Some leaders leave their mark through strategies or numbers. Yohanes Jeffry Johary, President and Managing Director of OCS Indonesia, is known for something more enduring: the ability to lead with purpose. With more than 18 years of senior executive experience across Henkel, ISS, and Ecolab, he has blended global discipline with Indonesian values, guiding OCS through transformation, sustainability, and digital innovation while never losing sight of the people who make it possible.
As the largest British employer in Indonesia, with more than 13,000 employees across 1,800 sites, OCS Indonesia touches countless lives every day. For Jeffry, this is not just a position, it is a calling. “Every decision I make impacts not only our people but also their families and communities. That weight of responsibility keeps me grounded,” he shares.
Transforming OCS: Cleansing, Building, Stabilizing
Jeffry joined OCS through Atalian. The organization was in transition. His leadership at OCS has been marked by three phases: cleansing, building, and stabilizing. Cleansing meant difficult decisions: cutting inefficiencies and letting go of practices that no longer served the future. Building was about putting in place the right structures, systems, and people. But the hardest stage was stabilizing, sustaining momentum once the initial excitement of transformation faded.
“The toughest challenges were not technical but people-related: winning trust, keeping morale, and helping others believe in a future they could not yet see. Leadership is not about commanding from the front, but about walking alongside, especially when the terrain gets rough,” he explains.
This philosophy has shaped a culture of resilience at OCS Indonesia. Through late nights, uncertain moments, and the determination of colleagues who stayed on the course, Jeffry discovered that leadership is truly a shared journey.
“My gratitude goes to the many colleagues who stood firm when results did not come quickly, and who taught me that resilience is not about never falling but always standing up again.”
Sustainability as a License to Operate
At OCS Indonesia, sustainability is a license to operate. ESG initiatives span energy and water conservation, circular economy practices, and community upliftment.
“With 13,000 frontliners across the archipelago, we see ourselves not just as a service provider but as a movement capable of influencing right behavior and attitude at scale,” he explains.
Facility management, he argues, is uniquely placed to advance Indonesia’s ESG agenda, touching sectors that sustain daily life. The #CleanIsANewCare campaign, launched after the pandemic, reflected this vision by honoring cleaning staff as frontline heroes.
“For me, this was more than a campaign. It was a tribute to thousands of OCS frontliners whose courage kept hospitals open, plants producing, retail stores running, and logistics moving when the country needed them most.”
Finance Foundations, Human-Centered Leadership
Jeffry began his career in finance, shaping his approach to transformation. Finance, he notes, instill discipline, clarity, and the courage to make difficult decisions based on data. His years at Henkel, ISS, and Ecolab strengthened his appreciation for governance and transparency, essentials in competitive markets like Indonesia.
But he is quick to add that “numbers alone do not transform organizations, people do.”
For him, finance provided the tools, but true growth comes from enabling people to drive change.
Driving Digital Transformation in a Fast-Growing Economy
Indonesia’s digital economy is among the fastest growing globally, and Jeffry believes facility management must evolve in step. Under his leadership, OCS has hosted thought leadership events on cloud, data centers, and digital transformation.
One milestone is the Milky Way Project, which integrated HR, finance, and payroll into a single digital ecosystem. “Technology is not just about efficiency,” he says, “it is about foresight, accountability, and transparency.” Looking ahead, he sees FM moving into workplace management, analytics, and building sustainable solutions.
“Digitalization is not about replacing people but empowering them to work smarter and safer. Data may be the new oil, but its value lies in how it improves people’s lives.”
Beyond OCS: Building Networks for Indonesia’s Future
Jeffry’s leadership extends beyond OCS into the wider business community. He serves on the board of BritCham, and a co-chair of corporate citizenship committee in AmCham.
“These roles remind me that OCS is part of a larger ecosystem where collaboration is essential. The insights I gain from these forums inform how I lead OCS, and the experiences from OCS enrich my contributions back to these networks.”
Inclusion and Wellbeing at the Core
For Jeffry, employee wellbeing and inclusion are leadership imperatives. OCS has championed vocational pathways for underrepresented groups, especially empowering women in a society still influenced by patriarchal norms.
He is also carefully preparing for disability inclusion. “This is not something I want to pursue as token CSR. Bringing people with disabilities into regular employment must be genuine, not symbolic programs. That means preparing our organization to truly understand inclusivity. It will take years, but we have begun the journey with sincerity.”
Recognition programs such as the TRUE Star and Champion Awards reinforce these commitments by honoring values in action, not only results.
“Wellbeing is not just about reducing stress but about creating meaning. When people see themselves as part of a bigger purpose, they shine as they see their place in the future.”
A Lifelong Learner
In 2024, at the age of 50, Jeffry began pursuing a Master of Science in Business Psychology with a specialization in biopsychosocial studies. For him, leadership is a lifelong learning journey.
“It has taught me to see organizations not as rigid structures but as living systems of people, emotions, and contexts. Strategy without psychology is incomplete. The human mind and spirit are the true engines of transformation.”
These insights now shape his leadership, especially in creating workplaces where employees can find “flow,” a state where skills meet challenges and work becomes energizing.
Vision for the Future: Sustainability, Digitalization, People Development
Looking ahead, Jeffry frames OCS Indonesia’s vision on three pillars:
- Sustainability: advancing circular economy practices, renewable energy adoption, and community upliftment.
- Digitalization: leveraging AI, IoT, and predictive analytics to create safer, smarter workplaces.
- People Development: scaling the VOCIFY apprenticeship programme to provide accredited skills and upward mobility for Indonesians.
“My aspiration is that in five years, OCS will not only be seen as a market leader but also as a trusted partner in building Indonesia’s sustainable future,” he shares.
Advice to Young Professionals
When asked what advice he would give to the next generation, Jeffry just smiles and replies with sincerity:
“Do not wait for the perfect weather. Start where you are, with what you have, and with the people around you. Be brave enough to try and fail, because failure often teaches more than success. Love what you do, seek mentors who will stretch you, and peers who will support you. Above all, remember that leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about service. The world does not need more bosses; it needs more leaders who are willing to make people and places the best they can be.”
For Print and Design Media:
Featuring: Yohanes Jeffry Johary
Organization: OCS Indonesia
Designation: President and Managing Director
Edition Title: Indonesia’s Purpose-Driven Business Leaders 2025
Quotes:
“Every decision I make impacts not only our people but also their families and communities. That weight of responsibility keeps me grounded and humble.”
“Leadership is not about commanding from the front, but about walking alongside, especially when the terrain gets rough.”
“With 13,000 frontliners across the archipelago, we see ourselves not just as a service provider but as a movement capable of influencing behaviours at scale.”
“Digitalization is not about replacing people but empowering them to work smarter and safer. Data is the new oil, but its value lies in how it improves people’s lives.”
“Wellbeing is not just about reducing stress, but about creating meaning. When people see themselves as part of a bigger purpose, they shine.”
“My aspiration is that OCS will not only be seen as a market leader but also as a thought leader and trusted partner in building Indonesia’s sustainable future.”