Indonesia’s tech startup scene saw some notable activity over the past day, with a focus on investments and partnerships amid broader Southeast Asian trends. Yesterday, Telkomsel Ventures, a key player in Indonesia’s telecom space, hosted a Demo Day for its TINC Batch X program, showcasing innovative solutions from emerging startups in areas like digital services and creative tech. This event highlighted pitches from several companies aiming to solve local challenges, drawing investors and potentially leading to new funding deals. It matters because Telkomsel’s backing could accelerate growth for these startups, strengthening Indonesia’s position as Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy, which is on track to hit $130 billion by year’s end.

On the investment front, recent posts on X point to rising capital inflows into Indonesia, with reports of increased project values, job creation, and production capacity across provinces. For instance, new downstream projects in manufacturing are creating local jobs and building factories, reflecting a push toward economic self-reliance. This comes against a backdrop of mixed regional trends—Southeast Asia’s startup funding reached $2 billion in the first half of 2025, up 7% from last year, but fintech specifically saw a 39% drop in investments to $839 million in the first nine months. Why it matters: These inflows could offset the fintech slowdown by boosting sectors like green tech and manufacturing, helping Indonesia maintain its lead in the region despite regulatory challenges.

In aviation tech, Whitesky Aviation announced a partnership with Japan’s SkyDrive to acquire up to 30 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, aiming to connect Jakarta’s hubs and reduce urban congestion. Powered by advanced network tech, this deal underscores Indonesia’s growing interest in sustainable mobility. It matters as it positions the country at the forefront of urban air solutions in Southeast Asia, potentially easing traffic in one of the world’s most populous cities while attracting more foreign investment.

Meanwhile, IPO activity remains sluggish, with only 13 companies in the pipeline for Indonesia’s stock exchange as of today, most still under review. This hesitation reflects broader caution in the market, possibly due to economic uncertainties. Overall, these developments show a resilient but uneven ecosystem, with strengths in partnerships and local investments balancing out funding dips.

What to watch next: Keep an eye on any funding announcements from the Telkomsel Demo Day, updates on eVTOL rollout timelines, and quarterly investment reports that could signal if the fintech slowdown persists into year-end.