Gojek Founder Nadiem Makarim Steps Down to Join Indonesian Cabinet
Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim resigns as CEO to serve as a minister in Indonesia's presidential cabinet. Andre Soelistyo and Kevin Aluwi step up as co-CEOs to lead the $10 billion startup.
Nadiem Makarim resigns as the CEO of Gojek to join Indonesian President Joko Widodo's cabinet as a minister. This surprise announcement comes just one day after the president starts his second term in office. Makarim expresses deep honor at the appointment and highlights the nation's readiness for innovation, though he does not reveal his specific ministerial role.
Andre Soelistyo, the Gojek Group president, and Kevin Aluwi, a co-founder, immediately take over as co-CEOs of the massive ride-hailing startup. A company spokesperson states that the leadership team plans for this exact possibility and promises absolutely no disruption to daily business operations. The spokesperson also praises Makarim for building a vision that scales up to help develop the entire country.
Since its launch in 2010 as a motorcycle taxi service, Gojek grows into a $10 billion super-app offering mobile payments, food delivery, and video streaming. The expansive platform currently serves over 2 million driver partners and 400,000 merchants across several Southeast Asian nations. The official presidential palace is expected to confirm Makarim's new cabinet position later this week.