Indonesian Startups Urged to Boost Foreign Exchange Earnings Amid Global Investment Challenges

Four selected Indonesian startups will be sent to Japan through the BEKUP Global Scale-Up 2026 programme organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to expand markets and drive an increase in foreign exchange from the creative economy sector. Faye Wongso, founder of KUMPUL.id, stated that the participation of these startups is not only oriented towards business expansion. They are also expected to encourage an increase in national foreign exchange through the creative economy sector. According to Faye, startups have great potential to become a new engine for national economic growth in the global market. Nevertheless, Faye said, there are several challenges faced, particularly in terms of funding. She explained that the current equity-based investment scheme tends to be more complex. “Because FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is currently a bit tricky in Indonesia. But we have products, there are things that they can have concrete business cooperation, that’s what we hope for,” said Faye Wongso, at the BEKUP Global Scale Up 2026: Startup Reveal and Final Brief for SusHi Tech 2026, in Jakarta on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. Therefore, the encouraged approach is not solely about seeking investors. Rather, it opens up opportunities for more concrete business cooperation with international partners. The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, added that this step aligns with efforts to expand the existence of Indonesian IP on the global stage. He exemplified that previously, the government had facilitated Indonesian game industry players and animators to appear on the international stage. “The hope is that there they can gain broader market access. Or even obtain business partners or investments for their business development,” said Teuku Riefky. In addition, the government is providing intensive mentoring to the startups. This includes assistance in preparing business proposals and understanding the target country’s market. This is considered important so that business actors can formulate appropriate strategies. Among them is a storytelling approach with market characteristics, such as Japan, which has a high interest in sustainability issues.