Case Study 2: Merdeka College International Communication Bridge (ICB)—Founder’s Succession Concerns

Abstract

Merdeka College ICB is a family business engaged in English education located in Garut, West Java, Indonesia. Adang Kurnia (AK) is a successful entrepreneur in Garut, and various businesses have been developed by him including tourism and hospitality. He founded the Merdeka College ICB in 1986. At that time, Merdeka College ICB became the only English language institution in Garut and was very popular among the Garut community. The number of students registered until 2019 was 21,335. AK has five children, four daughters and one son. However, AK did not want to involve his children in the family business because of concerns that his children could not run the business. In 2008, when various other language education institutions emerged, his business began to decline. However, he still insisted on running his business without involving his children. In 2018, he gave up because of his age and illness. Finally, the business was taken over by his fourth child, Dineu Maulani (DMA). This case study is interesting to discuss further to explore the reasons behind why AK cannot entrust its business to his children, and how are the successors’ efforts in demonstrating their ability to continue their business.

Note: This case study is written by Grisna Anggadwita, Dini Turipanam Alamanda, Mochamad Yudha Febrianta, and Veland Ramadani for purposes of this book.