Who We Are
Stimulink is an independent quality assurance practice, run from Germany by Harald Müller. His background is more than a decade in software test management, much of it on systems that talk to real hardware — measurement equipment, test benches, vehicle systems — under release pressure and audit requirements.
Stimulink is a German practice, and your contract is with us: we answer for the result, under German law, with one invoice. Delivery from Indonesia runs through an Indonesian partner company we set up together in 2018 and work with under a written service agreement. You deal with one party throughout — coordinating the delivery chain is our job, not yours.
Our Story
In our digital world, we should be accessing the skills and talent we need with ease. Yet we fail. Borders — both literal and perceived — stand in our way.
It all started with a realisation. Harald Mueller, founder of Stimulink, fell in love with Indonesia. A keen traveller, he went beyond the usual tourist experience and saw the heart of the country. He quickly became aware of an opportunity: a chance to solve a problem for businesses in the West with the exceptional talent available in the East.
Working on IT projects in large German organisations, he could see the problem with acute insight. There is a real need to outsource, and it makes business sense in many ways. Smaller companies in particular need the agility to access outsourced talent. Yet most outsourcing models bring the headaches of sourcing, securing and managing freelancers — compounded by a painful talent shortage in the European IT sector.
In Indonesia, meanwhile, the available IT talent is world-class and growing, supported by strong universities and government investment. But local employment opportunities are limited. In time it became apparent that the same situation exists for skilled virtual personal assistants.
The solution is obvious: unite the talent needs of the West with the talent availability of the East. That is the business Stimulink is being built to do — the right talent, in the right way, at the right time.
Mission
Our mission is simple: to deliver a win-win. We aim to solve two problems with one solution.
We solve the problem of European businesses unable to secure the IT and virtual assistant talent they need. We do it simply, affordably and reliably.
We solve the problem of skilled, highly educated Indonesian talent unable to secure the employment they deserve. We do it fairly, securely and appropriately.
We are the link. We are the solution. We do it fairly.
Stimulink Values
It is vital to us that we provide the talent solution bridging Indonesia and Europe with a clear understanding of the needs, realities and complexities of both sides.
Respect and fairness
Cross-cultural working works for both sides when nurtured in a culture of respect and fairness. We do not tolerate discrimination, and fairness for both sides is central to everything we do.
Processes and systems
Clear and transparent processes let us achieve consistent results. We tailor our approach to the individual needs of clients and improve it continuously.
Integrity and trust
We are committed to a working environment which puts integrity and trust first. Through a culture of honesty, the people who commission our work and the people who do it know they can rely on us.
Continuous improvement
We believe in continuous learning, as individuals and as an organisation. We run retrospectives, workshops and knowledge sharing so that we keep developing.
Transparency and openness
Working across borders, insight matters. We talk openly, discuss challenges and work together to everyone's advantage.
Equality and drive
We hold ourselves to the same standard towards the people who do the work and the people who commission it.
How People Are Employed
Engineers who deliver from Indonesia are employed by our partner company, not by Stimulink. As their employer, it sets the terms.
These are the standards we look for in a partner and ask it to meet: local employment contracts instead of freelance piecework, pay above the local market for the skill level, paid time for training, and a named contact in Germany for every engagement.
We put this in writing now so that candidates and clients can hold us to it.
FAQ
How long does it take to find a candidate?
For a consulting engagement we start within weeks. For a dedicated team in Indonesia, the setup phase comes first — we give you a schedule for both in the proposal.
Who is the contracting party?
Stimulink, Harald Müller, based in Germany. That is the contracting party for every engagement.
Where a dedicated team in Indonesia is the right answer, it runs through our Indonesian partner company in Jakarta. It employs the engineers there under Indonesian employment law, so you take on no local entity, payroll or compliance obligations. Engagements of that kind begin with a setup phase that we schedule with you.
What happens if a candidate is not a good fit?
We act quickly to engage a replacement. Removing the risk of a departure is one of the main reasons our clients prefer this model over engaging freelancers.
How do we handle the time difference?
Jakarta is ahead of Central Europe, which leaves a working overlap of several hours every day. We agree the overlap with you before the engagement starts.