Indonesia's tech sector gains momentum with APP Group units making significant index spots.
Schneider Electric unveils green solutions at tech conference, Telkomsel sharpens AI skills for talent.
Discussions on electric vehicles challenging Japan, new app launches show Indonesia leading tech trends.
Indonesia’s tech scene saw fresh momentum in the last day, with key announcements highlighting growth in digital infrastructure and innovation. On September 20, two units of the APP Group—PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper and PT Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia—earned spots in the 2025 TEMPO–IDNFinancials 52 Index for high growth and market cap. This recognition underscores their role in blending traditional industries with digital advancements, potentially boosting investor confidence in hybrid tec...
Indonesia’s tech scene saw fresh momentum in the last day, with key announcements highlighting growth in digital infrastructure and innovation. On September 20, two units of the APP Group—PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper and PT Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia—earned spots in the 2025 TEMPO–IDNFinancials 52 Index for high growth and market cap. This recognition underscores their role in blending traditional industries with digital advancements, potentially boosting investor confidence in hybrid tech plays amid Indonesia’s push toward a $109 billion digital economy by year’s end.
Yesterday, September 19, saw several notable updates. Schneider Electric unveiled green and smart industrial solutions at the Indonesia 4.0 Conference & Expo 2025, focusing on sustainable manufacturing tech. This matters because it aligns with national goals to accelerate digital transformation, helping Indonesia compete in Southeast Asia’s booming digital sector, where AI and cybersecurity investments are surging. Separately, Telkomsel launched the IndonesiaNEXT Summit 2025 to sharpen young talent’s AI skills, which could address skill gaps in a region where digital competitiveness is key—Jakarta already leads Indonesia’s 2025 Digital Competitiveness Index. In fintech, DSSA issued $1.5 trillion in bonds and sukuk for data center expansion, signaling robust infrastructure growth to support the digital economy’s expansion.
Posts on X also reflected optimism, with discussions around electric vehicle tech challenging Japanese dominance in Indonesia and new app launches like SIGNAL Corporate for national digital services. These developments matter as they show Indonesia leading blockchain and AI trends in Southeast Asia, potentially unlocking a $4.5 trillion opportunity by 2045, though economic uncertainties under the new administration could temper short-term gains.
Watch for outcomes from ongoing expos and summits this week, including any new funding rounds or partnerships that could further integrate AI into critical sectors like energy and finance.
Telkom Indonesia expands data centers to meet growing cloud services demand.
Indonesia's INA fund prioritizes data centers, AI, and renewables to boost tech sector.
Telkomsel launches IndonesiaNEXT program focusing on AI skills for young talent.
Indonesia’s tech sector saw several key moves in the last 48 hours, with a strong emphasis on data centers and AI-driven innovation amid Southeast Asia’s digital growth. Telkom Indonesia, the country’s state-owned telecom leader, announced on September 18 plans to streamline subsidiaries and expand data center capacity in Batam and Cikarang. This targets surging cross-border demand for cloud services, potentially adding significant infrastructure to handle regional data needs....
Indonesia’s tech sector saw several key moves in the last 48 hours, with a strong emphasis on data centers and AI-driven innovation amid Southeast Asia’s digital growth.
Telkom Indonesia, the country’s state-owned telecom leader, announced on September 18 plans to streamline subsidiaries and expand data center capacity in Batam and Cikarang. This targets surging cross-border demand for cloud services, potentially adding significant infrastructure to handle regional data needs. It matters because Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to hit $130 billion by year-end, and stronger data centers could position Telkom as a major player, attracting foreign investment and boosting economic resilience against global tech slumps.
Building on this, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, INA, revealed on the same day it’s prioritizing investments in data centers, AI for healthcare, and renewables. Shared via Reuters and social media, this signals a strategic push to fund high-growth areas, which could inject capital into startups and help diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors. Why it stands out: With recent equity market dips in Indonesia, such funding might stabilize the tech scene and foster innovation in critical fields like green energy.
In startup news, Telkomsel launched the ninth edition of its IndonesiaNEXT program on September 18, focusing on AI skills for young talent. This initiative, discussed on platforms like X, aims to train the next generation, addressing skill gaps in a market where digital adoption is skyrocketing. It matters for long-term growth, as Indonesia’s young population could drive Southeast Asia’s tech boom if equipped with cutting-edge tools.
Financially, DSSA issued Rp1.5 trillion in bonds and sukuk on September 19 to fund data center expansions, as noted in market updates. This reflects broader confidence in tech infrastructure, potentially enabling more scalable operations.
These developments highlight Indonesia’s efforts to catch up in Southeast Asia’s competitive tech landscape, though uncertainties remain around funding execution and market volatility.
Watch for today’s AsiaStartupExpo Q3 2025, a virtual event starting at 1:00 PM SGT, where 10 startups will pitch to global investors—this could reveal emerging trends and new funding deals in the region.
Telkom Indonesia expands data centers to meet regional demand in Southeast Asia.
INA plans $12.8 billion investment in tech, focusing on AI, healthcare, and renewables.
Philippine startups outpace Indonesia in fundraising, signaling regional venture capital challenges.
Indonesian telecom leader Telkom Indonesia just announced a major push into data centers, streamlining subsidiaries and expanding capacity in Batam and Cikarang to meet surging cross-border demand. This move, revealed today, positions the company to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s digital growth, where the economy is projected to hit $130 billion by year-end. It matters because Indonesia is racing to build infrastructure for AI and cloud services, potentially drawing more foreign investment...
Indonesian telecom leader Telkom Indonesia just announced a major push into data centers, streamlining subsidiaries and expanding capacity in Batam and Cikarang to meet surging cross-border demand. This move, revealed today, positions the company to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s digital growth, where the economy is projected to hit $130 billion by year-end. It matters because Indonesia is racing to build infrastructure for AI and cloud services, potentially drawing more foreign investment and boosting local tech jobs amid regional competition.
In related news, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, INA, with $12.8 billion in assets, outlined plans yesterday to invest in data centers, AI-driven healthcare, and renewables. Chief Investment Officer Christopher Ganis stressed a focus on domestic priorities, avoiding unrelated overseas projects. This signals a strategic shift to strengthen Indonesia’s tech backbone, which could accelerate innovation in key sectors like fintech and green energy, helping the country compete with neighbors like Singapore and Thailand in the AI space.
Meanwhile, a report released yesterday showed Philippine startups raised $86.4 million in the first half of 2025, edging out Indonesia’s $78.5 million. This highlights a slowdown in Southeast Asian venture capital but underscores the Philippines’ rising edge, possibly pressuring Indonesian firms to seek more funding amid economic headwinds.
Philippine startups aren’t alone in the spotlight—Thailand’s AI market is gaining traction with emerging startups attracting foreign cash, as noted in recent social media buzz on X. These developments reflect a competitive landscape where Indonesia must innovate to keep pace.
What to watch next: Keep an eye on potential Telkom partnerships or INA’s first investments, which could spark mergers or funding rounds in the coming weeks. Also, monitor upcoming reports on Q3 startup funding across Southeast Asia for signs of recovery or further shifts.
Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, INA, to boost tech investments in data centers and AI.
INA's push aligns with Indonesia's digital economy growth and potential $130 billion sector.
Watch for INA's partnerships with global tech players and regulatory changes in AI.
Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), made headlines today by announcing a major push into tech investments. The fund revealed plans to prioritize funding for data centers, AI applications in healthcare, and renewable energy projects. This comes as INA manages about 163.4 trillion rupiah, or roughly $10.6 billion, in assets, according to a Reuters interview with Chief Investment Officer Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja. This move matters because it signals In...
Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), made headlines today by announcing a major push into tech investments. The fund revealed plans to prioritize funding for data centers, AI applications in healthcare, and renewable energy projects. This comes as INA manages about 163.4 trillion rupiah, or roughly $10.6 billion, in assets, according to a Reuters interview with Chief Investment Officer Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja.
This move matters because it signals Indonesia’s drive to build a stronger digital economy amid Southeast Asia’s tech boom. By seeking foreign partners, INA aims to draw in billions in capital, which could supercharge local startups in AI and green tech. It aligns with the government’s goal of creating a “sovereign AI ecosystem,” potentially creating jobs and fostering innovation in a country where the digital sector is projected to hit $130 billion by next year. However, details on specific deals remain unclear, so the actual impact depends on how quickly partnerships form.
In related news from the past day, discussions on platforms like X highlight growing interest in Indonesia’s digital infrastructure, with posts noting INA’s focus as a draw for global players like Google and Microsoft. This buzz reflects positive sentiment but underscores the need for clear regulations to avoid pitfalls seen in other emerging markets.
What to watch for next: Keep an eye on any forthcoming partnership announcements from INA, especially with international tech giants, and how this influences startup funding rounds in the coming weeks. Regulatory updates on AI and data centers could also shape the landscape.
Indonesian startup Astro secures $51.9M funding from Amazon, signaling confidence in rapid delivery sector.
Startup funding in Southeast Asia drops to six-year low, with focus shifting to enterprise tech.
Web3 adoption accelerates in Southeast Asia, with potential for growth in digital finance sector.
An Indonesian quick commerce startup, reportedly Astro, secured $51.9 million in fresh funding on September 15, led by Amazon. This deal came at a lower valuation than the company’s previous round, reflecting broader market pressures. It matters because it shows investor confidence in Indonesia’s rapid delivery sector, even amid economic uncertainty, potentially boosting urban logistics and job creation in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Meanwhile, a new report from Lightspee...
An Indonesian quick commerce startup, reportedly Astro, secured $51.9 million in fresh funding on September 15, led by Amazon. This deal came at a lower valuation than the company’s previous round, reflecting broader market pressures. It matters because it shows investor confidence in Indonesia’s rapid delivery sector, even amid economic uncertainty, potentially boosting urban logistics and job creation in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Meanwhile, a new report from Lightspeed highlighted on September 16 that startup funding in Southeast Asia has slumped to a six-year low, with only $1.85 billion raised in the first half of 2025. Capital is flowing mostly to enterprise tech in Singapore, leaving consumer tech struggling. This trend underscores tighter investor scrutiny and governance standards, which could slow innovation in Indonesia but encourage more sustainable business models.
Posts on X also noted accelerating Web3 adoption in Southeast Asia as of September 16, with events like Coinfest Asia 2025 in Bali drawing attention to crypto and blockchain growth. While sentiment is positive, these claims remain inconclusive without broader confirmation, and they highlight emerging opportunities in digital finance amid the funding dip.
Watch for upcoming funding announcements from Indonesian firms, as well as any policy shifts from Jakarta that could address the regional capital crunch.
Indonesian startup Astro secures $51.9M funding led by Amazon for expansion.
Southeast Asia faces funding challenges, Indonesia stimulus aims for economic stability and tech growth.
Indonesia's tech sector grows rapidly, but uncertainty lingers amid global investment trends.
Indonesian quick commerce startup Astro just secured a major $51.9 million funding round led by Amazon on September 15, 2025. This deal, announced amid a broader slowdown in Southeast Asia’s startup investments, came at a lower valuation than Astro’s previous rounds, reflecting the tough market conditions. Still, it’s a big win for Indonesia’s tech scene, as the funds will help expand ultra-fast delivery services and compete with giants like Gojek. This matters because it...
Indonesian quick commerce startup Astro just secured a major $51.9 million funding round led by Amazon on September 15, 2025. This deal, announced amid a broader slowdown in Southeast Asia’s startup investments, came at a lower valuation than Astro’s previous rounds, reflecting the tough market conditions. Still, it’s a big win for Indonesia’s tech scene, as the funds will help expand ultra-fast delivery services and compete with giants like Gojek. This matters because it shows investor confidence in Indonesia’s digital economy, even as regional funding has dipped, with capital mostly flowing to enterprise tech in places like Singapore.
On the same day, reports highlighted a persistent funding slump across Southeast Asia into 2025, based on insights from venture firm Lightspeed. Consumer tech startups, including those in Indonesia, are struggling to attract cash compared to more stable sectors. This trend underscores the challenges of economic uncertainty, but Indonesia’s government rolled out a $989 million stimulus package that includes infrastructure projects and job creation—potentially boosting tech innovation indirectly by stabilizing the economy and aiming for 5.2% GDP growth.
Broader context from recent months shows Indonesia’s tech ecosystem growing fast, with projections of the digital economy hitting $130 billion by 2025, driven by investments in areas like green tech and health tech. However, uncertainty remains around whether this funding dip will ease, as global investors eye resilient markets.
Watch for updates on how Astro deploys its new capital, any ripple effects from the stimulus on local startups, and potential new funding announcements in Indonesia’s fintech or e-commerce spaces in the coming weeks.
Indonesian startup Astro secures $51.9M funding led by Amazon for rapid-delivery services.
Funding reflects growing tech investments in Indonesia amid regional challenges and market potential.
Observers should track Astro's expansion plans and Amazon's influence on regional competition.
### Main Headline/Development Indonesian quick commerce startup Astro raises $51.9 million in funding led by Amazon. ### Key Facts and Context On September 15, 2025, Astro secured $51.9 million in a fresh funding round, with Amazon as the lead investor. This comes amid a tough funding climate in Southeast Asia, where tech investments have slumped recently. The deal was struck at a lower valuation than Astro’s previous round, based on reports from tech news outlets and posts on X. Astro, fo...
### Main Headline/Development
Indonesian quick commerce startup Astro raises $51.9 million in funding led by Amazon.
### Key Facts and Context
On September 15, 2025, Astro secured $51.9 million in a fresh funding round, with Amazon as the lead investor. This comes amid a tough funding climate in Southeast Asia, where tech investments have slumped recently. The deal was struck at a lower valuation than Astro’s previous round, based on reports from tech news outlets and posts on X. Astro, focused on rapid-delivery services, plans to use the funds for expansion in Indonesia’s e-commerce and logistics sectors. This follows a broader trend of increasing tech investments in Indonesia, with the market projected to grow significantly by 2025.
### Why This Matters
This funding signals renewed investor confidence in Indonesia’s startup scene, despite regional challenges like equity slumps and fraud cases in other companies. It could strengthen quick commerce in Southeast Asia, where digital adoption is rising fast, potentially creating jobs and improving delivery efficiency. However, the down-round valuation highlights ongoing uncertainties in funding availability, which might pressure other startups to prove profitability.
### What to Watch for Next
Monitor how Astro deploys the capital for expansion, such as new partnerships or market entries in Southeast Asia. Keep an eye on Amazon’s further moves in the region, and watch for any ripple effects on competing startups or additional funding announcements in the coming days.
