AI and Cyber Resilience Become New Foundation for Indonesia's Digital Economy
Indonesia’s digital economy growth is entering a new phase not only supported by user and digital transaction expansion, but also by readiness in artificial intelligence (AI), cyber resilience, and digital infrastructure capable of enabling sustainable inclusive economic growth.
This is outlined in a new white paper released by MDI Ventures titled ‘Catalyzing Digital Resilience and Sustainable Growth: Advancing Inclusive Innovation and AI-Driven Impact Across Indonesia’s Digital Economy.’
The publication maps how venture capital, AI, and digital infrastructure can be combined to strengthen the national digital economy foundation, particularly for Indonesia’s 65 million MSMEs, which contribute 60.5% to GDP and absorb 96.5% of the national workforce.
The white paper release comes amid projections that Indonesia’s digital economy could reach a gross merchandise value (GMV) of $180 billion to $340 billion by 2030, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2025 report. However, despite this potential, the financing gap for MSMEs remains a key challenge.
MDI Ventures believes digital economy growth requires more than just expanding technology adoption; it also necessitates ensuring MSMEs have access to financing, digital protection, and relevant, sustainable technology ecosystems.
Technology as an Instrument
MDI Ventures Director Roby Roediyanto said the company views technology as an instrument that not only creates economic value but also measurable social and environmental impact.
‘Our latest white paper reflects MDI Ventures’ role as an enabler connecting innovation with real societal needs. This is evident in our portfolios in AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, which deliver concrete solutions to address various challenges,’ he said.
He added that this approach helps clarify the intersection of technological innovation, market needs, and policy direction for founders, investors, regulators, and the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and Telkom Group ecosystem.
A key highlight of the white paper is the importance of impact capital or impact investing in addressing Indonesia’s development needs. Globally, impact investing assets under management have reached $1.571 trillion, growing at an average rate of 21% annually since 2019.
Needs $1.7 Trillion
Indonesia is estimated to still require around $1.7 trillion to close the SDG financing gap by 2030. In this context, corporate venture capital is seen as strategically important for connecting capital with high-impact sectors.
The white paper also highlights AI’s role in expanding MSME financing access. In 2023, only around 2.2% of micro and small businesses were recorded accessing formal bank loans.
Alternative data-based credit scoring approaches are cited as a solution to narrow the credit gap, including those implemented via Amartha’s Ascore.ai.
Beyond AI, cyber resilience is also deemed a crucial element in supporting national digital economy growth. Rising digital security threats, including 56.1 million data exposures and 5,780 defacement incidents throughout 2024, indicate an urgent need for more proactive cyber protection systems.
Through its Singapore-based AI-powered cybersecurity portfolio, CYFIRMA, MDI Ventures supports the development of threat intelligence and early warning systems for enterprises and strategic institutions to strengthen national digital ecosystem security.
Investment Portfolio Impact
MDI Ventures also highlights the impact of its investment portfolio on expanding digital inclusion in Indonesia. Amartha has disbursed over Rp28 trillion to 2.8 million MSMEs, while Qoala has issued 445 million microinsurance policies and Privy has served over 57 million verified users.
According to MDI Ventures, these achievements reflect four pillars of inclusive digital economy: alternative data-based credit infrastructure, embedded financial protection, digital identity and trust, and AI-based enterprise tools linked to Telkom Group’s distribution network and SOE ecosystem.
MDI Ventures VP of Strategy & Sustainability Alvin Evander said the company applies a dual-lens approach to all investments.
‘Our dual-lens framework assesses each investment against two key criteria: whether the business is commercially viable and whether its impact can be measured against Sustainable Development Goals,’ he said.
Moving forward, MDI Ventures stated it will continue to strengthen investment focus on AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain sectors as demand grows for technologies that can drive more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital economy growth. (E-2)