Mindtalk, a truly Indonesian platform that positions itself as an “interest meet-up space,” has launched outside of beta last week.
Mindtalk was founded by Danny Oei Wirianto – one of the key figures behind the largest community in the nation Kaskus – and Robin Ma’rufi, and is under incubation with Merah Putih Incubator (MPInc) with the tagline “start a dialogue, connect people with similar MIND and TALK about your interests.”
In the aim of grabbing a massive number of early adopters, Mindtalk’s mobile app was launched in a number of platforms, including Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7, and Windows Phone 8. The app is actually pre-installed in the Nokia Asha and Lumia (610, 510), Polytron Android and a number of local homegrown PC tablets. The “embedded model” is strongly believed by many parties as one of the key strategies for the app to gain user traction and reach millions of members.
The winners of Today’s Heroes in 13 categories
After Mindtalk launched in September last year, hundreds of thousands of users have joined — 180,000 to be precise — spanning 190 countries. This is something that makes both co-founders thrilled at realizing that the local platform they developed is liked and accepted by people of all backgrounds.
When a user signs up for the service, one will be offered a number of interests, including Education, Music, Movies, Sports, Technology, Music, then followed by the “channels” he/she prefers to pick up.
The existing channels, around 8,000 as of now, are identified by hashtag and intended to simplify the group formation process or digital community. It’s a free form and self-regulatory entity, which no longer depends on moderators.
The service is also equipped with Ping.fm-like features such as “Ask a Question” and “Create Deal,” and can accommodate social commerce activities, as well. Aside from individuals, companies and organizations are also using the platform, particularly for its social channel. These include BCA, Indosat, Nokia, Telkom and Unilever.
With the idea that celebrity endorsement helps raise awareness for social networks, whether directly or inderectly, local artists now have a presence in the platform, such as GIGI, NIDJI, and Dea Ananda, to name a few.
Danny is idealistic with regard to the value of Mindtalk as a social movement. “We believe with members grouping themselves — based on their preference and interests — it will engender positive social movement.”
The Mindtalk launch coincided with the awarding night of “Today’s Heroes,” a program to appreciate the country top young talents with global achievement.
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