Several Indonesian start-ups express readiness to collaborate and unleash their potential on the global economy, as stated by Dindin Wahyudin, Economic Diplomacy Advisor at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the evolving digital landscape was emphasized during the "Start Up Talks: Igniting Indonesia-Europe Collaborative Opportunities" event held at Hotel Shangri-La, Jakarta, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. The Start Up Talks forum serves as a platform for start-up entrepreneurs to explore opportunities and collaborations with European start-ups and investors. Dindin highlighted the tangible growth in the digital economy, projecting a value of USD 330 billion for ASEAN by 2025 and USD 1 trillion by 2030. Indonesia's digital economy is estimated to reach USD 1 trillion by 2025. In the rapidly advancing digital economy, start-ups emerge as agents of change, transforming industries, pushing conventional boundaries, and shaping the economic landscape. Former Indonesian Ambassador to Senegal, Dindin, noted that start-ups play a pivotal role in technological progress, providing innovative products and services that cater to societal needs.
The Indonesian start-up ecosystem has shown remarkable development since its inception in 2018, evolving into a rapidly growing innovation hub. The forum, attended by ambassadors, start-up players, government officials, investors, and industry experts from various European countries, aims to foster relationships and connections among digital economy stakeholders. Dindin emphasized the dedication to harnessing start-up potential for enhancing Indonesia's digital economy and strengthening ties with partners. The event also seeks to facilitate meaningful discussions and partnerships beneficial for both Indonesia and Europe. Collaboration, according to Dindin, is expected to influence policies and geopolitical activities, providing mutual benefits through insights into regulations. Semuel highlighted Indonesia's substantial start-up potential, with the digital economy volume reaching approximately USD 82 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to USD 190 billion by 2025. Indonesia ranks sixth globally in the number of start-ups, leading in Southeast Asia, second in Asia, and sixth worldwide. As of January 2024, Indonesia boasts 2,562 start-ups, 13 unicorns, and two decacorns.
