Just a year after graduating in Management from Universitas Airlangga, Ja’fir Walid Pamungkas has already taken a bold leap. Instead of pursuing a conventional career path, the Surabaya native chose to carve out his own by founding Skyline Society, a creative agency officially launched in February 2025.
“It started because I simply needed work experience. Every job application required prior experience, and I didn’t have it,” he recalls. “But back in university, two of my friends and I were actively involved in an entrepreneurship organization. That made me wonder, why not build something ourselves? Not only would it give us experience, but it would also become a platform to grow together.”
The leap quickly bore fruit. Within months, Skyline Society secured projects with various local SMEs in Surabaya, and even landed national clients such as Isuzu and a leading skincare brand.
The Art of Leading Young
Running a business at such a young age naturally comes with challenges. With three co-founders, each with different perspectives, Ja’fir had to learn the delicate art of unifying vision and mission. Today, Skyline Society has six core team members. Beyond internal dynamics, client communication has proven to be another test. For Ja’fir, maintaining a two-way dialogue is non-negotiable: “When clients are satisfied, we grow too,” he notes.
The Power of Branding and Community
For Ja’fir, personal branding is pivotal in building trust. Though Skyline Society was only founded in February, by mid-2025 new clients began to arrive steadily, most through personal networks and community ties. “All of Skyline Society’s founders are active in the Rintisar Community. That’s where many opportunities began, sometimes from fellow members, sometimes from their extended networks. Personal branding and networking are truly everything,” he emphasizes.
To strengthen Skyline Society’s edge, Ja’fir invests relentlessly in his skills by joining business communities, digital marketing groups, and intensive bootcamps. “Most recently, I completed a bootcamp in August to deepen my expertise in digital marketing and social media,” he shares. For him, skill investment is the surest way to safeguard client trust while expanding opportunities.
A Life in Balance
Outside his role as founder, Ja’fir finds balance through sports. He often joins Rintisar Surabaya’s community activities, from badminton and tennis to padel. “It’s fun because I get to meet CEOs from various industries, from tax consultancy and creative agencies to garment companies. It keeps me healthy, while also adding new insights and connections,” he says with a smile.
Building Skyline Society, Building a Legacy
Ja’fir envisions Skyline Society as a creative agency that is not only solid and professional but also trusted by more national brands. To him, Skyline Society is more than a business, it is a learning ground and a growth home for everyone involved.
