emphasizing the influence of human desires, needs, and perceptions on market trends. Using examples like branded shoes, cars, and watches, they highlight how value is created not only through products but through the narrative and status they convey. The discussion also touches on Indonesia’s economic challenges, such as low tax compliance and informal sector issues, stressing the need for innovation and higher investment. Ultimately, the speaker argues that human needs, from basic to luxury, remain central to business opportunities, even in times of crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The power of branding is rooted in human perception, not just the product itself. A strong personal brand can elevate even imitation products.
• 😀 High-demand luxury items like designer shoes and cars often hold their value because of scarcity, status, and the branding associated with them.
• 😀 Comfort and practical value often take a backseat to status and image when people choose expensive goods over alternatives that might serve them better.
• 😀 The informal sector in Indonesia, while vast, suffers from low income, few savings, and limited tax contributions, leading to economic instability.
• 😀 The informal sector's low tax compliance reduces the government's ability to provide public welfare and stimulate industrial innovation.
• 😀 Indonesia’s current tax ratio is around 9-10%, well below the ideal 16% needed for a fully developed economy with strong welfare systems.
• 😀 Economic growth in Indonesia stands at 5.2%, but to reach developed status, growth should ideally be between 7-8%. This requires significant investment.
• 😀 Vietnam’s economic growth is largely driven by high foreign direct investment (FDI), stable government, and clear legal frameworks that attract investors.
• 😀 The most promising business opportunities, even in times of economic crisis, are always related to human needs and desires, such as food, clothing, and basic services.
• 😀 Human desires, such as the need for prestige and validation, continue to fuel business opportunities even during difficult times, as long as humans exist with basic needs.

Q & A

Why are certain brands like Adidas and Mini Cooper considered expensive, according to the speaker?

The speaker explains that these brands sell status, ideas, and hope. They are not necessarily the most comfortable or functional, but their value is rooted in branding and human perception, which makes them expensive.

What role does personal branding play in the value of products?

Personal branding is key to the value of products. A strong personal brand can make imitation products seem genuine, and even when a person is not actively doing anything, their perceived value can still drive business and influence.

How does the informal sector affect Indonesia's economy?

The informal sector in Indonesia is large but faces challenges such as low income, lack of savings, and poor tax compliance. This impacts the overall economy, as it leads to a low tax revenue base, making it harder for the government to invest in infrastructure and innovation.

What is the current tax ratio in Indonesia, and why is it a concern?

Indonesia's current tax ratio is between 9-10%, which is considered low. Ideally, for a country of Indonesia's size, the tax ratio should be around 16%. This low tax participation limits government revenue, affecting public welfare and economic development.

What is the difference between formal and informal sectors in Indonesia?

The formal sector is well-documented and contributes significantly to the economy, while the informal sector includes businesses that lack stability, legal certainty, and proper tax records, contributing to a large portion of low-income jobs.

What is the ideal economic growth rate for Indonesia to become a developed country?

To become a developed country, Indonesia needs to achieve an economic growth rate of 7-8%, which requires a high investment ratio. Currently, Indonesia is at a 5.2% growth rate, which may not be enough for sustained long-term development.

Why is Vietnam considered more attractive for investors compared to Indonesia?

Vietnam is more attractive to investors because of its legal certainty, stable government, well-prepared industry infrastructure, and favorable investment conditions, which provide greater confidence for investors compared to Indonesia.

How does the speaker define the most promising business commodity in current economic conditions?

The most promising business commodity, according to the speaker, is humans. Businesses that cater to human needs and desires will continue to thrive, even in difficult economic conditions, because human needs are constant.

What are the basic human needs that will always present business opportunities, even during a crisis?

Basic human needs such as food, clothing, and sex are always in demand, even during a crisis. These fundamental needs provide ongoing business opportunities, as they are constant across all human experiences.

What is the relationship between economic growth and investment, according to the speaker?

Economic growth is directly linked to investment. To achieve higher growth rates, like the ideal 7-8% for developed countries, Indonesia needs to attract more investment, which would, in turn, improve productivity and economic outcomes.