Kalbe Farma ignites HR transformation with Workday and Strada

Interview with Jessyca Sentosa, Head of Corporate HR; Willy Artha, HR General Manager; and Bernadette Fanny Lasapu, Culture and Engagement Manager, Kalbe Farma by Anirban Dass

Kalbe Farma, Indonesia’s largest pharmaceutical company, is on a mission to become a global healthcare powerhouse. With over 16,000 employees across 10 countries, Kalbe recognized that scaling globally required more than just expanding operations, it demanded a transformation in how they manage and empower their people.

“To grow globally, we must transform internally, starting with HR. People and process transformation is the foundation of our future.”

Jessyca Sentosa Head of Corporate HR

Designing for One Kalbe: The power of Phase Zero

Kalbe’s transformation began with the deployment of Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), Absence, Compensation, Advanced Compensation, Recruiting, and Talent modules. This Phase 0 go-live marked a pivotal moment in Kalbe’s journey setting the stage for a unified, digital-first HR platform. Kalbe chose Workday because of its global relevance and capabilities. To become a global player, they needed to adopt the best.

Kalbe’s complexity, shaped by its rapid growth and a mix of start-up agility and enterprise maturity made alignment essential. Phase 0 was launched to unify HR processes across all entities, encouraging every business unit to operate not as separate companies, but as “One Kalbe.”

“We used the analogy of building an apartment. Everyone contributed to the design, but we built one foundation for all.”

Willy Artha HR General Manager

Strada: Global experience, local wisdom

Kalbe partnered with Strada for their advisory and deployment expertise, recognizing the need for a partner who could navigate both the scale and nuance of their transformation. Strada’s unique blend of global best practices and deep local understanding proved essential in guiding Kalbe through the complexities of Phase 0 and beyond.

“Strada brought global experience and local wisdom. They didn’t just implement, they helped us think differently.”

Jessyca Sentosa Head of Corporate HR

From the outset, Strada’s approach was collaborative and strategic. Their team worked closely with Kalbe’s HR and leadership to co-design processes that would work across diverse business units—from start-ups to legacy enterprises—while maintaining a unified vision. Their ability to translate global standards into locally relevant solutions helped Kalbe avoid common pitfalls and accelerate adoption.

Driving change with purpose and play

Change management was a cornerstone of success. Strada also played a pivotal role in change management, equipping Kalbe’s internal teams with tools, frameworks, and coaching to build a resilient change network. Their guidance helped Kalbe foster ownership among leaders and employees, turning transformation into a shared journey rather than a top-down directive.

Kalbe’s team gamified adoption with weekly “missions” and leader boards, driving engagement across 1,800+ employees and managers. 

“We learned how to build a change network, how to communicate effectively, and how to inspire adoption. Strada empowered us to lead the change ourselves.”

Bernadette Fanny Lasapu Culture and Engagement Manager

This partnership continues to be the foundation of Kalbe’s transformation journey, with Strada supporting future phases and helping Kalbe scale its people-first vision across geographies.

Unlocking potential, One phase at a time

Kalbe’s transformation goes beyond implementing new systems, it’s a shift in mindset. With Workday, leaders are now empowered to make informed people decisions independently, supported by real-time data and intuitive tools. This marks a transition from HR-led processes to leader-led ownership, fostering a culture of accountability and strategic talent development.

With Phase 0 complete, Kalbe is preparing for future phases that will expand Workday across more entities and countries. But the real transformation is cultural, building a future-ready, agile, and people-first organization. As Fanny, puts it, Workday is not just a system, but “a vehicle to become a world-class organization.”

Tip for other companies on the same journey

“Know your destination. Start small. Scale fast. And choose a partner who helps you think globally while acting locally.” — Jessyca Sentosa

“Engage your leaders from the start. Transformation impacts everyone—make them part of the journey.” — Willy Artha

“Observe, imitate, and modify. Learn from others but make it your own.” — Bernadette Fanny Lasapu