Dolan: Pioneering Indonesia’s Digital Travel Marketplace

Dolan is on a mission to push forward Indonesian tourism and create a space where local businesses thrive. Founded in 2020 in Jakarta, this next-gen travel startup has built a platform that enables local tourism businesses and freelancers to expand their reach, while making it easier for travelers worldwide to discover authentic experiences across Indonesia. Think of it as a one-stop digital guide and marketplace for exploring the archipelago, a travel companion that Indonesia’s explorers didn’t know they needed, but soon won’t want to travel without. Through Dolan’s mobile app (available on iOS and Android, users can browse curated trips, find and book local guides, connect with fellow travelers, and seamlessly plan their next adventure.

Why They Stand Out

• All-in-One Travel Companion: Dolan offers a single app for planning trips, finding local guides, connecting with fellow travelers, and getting on-the-go recommendations – effectively combining features that travelers would otherwise need multiple separate tools for.

• Empowering Local Businesses: The platform brings small tour operators, freelance guides, and family-run travel services online, helping them reach a wider audience of travelers than ever before. By driving business to local communities (instead of just large agencies), Dolan creates a win–win ecosystem of authentic experiences and inclusive growth.

• Engaged Community Approach: Dolan isn’t just about booking tours – it’s fostering a community of travelers. A built-in “Find My Friend” feature lets users connect with and meet other explorers nearby, making travel more social. Through such social tools and ambassador initiatives, the company encourages cultural exchange and organic word-of-mouth, fueling growth with minimal marketing spend.

• Early Traction: In a short time since launch, Dolan has attracted a growing user base with minimal paid promotion. The app has already recorded 1,000+ downloads on Android and garnered active engagement on social media, signaling strong market interest even at this early stage.

Why to Watch

• Massive Market Ready for Disruption: Indonesia logged 1.02 billion domestic trips in 2024 and welcomed 13.9 million foreign visitors as tourism rebounded post-pandemic. Yet planning and booking local experiences remain largely offline and fragmented. Dolan is poised to digitize this enormous opportunity, meeting surging demand from an increasingly mobile-savvy population.

• Strategic Timing and Tailwinds: The Indonesian government’s push to develop “10 New Balis” – new tourism hubs beyond Bali – is fueling interest in off-the-beaten-path travel. Dolan’s focus on showcasing lesser-known destinations and cultural experiences aligns perfectly with this trend, giving it a first-mover advantage as the country’s tourism landscape modernizes.

• Scalable Marketplace Model: Dolan’s asset-light platform can scale rapidly by onboarding thousands of local providers across the nation. Its revenue model (commissions on trips, guides, and experiences) offers attractive economics once volume grows. With no entrenched competitor specializing in Indonesia’s long-tail travel segment, Dolan has a chance to become the go-to marketplace for authentic local adventures – aided by a founding team with deep local insight and digital savvy.

Meet the Team

• Vivaldi Liman – Founder and CEO of Dolan, leading the charge to redefine how travelers explore Indonesia. With a background in law, economics, and global diplomacy, he brings a systems-driven approach to building a scalable, digital-first travel platform. His experience across European institutions and events like the G20 shapes Dolan’s mission to modernize tourism for a new generation.

• Listya Gharini Saraswati – Co-Founder and COO, a digital strategist who spearheads Dolan’s marketing and community engagement. With a background in communications and a passion for empowering local communities, she ensures the platform’s growth is rooted in trust and cultural authenticity.

WOWS Take

Dolan is entering a high-potential space at just the right time. With Indonesia’s travel sector booming again yet still hungry for digital solutions, the startup’s holistic product stands out. Dolan’s combination of trip bookings, social connectivity, and local insights gives it the makings of a one-stop travel companion for the archipelago. Equally important, the founders’ local know-how and passion provide an edge in execution. With vast market whitespace, supportive tailwinds, and early user enthusiasm,

Dolan has the ingredients to become a breakout player in travel-tech one that not only captures commercial value but also uplifts Indonesia’s tourism communities in the process.

Explore Dolan's profile on WOWS Global’s Deal Flow platform now.