Manampin Girsang (born in Brastagi, on 13 May 1969), widely known by his nickname, Pipin, is an Indonesian entrepreneur and author from Brastagi, North Sumatera, Indonesia.[1][2] He founded PT Gabe International, an export-focused furniture company, in 1991.[1][3]
When he was a child, his father, who worked in the national electricity company PT PLN, wanted Pipin to be an engineer. He was sent to an engineering high school in Brastagi.[1] After he graduated, he continued his education at the Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Indonesia.[1] Yet, as he was more interested in language and literature, he chose to drop out and move to Bali in 1989.[1]
Equipped with his ability to speak English, he tried to find a job in Bali.[1] Sometimes, he also worked part-time as a tourist guide.[1] A mutual friend then introduced him to an Italian entrepreneur named Giovanni, who soon became his friend and mentor.[1] Giovanni asked Pipin to sell his product, a brand of bikini.[1] He mainly sold the product in Kuta Beach but was then arrested and confiscated as he was not a member of the local seller association.[1]
After the incident, Giovanni asked Pipin to build a new venture that buys and sells antiquities.[1] Pipin agreed and suggested that they focus on selling antique furniture.[1] Giovanni then gave him a camera and funds to find the antiquities in Jepara and Madura.[1] Pipin completed the task and sold the items in Bali.[1] At the time, he received 10% from the sales as his commission.[1]
PT Gabe International
Satisfied by his work, Giovanni invested more funds for Pipin. He sent Pipin Rp.30.000.000 to build a workshop in Jepara, a small town that was popular for its furniture and handicrafts.[1] Giovanni also gave him some freedom to find buyers beside him.[1]
He named his company Gabe International in 1991.[1] The company's name "Gabe" came from the name of an angel in his religion, Gabriel.[1] "Gabe" can also mean "be it" in Batak language.[4] He mainly sells his product through digital means, including using websites and social media.[1] In 2014, the company started to penetrate the domestic market. Most notably by supplying furniture for Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, and several hotels in the area.[2][3][5]
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