On May 27, 2025, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. (TLKM) announced the appointment of Dian Siswarini as its new President Director (CEO), succeeding Ririek Adriansyah. This leadership change was formalized during the company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (RUPST) and marks a significant milestone in Telkom's journey towards digital transformation and innovation.

A Trailblazing Career in Telecommunications

Dian Siswarini brings over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry. She began her career in 1991 and joined PT XL Axiata Tbk. (EXCL) in 1996, where she held various strategic positions. In April 2015, she was appointed as President Director and CEO of XL Axiata, becoming one of the few female leaders in Indonesia's telecom sector. Under her leadership, XL Axiata achieved significant milestones, including expanding its market share to approximately 25% and receiving accolades such as "CEO of The Year" at the Selular Award 2019 .

Her tenure at XL Axiata was marked by a commitment to innovation, customer-centric strategies, and digital transformation. She played a pivotal role in steering the company through the rapidly evolving telecom landscape, ensuring that XL Axiata remained competitive and responsive to market demands.

Strategic Implications for Telkom Indonesia

Telkom Indonesia's decision to appoint Dian Siswarini as CEO comes at a crucial time as the company seeks to reinforce its position in the digital economy. Her extensive experience in leading digital initiatives and managing large-scale operations is expected to drive Telkom's strategic objectives forward.

The leadership transition also aligns with Telkom's recent integration into the Operational Holding Danantara under PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (Persero), indicating a broader restructuring aimed at enhancing efficiency and competitiveness . Dian's appointment is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to Telkom's operations, fostering growth and adaptability in a dynamic market.

Embracing Digital Transformation and Innovation

As the new CEO, Dian Siswarini is expected to spearhead Telkom Indonesia's digital transformation efforts. Her track record at XL Axiata demonstrates a strong capability in implementing digital strategies that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. With the telecommunications industry rapidly evolving, her leadership will be instrumental in navigating technological advancements and integrating innovative solutions into Telkom's service offerings.

Furthermore, her appointment signifies Telkom's commitment to embracing diversity and inclusive leadership. As a prominent female figure in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Dian's role as CEO may inspire organizational culture shifts towards greater inclusivity and empowerment within the company.

Anticipated Challenges and Opportunities

While Dian Siswarini's appointment brings optimism, she will also face challenges inherent to the telecommunications sector. These include increasing competition, rapid technological changes, and the need to meet evolving customer expectations. However, her extensive experience and strategic acumen position her well to address these challenges effectively.

Opportunities lie in expanding Telkom's digital services, exploring new revenue streams, and enhancing customer engagement through innovative solutions. Dian's leadership is expected to catalyze these initiatives, driving Telkom towards sustained growth and relevance in the digital age.

Conclusion

The appointment of Dian Siswarini as Telkom Indonesia's new CEO marks a significant step in the company's evolution. Her proven leadership in the telecommunications industry, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to digital transformation, positions Telkom to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape successfully. As she takes the helm, stakeholders anticipate a new era of innovation, inclusivity, and strategic growth for Telkom Indonesia.