A Brief Interview With Cabara CEO Faizal Rizal

A few days ago we wrote about an online booking service for helper/assistant/informal workers, Cabara.co.id. This service was developed by PT Capung Bara Persada, with previous experience in foreign employment (especially the Middle East region) since 2000.

Recently we interviewed Faisal Rizal (CEO of Cabara.co.id) via email. Below is a brief interview with Mr Faisal Rizal. We also included questions about the similarity of their sites with KartuNama.net.

DS: Since when Cabara.co.id was launched and could be used?

Cabara.co.id was previously used by Barkahayu brand with Barkahayu.com domain. It was soft- launched on October 15th, 2011. We closed Barkahayu.com and now we become Cabara.co.id.

DS: Can you tell a bit about the establishment of Cabara.co.id?

The initial idea was developed considering the number of prospective migrant workers which we rejected because they are not qualified to work abroad. For your information, we were a migrant-worker company, especially for the Middle East market. And this idea came about 2 years ago, since then we did a survey and seek opinions from several sources. From the results of surveys and several opinions, we learned that there's a market for this. Before this idea was executed, I joined the Project Eden pitch competition. The input from judges stated that this is a good idea and is needed by the community. Finally we execute our own ideas without interference from Project Eden.

DS: What was behind the establishment of Cabara.co.id?

The establishment Cabara.co.id is considering on the number of migrant worker candidates rejected by the recruitment agency while they really want to work and the pending placement of migrant workers to Saudi Arabia by the Dept of Labor, effective since August 1st 2011.

DS: For now, how many customers who have already placed order via Cabara.co.id?

We are still looking for the service pattern and system that works well. We didn't have a large-scale promotion. However, until now we receive requests from 20 people; but it's not including the callers who ask the questions.

DS: How to monetize Cabara.co.id?

For monetization, we charge from prospective employer for administration fee from any worker's service.

DS: Right now, what is the obstacle faced by Cabara.co.id?

It’s the lack of knowledge of the prospective employers about the importance of professional helper job. To get the candidate is very difficult, because many prefer to work abroad with higher salaries.

DS: What is the future plan of Cabara.co.id?

We will open a branch office, representative in every city and improve the image of professional helper in the public, especially for migrant workers.

DS: What is your feedback about Agus Mulyono's (founder Kartunama.net) comment on Cabara.co.id saying that the display is Kartunama.net copycat?

Indeed I admit that I took the design concept of Kartunama.net. Thus the look is still not complete and the new version (real) will be launched soon and not beta version.

--

As we discussed in previous articles, Cabara.co.id  is one of the innovative startup (in terms of services provided), although there may be a similar service outside Indonesia. For the local market, this service can solve the problems experienced by many people and they can fast-order helper/assistants/informal workers via internet.

It is unfortunate if it has a web interface similar to KartuNama.net (thanks to mas Agus and Richard Fang for comment and notice the similarities and design with KartuNama.net). Although it's still beta and still have to further develop, certainly it's not wise if the look is similar same to other site. However, as explained in the interview above and based on information from this tweet, Cabara will renew their display site.

So, let's wait for the new appearance and development of Cabara.co.id. Hopefully they will appear different, fresh and not similar with other site.