TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is optimistic about the prospect of startups in Indonesia. He said if Indonesian startups continue to grow, the industry could become a major player in Asia and boost Indonesia's digital economy by US$130 billion in 2025 and US$315 in 2030.

"And I'm certain it could pass that initial number," said Minister Luhu in his opening remarks for Road to Indonesia Startup Ecosystem Summit 2023 event live-streamed on the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs YouTube channel on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Luhut said that according to Startup Ranking, the amount of startups in Indonesia is ranked 6 in the world, amounting to 2,492 on May 10, 2023. "We should be proud. This (achievement) could be attributed to the internet which has reached 76.8% of Indonesian citizens," said Luhut.

With that potential, Luhut said that startups need the government's support. According to Luhut, President Jokowi needs to encourage the development of MSMEs (micro-small-medium size enterprises) and startups to create more unicorn and decacorn companies.

The support could be realized through mapping, incubation, assistance, capital access, and market access. However, Luhut stressed that to realize the goal, sustainable collaboration between all the elements is necessary.

RIRI RAHAYU

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