We are a Jakarta-based consultancy providing strategic communications and public relations capabilities and services to help clients effectively engage with a wide spectrum of constituents in Southeast Asia's largest economy. Since 2000, Cognito has set the industry benchmark for clear thinking, sound advice, creative strategies plus impeccable program execution to help our clients achieve their business and corporate reputation aspirations. Our team of over 40, including advisors and consultants combine industry and business experience along with contemporary knowledge of communications methodologies and tools.
The way Cognito works is based on three imperatives.
All three provide a seamless progression that ensures effective communications strategies that deliver results:
We begin with CLEAR THINKING to understand our clients' crucial issues and communications needs.
This provides a foundation of clarity and insights upon which SOUND ADVICE is provided to shape impactful strategies and campaigns.
We bring these strategies to life through IMPECCABLE EXECUTION, transforming innovative ideas into memorable and inspiring moments.
We firmly believe values must guide the way we work. Values instill trust, consistency, and purpose, ensuring professional and ethical behaviours that foster lasting, impactfull client relationships. These are our guiding values:
We think big, take calculated risks, embrace innovation, and create standout campaigns with confidence and are not afraid to take full responsibility of the consequences.
We are clear in our goals, what we need to do to achieve these and bring the same clarity of thought in how we counsel clients.
We are consistent in thought, speech, and behavior by upholding our values in order to deliver our promises reliably and efficiently.
We celebrate innovative problem-solving and strive for out-of-the-box thinking and exploring new possibilities.
We demand critical thinking and unique perspectives from our people, while respecting the opinions and ideas of others.
We believe respect must be earned. We treat everyone with equality and expects the same and acknowledge each contributor's role in collective success, fostering a respectful partnership.
We champion in putting team interests first and advocate collaboration, synergy, and shared goals to define successful teamwork with colleagues and clients alike.
Our people are diverse across different dimensions - business and industry experience is blended with deep domain and professional expertise in all aspects of communications, change management, public relations and public affairs.
Yanti is a much sought-after senior executive coach and communications trainer. She also provides strategic counsel in corporate and financial communications, crisis and issues management. She has held senior roles with international companies in packaging and hospitality as well as with a top global communications agency.
Sri has consulted with clients across many sectors including GE, Shell, Motorola, McDonald’s, Unilever, Danone Aqua, GE Money, Goodyear, GM, BP, Medco, World Bank, ADB, and The Asia Foundation. She previously worked with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as a communications manager and as a media relations specialist at an international PR agency. Sri started her career as a journalist and rose to be a senior investigative journalist at the Jakarta-Jakarta newsmagazine covering current affairs and social and political issues.
Hock is a 40-year veteran in the communications business and is engaged in providing strategic counsel to clients across a broad range of corporate challenges and industries. Before starting Cognito Communications in 2000, he was with a leading international communications agency and has worked in Singapore, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
Eric has three decades of local, regional, and international business and consulting experience across a broad range of industries. Prior to joining Cognito in 2014, he led communications and public affairs in the Asia-Pacific for Unilever, InterContinental Hotels Group, and GE’s financial services business. Prior to his corporate roles, Eric was with an international communications agency handling corporate and financial communications.
Diu Oktora is a seasoned communications professional with over a decade being associated with some of Indonesia’s leading media, in print and television networks, and with over 12 years in public relations. As a communications expert, Diu has experience in both the private and public sectors, with work experience including crisis management, corporate communication, strategic counsel, media relations, and event management. Her clients have come from sectors that include mining & energy, automotive, manufacturing, banking & finance, property, startup, fashion & lifestyle, government, and NGOs.
Meilinawaty’s extensive experience in communications is essential in the development and implementation of client strategies and programs. She oversees the planning and execution of client campaigns, including the development of strategic direction and execution for communications outreach. She also works on issues management, media handling skills training, and crisis simulation training. Her career includes 15 years of working with clients spanning multiple sectors, including airlines, industry, healthcare, oil & gas, mining, and hospitality.
Robert has more than 25 years of experience in communications, journalism, and marketing. He has been involved in media relations campaigns, customer events, sponsorships, exhibitions, image branding, crisis management, and communications training for national/multinational clients engaged in consumer products, hospitality, business services, and information technology. Robert has also held in-house communications roles in global transnational companies.
Akbar has almost two decades of experience in research, intelligence, and advisory business. He is the head of the firm's media & market intelligence business unit and oversees media analysis & monitoring as well as market intelligence services for clients across different industries - including international players in oil & gas, mining, heavy equipment, investment management, FMCG, and beauty industries.