Hage Tim Henssen! A Dutchman who manufactures cosmetics in Ethiopia.
I can tell from your accent that you're Dutch. What part of Holland you?
Tim Henssen
I'm from the south of Holland, the hilly part, near Marseille.
And what are you doing here in Indonesia?
We have a cosmetics company called PT Cosmar manufacturing for companies like Pixie and Mustika Ratu. For a couple of years we have also had the license for Barbie and we used to make cosmetics for children, such as lip gloss, but it was too difficult because you have to invest heavily in the brand and it requires much attention and time. Now we have a joint venture in Ethiopia called Cosmar East Africa.
Wow, a cosmetics company in Ethiopia. How did you get into this?
We met a representative in Dubai and they needed help which resulted in a joint venture with the help of some grants from the Ethiopian government. The PSOM program of the Dutch government gave us an incentive to invest in Ethiopia, which put us over the edge. Thank you for this program, we have established this company called Viola, which produces body lotions, shampoos, conditioners and body butter for sale in Ethiopia only.
What is business like in Ethiopia?
There are a lot less competition because it is incredibly difficult to do something there. We saw an influx of Chinese coming in which makes me a little scared, so we have to be well established in the market before settling.
Do you like that?
I like it there. The climate is very pleasant in the day, it is a pleasant 24-25 degrees and the evenings are really cold. They have a good beer and very civilized people without corruption because the authorities are incredibly strict.
And how do you live here in Jakarta?
Well, what can I say? Traffic makes it difficult to visit friends, have a beer, things get heavy.
How gérez-?
We moved the factory to BSD which means we're going against traffic so the ride only takes half an hour. I also ride a bike when I can, although I avoid it at night because it's too dangerous.
Do you wear protective gear?
I wear a helmet which is unusual for a Dutch person. In Holland cycles of everyone, but no one wears a helmet!
Are there bike paths in Jakarta?
There is one on Jalan Melawai! Suddenly and from nowhere appeared a bike path that door for a few hundred meters, but it is completely useless.
Have you worked in other areas in the country?
I am educated as an aid worker and when I have time and opportunity, I consult in this area. My first job was in Aceh in Indonesia in '85 in the mountains. I analyzed the transmigration camps and made proposals to the government on issues that were lacking on health, education and infrastructure. So basically, how to improve the transmigrates life. Years later, I met a consultant who started a coffee factory in Aceh and apparently my report is unused. So it's good to know that I may have made a difference.
What is the craziest thing you've done for money?
To be honest, if something does not make sense I do not do it. Nothing really comes to mind. Sometimes I play golf, evil, and the Indonesians want to bet against me. I do not want to bet, but every time they get really excited and bet against me and suddenly I become unbeatable! - I never lose
Well hope this continues Tim. To contact email tim.henssen@ptcosmar.com