The government has begun exploring the development of digital startups in Indonesia, aiming to expand into emerging sectors such as sustainability, which has seen rapid growth in recent years. This growth is driven by increasing global awareness of climate change and environmental issues. Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Head of the Digital Startup Development Team at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo), emphasized that sustainability offers untapped potential that could contribute to the digital economy. During the NextHub Global Summit 2024 in Badung, Bali, Sonny highlighted the rise of startups in early stages within sectors such as electric vehicles (EV), waste management, and green energy. These startups are actively seeking investors, both corporate and venture capital, to secure funding and scale their operations.
In support of sustainability-focused startups, Kominfo is leveraging key programs such as the "1000 Digital Startups Movement," Startup Studio Indonesia (SSI), and HUB.ID. These initiatives provide essential resources for early-stage startups and help them connect with investors through events like the NextHub Summit 2024. The government is also looking to expand the role of startups in digitizing traditional sectors like agriculture and aquaculture. This aligns with Kominfo Minister Budi Arie Setiadi’s recent statement, which pointed out the promising potential for startups in these sectors, especially after overcoming the challenges of the "tech winter."
