When people talk about business leaders who are reshaping the gadget and accessories industry in Southeast Asia, one name increasingly stands out: Jhonny Thio Doran, an entrepreneur from Indonesia and CEO of Doran Group, the parent company of JETE Indonesia, Doran Gadget, Doran Souvenir, and many more.
His journey is a compelling story of vision, resilience, and innovation, as he took a small startup in Surabaya and transformed it into a household name in the Indonesian consumer electronics market, with ambitions now stretching toward the international stage.
Early Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Born in Samarinda in 1986, Jhonny grew up with the determination to build something of his own. His entrepreneurial spirit was tested early on, as he faced the struggles that many self-made business leaders encounter, such as a lack of capital, limited connections, and fierce competition. Nevertheless, these challenges laid the groundwork for a mindset that would later define his leadership style, which emphasized resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In 2009, he founded PT. Doran Sukses Indonesia as a small distributor of technology products. What began as a modest venture quickly expanded, as Jhonny recognized the importance of building a brand that Indonesians could trust. This realization led to the establishment of JETE Indonesia in 2014, a brand that significantly reshaped the country’s gadget accessories market.
Building JETE: From Local Brand to National Leader
Under Jhonny’s leadership, JETE became one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing consumer electronics brands. What distinguished it was not only affordability but also innovation and reliability. The product line expanded rapidly to include power banks, chargers, cables, Bluetooth speakers, headsets, open-ear audio devices, computer accessories, and, most recently, smart home devices.
By maintaining a focus on quality, JETE earned a reputation as one of the leading mobile accessories brands in Indonesia. Each product complied with certification standards, including the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and Apple’s official MFI license, demonstrating that a local Indonesian brand could compete on the same level as global names such as Anker, Xiaomi, and Baseus.
Today, JETE ranks among the top five best-selling accessories brands on major e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Tokopedia, supported by hundreds of thousands of positive customer reviews.
Expanding Reach Through Retail and Digital Ecosystems
What makes Jhonny Thio Doran’s strategy unique is his ability to build a complete ecosystem around his brand. Instead of focusing solely on online sales, JETE and Doran Gadget expanded aggressively into offline retail, establishing more than 120 stores across Indonesia, including flagship outlets in premium malls such as Grand Indonesia and Pondok Indah Mall in Jakarta, as well as Tunjungan Plaza and Pakuwon Mall in Surabaya.
This retail footprint not only increased visibility but also elevated the perception of JETE as a premium yet accessible brand. Customers who once saw JETE as just another accessories label now recognize it as a trusted companion for both budget-conscious buyers and premium users seeking high-quality products like power stations, video conferencing solutions, and now, an emerging smart home ecosystem. JETE has started to enter the smart living space with innovative products designed to simplify daily life, marking another important step in diversifying its portfolio.
On the digital side, Jhonny oversaw the launch of JETE Connect and JETE Smart, an app designed to integrate smart devices like smartwatches, TWS earbuds, dashcams, and smart home devices. This move positioned JETE not only as a hardware provider but also as a tech ecosystem player. By combining online, offline, distribution, and B2B government channels, Doran Group created a resilient multi-channel strategy that strengthens its market presence.
Race to Lead: Preparing for International Expansion
In 2025, Jhonny launched the company’s theme Race to Lead: Leadership in Every Fast Step, signaling his ambition to push JETE and Doran Group beyond Indonesian borders. The company set bold targets: achieving IDR 1.3 trillion in revenue, opening 200 stores nationwide, and expanding into new markets, including Medan, Tangerang, and even Shenzhen, China.
China represents a critical milestone, not only because it is the world’s largest electronics market but also because it is the source of most of JETE’s manufacturing partnerships. Establishing a presence there would mark JETE as a serious contender on the international stage.
Jhonny’s long-term vision also includes taking Doran Group public through an IPO in 2026, a move that would further solidify the company’s financial foundation and credibility. For him, this is not only about raising capital but also about inspiring other Indonesian entrepreneurs to dream bigger and compete globally.
Leadership Philosophy and Community Engagement
Behind the numbers and business milestones, Jhonny Thio Doran is distinguished by his leadership philosophy. He frequently emphasizes that success should not be measured solely by profit but also by impact on employees, partners, and the broader community.
His mission includes the creation of progressive job opportunities, the development of mutually beneficial supplier relationships, and active engagement with communities through initiatives such as the JETE Run series. The JETE Run series has experienced rapid growth. In 2024, the event brought together more than 3,300 participants in Surabaya to celebrate health, fitness, and community spirit.
Building on that momentum, JETE Run 2025 expanded further by attracting approximately 5,000 runners in Surabaya and, for the first time, extending the event to Bali, where more than 1,000 participants joined. This expansion illustrates JETE’s increasing influence not only as a technology brand but also as a lifestyle brand that aligns with people’s interests and values.
These community-based initiatives exemplify Jhonny’s belief that a brand should go beyond product sales to cultivate meaningful experiences that resonate with people’s lives. Whether through sports, wellness, or technology, JETE consistently seeks ways to become part of everyday life.
Organizational Involvement
Beyond his business accomplishments, Jhonny is actively engaged in various organizations related to entrepreneurship, commerce, and sports.
His leadership roles have included serving as Secretary General of CEO Jatim (2023 to 2026), Head of the Machinery and Electronics Industry Division at HIPMI East Java (2021 to 2024), Vice Chairman for Information Technology, Electronics, and Gadgets at HIPPINDO (2024 to 2026), and Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board at the University of Surabaya (2020 to 2023).
He has also served as Vice Secretary General of INTI Jatim (2024 to 2026), Vice Treasurer General of the National Creative Economy Movement (2020 to 2025), and President of JCI East Java in 2020. In addition, he has been actively involved in various organizations such as APKRINDO East Java, HIPMI Surabaya, Gema INTI, WeeRun Sports Community, and other networks that promote collaboration between the business sector and broader society.
Through these roles, Jhonny has not only expanded his professional network but has also contributed meaningfully to the development of Indonesia’s entrepreneurial and business ecosystem.
Education and Business Group
Jhonny completed his secondary education at SMA Negeri 1 Samarinda and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Informatics from Sekolah Tinggi Teknik Surabaya (STTS). His academic background in technology laid the foundation for his innovative approach to developing technology-driven businesses.
Today, under the Doran Group, he leads multiple companies and brands, including JETE Indonesia (a gadget accessories company), Doran Gadget (a retailer specializing in wearable technology), Doran Sukses Indonesia (a distributor of gadgets and accessories), Doran Souvenir (a provider of corporate gift solutions), JeClock (an attendance management application).
As well as JeBusiness (an online retail application), JeTeams (an organization management application), X-Sports (a brand offering premium sports equipment), IluvRun (a virtual running event provider), and IluvMedal (a medal production company). This diverse portfolio illustrates his capacity to manage and grow multiple ventures within a unified business ecosystem.
Recognition and Future Outlook
As an Indonesian entrepreneur, Jhonny Thio Doran exemplifies the next generation of business leaders who are capable of bridging local innovation with global ambition. With JETE competing directly with international brands, his story reflects a broader narrative in which Indonesia is emerging not only as a consumer of global technology but also as a producer of world-class brands.
Looking ahead, Jhonny envisions JETE becoming not only a market leader within Indonesia but also a brand recognized across Asia and beyond. His strategy integrates continuous innovation, customer-focused services, and assertive market expansion. As the global gadget accessories industry continues to grow, JETE’s solid foundation, together with the organizational infrastructure of Doran Group, provides a strong platform for international advancement.
Conclusion
As an entrepreneur, Jhonny Thio Doran represents the next generation of business leaders who bridge local innovation with global ambition. With JETE stepping up to compete with international brands, his journey shows how a small local company can grow toward becoming a world-class brand.
Looking ahead, Jhonny sees JETE growing beyond its position as a market leader in Indonesia to gradually gaining recognition across Asia and beyond. His approach blends continuous innovation, customer-focused services, and bold market expansion. As the global gadget accessories industry keeps growing, JETE’s solid base, strengthened by Doran Group’s organizational support, creates a strong pathway toward international success.
