ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is strengthening its position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading innovation hubs after PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk (Danamon) expanded its strategic partnership with Japanese institutions through the Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026, a regional platform designed to accelerate cross-border investment, technology collaboration, and startup growth.
The annual forum, organized by Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) under the MUFG Global Network, brings together startups, venture capital firms, multinational corporations, investors, and government agencies from Japan and ASEAN to foster new commercial partnerships and innovation-driven growth.
A key outcome of this year’s event was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between Danamon, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), Krungsri, Krungsri Finnovate, and MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP). The agreement aims to deepen cross-border collaboration and expand opportunities for startups across the Japan–ASEAN innovation corridor.
The partnership is reinforced by the MUIP Garuda Fund, a US$100 million corporate venture capital fund jointly established by MUIP, MUFG, and Danamon. The fund focuses on fintech and technology investments while providing Indonesian startups with stronger access to international capital, strategic partnerships, and regional markets.
Danamon Chief Strategy Officer Reza Iskandar Sardjono said the collaboration reflects the bank’s long-term commitment to helping Indonesian startups compete on the global stage.
“Through the MUFG Global Network, we are expanding access for Indonesian startups to global investors and corporate partners. We believe cross-border collaboration is essential to building a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive innovation ecosystem,” Reza said on Wednesday.
The Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 brought together more than 90 startups from six countries and approximately 140 global corporations and investors. In a single day, the event facilitated more than 500 one-on-one business matching sessions, creating new opportunities for investment, technology exchange, and commercial collaboration.
Participants also joined startup pitch sessions, investment forums, business exhibitions, panel discussions on regional technology trends, and networking events designed to accelerate innovation and strengthen economic cooperation between Japan and ASEAN.
For Indonesia, the initiative supports broader efforts to expand its digital economy by improving startup access to international funding, advanced technology, and global business networks. It also reflects the growing strategic economic relationship between Indonesia and Japan, where innovation, digital transformation, and venture investment are becoming increasingly important pillars of bilateral cooperation.
With stronger regional connectivity and a dedicated US$100 million venture fund, Indonesia is positioning its startup ecosystem to attract more global investment, accelerate technological innovation, and compete more effectively in Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economy. (AT Network)
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