Bridging Integration Gaps: Building Agility Through Connected Intelligence

Across ASEAN, enterprises are accelerating their digital transformation journeys, but as technology advances, integration remains one of the biggest challenges.

From banks modernising core systems to manufacturers automating production lines, organisations are realising that agility depends on how effectively legacy and modern systems work together.

At AIBP’s recent networking session, “Bridging Integration Gaps: A Workshop for Agile Transformation” held in collaboration with IBM webMethods and Mastersystem in Jakarta, Indonesian business and technology leaders gathered to discuss how integration, APIs, and data governance can enable operational resilience, connectivity, and trusted digital ecosystems in a fast-changing and increasingly complex digital landscape.

Integration as the Foundation of Agility

According to the AIBP 2025/26 ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Market Overview, 54.4% of organisations cite integration with existing systems as their top barrier to AI implementation.

Enterprises across Indonesia are balancing growth and modernization, and integration sits at the center of that effort.

As Very Fernando, Initiative Owner for Industry 4.0 Transformation at Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, shared, scaling efficiently begins with bridging systems: “We talk about the entire lifecycle of asset management, from actuarial to financial budgeting, and that’s why we need integration. Our challenge lies in managing legacy systems and scalability as customer demands grow. The next step is upgrading the IT department’s skills and learning how to implement cloud technologies. The key focus now is developing human capabilities and skills.”

This reflects a wider regional challenge. Organisations like PLN are addressing it by modernising incrementally, integrating before replacing, and investing in talent to sustain long-term transformation.

Data Security, Trust, and Compliance in the Age of PDP

Integration does more than connect systems — it builds the foundation for governance and trust.

With the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) now in effect, enterprises are embedding governance and security at the integration layer, ensuring that data exchange across APIs remains compliant and transparent. 

Nurhariadi Wibowo, Deputy Head of Solution Architect Enterprise Account at XL Smart, a leading Indonesian telecommunications provider, underscored how trust underpins every digital interaction: “Security builds trust. We embedded PDP principles into our API services long before the law was enforced, because strong data protection is essential for customer confidence and service reliability.”

This emphasis on security aligns with Indonesia’s broader push for standardized API ecosystems, such as the Telco API Alliance between Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), and XL Smart, an industry milestone aimed at protecting users from fraud and strengthening digital infrastructure.

APIs as the Bridge Between Innovation and Business Value

The discussion highlighted how APIs are not just technical tools but business enablers, reshaping models, connecting industries, and creating new revenue opportunities. Akhmad Makki, Hybrid Integration Solutions Strategist at IBM webMethods, explained that the next phase of integration goes beyond efficiency: “Initially, integration helps businesses orchestrate operations across multiple backend platforms. But the second generation is about digital business, where processes involve not just internal teams, but also external partners. By publishing APIs to external digital ecosystems, companies can unlock new revenue streams and expand beyond traditional boundaries.” 

This evolution is already visible in sectors like manufacturing and automotive.

Irfan Abdurrahman, Head of Digital Transformation at Akebono Brake Astra Indonesia, a component manufacturer within the Astra group, shared: “Through our integrated Astra value chain, we’ve connected various systems across the group. As a brake component manufacturer, we use APIs to communicate with partners like Toyota, managing ordering processes and supplier inventory seamlessly. The challenge now is integrating our legacy machines and applications to boost productivity and cut operational costs. APIs are key to driving that modernization and efficiency.” 

For enterprises like Akebono Brake Astra Indonesia, APIs are the connective tissue of industrial collaboration.

Modernising Core Systems While Preserving Trust

In financial services, digital transformation comes with unique pressures, balancing innovation with reliability. Rudiyanto Wong, AVP of Core Modernization at Bank Central Asia (BCA), one of Asia’s largest private banks, explained: “Our core mission is to modernize legacy systems that are nearing their limits. The challenge isn’t just technical, it’s aligning IT and business to understand the long-term importance of transformation and securing full organizational support. People choose BCA because they trust our consistency, reliability, and dedication to service excellence. That trust is what sustains loyalty, even when processes take time.”

For BCA, integration is an ongoing process that maintains customer trust while modernising systems.

Felicia Alvina, Digital Innovation Retail Specialist at Maybank, a leading regional financial institution, shared a similar perspective on bridging the gap between business and technology teams: “There’s not necessarily a knowledge gap between business and tech — it’s more that we speak different languages. The business side wants speed and tangible outcomes, while the tech side prioritises security, scalability, and long-term stability. The key is finding the balance: moving fast enough to deliver value, but safely enough to ensure lasting integration.”

Her comment highlights that successful integration requires alignment between technology, business priorities, and people.

From Connectivity to Responsible Innovation

Henri Wyanto, Senior Advisor for Digital Business at PT Telkom Indonesia, Indonesia’s largest telecommunications company, framed APIs as catalysts for responsible innovation: “APIs are not just about connectivity, they’re about enabling experimentation, service enhancement, and innovation across our ecosystem. But opening networks through APIs is never trivial, it demands a deep understanding of security risks and organizational value. Digital transformation must be strategic, not reactive. Technology should amplify business value, not follow trends out of fear of missing out.”

As enterprises embrace cloud, AI, and automation, governance and foresight are essential to ensure innovation remains secure and sustainable.

Sumarto Santosa, Vice President of Business Development at Mastersystem, a leading Indonesian IT solutions provider, reflected on integration as the foundation of successful digital transformation: “Integration has become a key element in enabling digital transformation. It simplifies the services that organisations deliver and ensures that transformation programs can succeed effectively. With the right solutions in place, integration helps enterprises accelerate their digital transformation journeys and achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.”

The Role of Integration Platforms in Enabling Secure, Scalable Growth

Integration platforms such as IBM’s webMethods, illustrate how enterprises can unify operations, manage hybrid environments, and automate securely across cloud and on-premise systems. 

Muhammad Dian Irfan Perkasa, First Vice President of IT Managed Services & AI Solutions at Aplikanusa Lintasarta, a leading Indonesian ICT solutions provider serving enterprise and government clients, shared: “For any organization looking to adopt AI, data accessibility is the foundation of success. Through our long-term use of webMethods, we’ve seen how API platforms empower teams to access data securely and efficiently without navigating each system separately. APIs give us the flexibility to control data exposure internally and externally, accelerating how our users derive value. At the same time, privacy and consent remain essential.”

A Step Toward Connected, Responsible Agility

Integration has become a strategic driver of agility, resilience, and innovation.

From utilities and telecom to banking and manufacturing, enterprises across Indonesia are learning that connected systems mean connected intelligence, a foundation that supports not only efficiency but also trust, compliance, and long-term growth.

As part of the discussion, AIBP also shared highlights from its upcoming ASEAN Enterprise Innovation Market Overview 2025/26, featuring perspectives from more than 900 IT and business leaders across the region.

The findings reveal a shared direction: cyber resilience, data governance, and responsible AI adoption are becoming the new cornerstones of digital trust in ASEAN.

If you are interested to find out more about this session or would like to stay up-to-date of upcoming activities, please drop us a note at aibp@industry-platform.com