Physical disability did not prevent Jefrianus Adam from investing in the capital market. This Makassar man aspires to prove that people with disabilities like him are also able to contribute to the country.
Jefrianus is a blind man who won the MOST Inspirational Investor award at the 2020 MOST Awards initiated by Mandiri Sekuritas.
MOST Awards is an awards for inspiring individual investors in the capital market that has been held by Mandiri Sekuritas since 2016.
In investing and trading in the capital market, Jefri has a goal to encourage people with disabilities to contribute significantly to the economic growth of Indonesia. "As far as I know, people with disabilities have always been placed as 'objects' to receive aids. I want to change that picture. Persons with disabilities can also have an opportunity to give something to this country," said Jefri, Thursday (3/5/2020).
The man born on January 31, 1984, tells the story of finding out about the stocks in 2017. Jefri likes to try new things, and mutual funds and stocks are two investment instruments he found appealing. "I tried mutual funds first. But, I realized it wasn’t most advantageous [because I am actively managing portfolios], so I switched to stocks. It turned out to be enjoyable and exciting, too," said Jefri. This 36-year single then started to buy shares with an initial investment of 10 million rupiah. Jefri suffered a loss, and it shocked him. He stopped investing in stocks then. Later he realized that what he was doing was a mistake. Jefri then got his enthusiasm back and started to reinvest in the stock instruments. This time, he equipped himself with more knowledge he learned by himself. "I think we will not make progress if we hold our fear. Everyone must have fear, but don't let it stop you," said Jefri. Then Jefri involved himself again in stocks through the same security company, Mandiri Sekuritas. He has a reason to remain loyal to Mandiri Online Securities Trading (MOST), not other applications. "The MOST application is very easy to use for people with blindness like me. There I learned to use the audio feature,” he said.
Slowly, Jefri, who is currently a graduate student of Criminal Law at the Christian University of Indonesia-Paulus, Makassar, is starting to enjoy profits. His wealth has increased since he invested in shares. "I won’t keep investing in stocks if it's not profitable, he he," he said cheerfully. The initial capital, which was 10 million rupiah, has now increased to 500 million rupiah. That's only in one stock. One of the keys to Jefri's success is being disciplined and confident in choosing the company, and patiently waiting for the returns. "Even cooking instant noodles needs a process. So, you must be patient and, most importantly, be certain of the stocks we chose, on the company's performance and future potential," said Jefri. His success in the capital market did not make him content. There is at least one dream he pursues, which is to encourage people with disabilities in Indonesia to be stock investors. He aspires that the domestic capital market industry does not depend on foreign sectors.
The Right Mindset for Strong Gains from Stocks
A successful stock market investment is not without challenges as most people in Indonesia consider stocks investment equals gambling.
"That wrong perception is what I want to change. Investing in stocks is not gambling. That shares can provide a better future," he said. Jefri proved, with all the limitations he had, that he could exceed the conventional way of thinking in finance. From tens of millions of rupiah, now he made hundreds of millions and even billions. He shared his success story in the community forum for people with disabilities. Jefri wants his fellows can be as successful as him. He also shares his experience with the students in a school for disabilities in Makassar. "If I can be an investor, they can too," said Jefri.
He shares tips for beginners who want to start investing in stocks. First, change the perception that stocks are gambling. Second, don't be afraid to start something new. Third, choose shares of companies that have excellent performance. "Never be afraid of loss or failure. If it fails, take it as a lesson, then fix what was wrong, learn the technique, and get up again," he said.
For stock options, Jefri personally prefers those with good long-term prospects such as consumer goods or banking stocks. He is considering buying BRI shares. "Now, I have UNTR [United Tractors]. I am still observing BBRI [BRI]. If it becomes more attractive, I am in," said Jefri. Jefri is also targeting stocks with impressive prospects in the next ten years. One of them is related to government policies on electric vehicles. "Imagine the trend in the next ten years. I can predict that it has something to do with electric vehicles, or stock in nickel company is also good," said Jefri.
Jefri's story is the story of an exceptional passion. From the spirit of learning to the pursuit of profits, as well as embracing every process he experienced. His physical impairment is not an obstacle. Jefri can be a role model for others to reach their investment goals.
Here is Jefry's story that you can also watch on Mandiri Sekuritas' Youtube Channel
Never give up!
