Belva Devara is an Indonesian entrepreneur and education advocate, widely known as the co-founder and CEO of Ruangguru, one of Southeast Asia's largest technology companies focusing on education. His work has had a profound impact on the education landscape, making learning more accessible to millions of students across Indonesia and beyond. Born on May 28, 1990, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Belva exemplifies the ideals of the modern tech innovator, leveraging digital platforms to address deep-rooted societal issues such as access to quality education.
Early Life and Education:
Belva was born into a family that placed a strong emphasis on education, an influence that would shape his life's mission. He completed his primary and secondary education in Jakarta before pursuing his undergraduate degree at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where he majored in business and computer science. His time at NUS exposed him to the intersections of technology and entrepreneurship, sparking his interest in using innovation to solve social problems.
After graduation, Belva worked briefly as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he gained exposure to a wide range of industries, from telecommunications to public policy. This experience honed his business acumen and strategic thinking. However, his passion for education led him to pursue a dual degree from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School (Master in Public Policy) and Stanford University (MBA), cementing his commitment to bridging the gap between technology and education.
The Birth of Ruangguru:
In 2014, while still a student at Harvard and Stanford, Belva co-founded Ruangguru with his friend, Iman Usman. The company began as an online platform connecting students with private tutors. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive education technology company offering a wide range of services, including interactive video lessons, live tutoring, and test preparation materials, catering to the specific needs of the Indonesian market.
Ruangguru's mission is to democratize education, especially in a country like Indonesia, where access to quality learning resources remains a challenge for many students in rural areas. Under Belva's leadership, the company has grown rapidly. By 2023, it had reached over 30 million students, offering services across K-12 education, vocational training, and even professional development. The platform now employs tens of thousands of teachers, creating an entire ecosystem centered around online education.
Achievements and Recognition:
Belva's work with Ruangguru has earned him numerous accolades and recognition, both in Indonesia and internationally. In 2017, he was listed in Forbes Asia's "30 Under 30" in the Consumer Technology category. His leadership at Ruangguru has been a pivotal force in making it one of the most successful edtech startups in Southeast Asia. Belva's work extends beyond the digital platform, as Ruangguru also collaborates with the Indonesian government and other stakeholders to implement various education reforms and programs aimed at improving the quality of public education.
In addition to his work with Ruangguru, Belva has served as a Presidential Special Staff Member for President Joko Widodo. Appointed in 2019, Belva focused on advising the government on issues related to education, youth empowerment, and innovation. However, in 2020, he resigned from the position to focus fully on Ruangguru after facing public scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest between his governmental role and his leadership at the company.
Personal Life and Vision:
