Mediana Hadiwidjaja is the President Director of Infinisia Sumber Semesta, a leading cosmetic raw materials distribution company based in Indonesia
Please briefly introduce yourself, your company, and your role.
My name is Dra. Mediana Hadiwidjaja, M.M., Ph.D., and I serve as the President Director of PT Infinisia Sumber Semesta, a leading cosmetic raw materials distribution company based in Indonesia. With over 30 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, I have developed extensive expertise in research, development, management, and consultancy.
In 2012, I founded Infinisia, and today we proudly serve hundreds of clients both nationally and internationally, providing high-quality and innovative raw materials. My role extends beyond business leadership; I am committed to driving innovation and excellence in every aspect of our operations.
In addition to my work at Infinisia, I serve as a lecturer and actively engage in various professional organizations and CSR initiatives. I also try my best to contribute to the global cosmetic community by writing for in-cosmetics Connect and by conducting research in the industry.
All things considered, I am passionate about the betterment of Indonesia’s cosmetics sector and empowering individuals through impactful solutions that meet market demands.
What do you consider to be your most significant achievement to date – whether it’s a specific project, collaboration, or partnership – that has helped shape your professional journey?
One of my most significant achievements has been the establishment and growth of Infinisia Sumber Semesta. Back in 2012, I started from zero, unsure of where things would go. There were a lot of tough moments, but with the help of a dedicated team and our shared belief in what we were doing, we made it through.
It’s been an incredible journey, growing from those humble beginnings to having a full team, a laboratory, an ISO-certified warehouse, and our own office.
I never imagined we’d be serving both national and international markets. It’s been deeply rewarding to see how we’ve managed to fill critical gaps in the cosmetics industry and play a part in advancing the Indonesian market.
Looking back, I feel grateful not only for the growth of Infinisia but also for the opportunity to inspire others and show that even the smallest start can lead to something great.
What inspires your work, and how do you stay motivated to continue driving innovation in the industry?
What really drives me is knowing that our work has a real impact on people’s lives. Seeing how our products can boost someone’s confidence by giving them healthier skin or addressing specific concerns is incredibly fulfilling. I also love being able to contribute in different ways.
As a lecturer, I get to share my experiences and hopefully inspire the next generation of professionals. It’s fulfilling to see students grow and start their own journeys in the industry.
On top of that, conducting research and staying involved in CSR initiatives gives me a sense of purpose beyond just the day-to-day operations of the company. Giving back to the community and staying connected to the latest advancements helps me keep perspective on why I started in this field in the first place.
I’m motivated by a mix of constant learning, making a difference, and empowering people along the way. That combination keeps me excited and ready to keep pushing forward.
What trends do you foresee in the APAC personal care and beauty industry?
I see the APAC personal care and beauty industry continuing to evolve in exciting ways. There’s a growing demand for clean and natural products, as consumers become more aware of the ingredients they use.
Personalised beauty solutions are also gaining traction, allowing us to create products tailored to individual skin types and needs, which is really exciting. I’m hopeful for a stronger focus on inclusivity, as brands start to cater to diverse skin tones and types, a long overdue shift.
Lastly, sustainability will remain a key driver, with more brands prioritising eco-friendly practices and packaging. It’s thrilling to think about how these trends will shape the future of beauty in our region, opening up new opportunities for innovation and positive change.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to make an impact in the APAC beauty industry?
My advice would be to stay curious and never stop learning. The beauty industry is always changing, and being open to new ideas and trends will help you stay ahead.
Don’t hesitate to explore different areas within the industry, whether it's product development, marketing, or sustainability. Finding your niche can really set you apart.
Remember that no one is an island, so make sure you forge meaningful connections along the way. Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts! It’s about building relationships with mentors and peers who can offer insights and support, given that the beauty industry thrives on creativity and teamwork.
Most importantly, stay true to your passions and values. Enjoy your journey because the beauty industry is a rollercoaster ride!
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to further advance the cosmetic industry in Indonesia by developing innovative beauty solutions that genuinely make a difference to people's lives.
There’s still so much left to explore in the beauty world, and I believe we can use the power of nature to create products that are effective, safe, and good for the environment.
I'm excited about deepening our research efforts and collaborating with global partners who share our vision. I believe that together, we can create groundbreaking ingredients that not only stand out in the market but also set new trends in beauty.
As always, I’m very passionate about mentoring young professionals in our field and empowering them to become the next leaders in the beauty industry.
I will continue to share my experiences and insights to help them navigate their own journeys. It's important to me that the next generation understands the value of creativity and innovation in this industry, so they can carry that torch forward.
All in all, I hope to keep on leaving a lasting impact on the beauty landscape.
