ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Thousands of digital entrepreneurs from across Asia gathered in Jakarta for the NTT Startup Challenge 2025, one of the largest startup competitions in Southeast Asia.
The event brought together more than 1,200 startups from Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, alongside 15 major NTT Group companies participating in incubation and innovation programs.
Since its inception in 2017, the competition has served as a vital platform for innovators to showcase ideas and strengthen cross-border collaboration in technology and entrepreneurship.
The Indonesian government views the event as aligned with national efforts to accelerate digital economic transformation as a new engine of growth.
“Indonesia has great potential to become a leading digital power in the region. With over 3,000 startups, Indonesia now ranks sixth globally. This dynamic startup ecosystem is a key asset in driving our digital economy forward,” said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto during his virtual keynote address at The NTT Startup Challenge 2025 Pitch Day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Minister Airlangga noted that Indonesia’s digital economy reached USD 90 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to USD 110 billion in 2025, and could soar to USD 360 billion by 2030. The e-commerce sector alone is expected to contribute approximately USD 150 billion to this growth.
In addition, the government emphasized the importance of regional cooperation through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to foster innovation, integration, and inclusivity, targeting a USD 2 trillion ASEAN digital economy by 2030.
To sustain this momentum, Indonesia will need around 9 million digital talents by 2030. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the five fastest-growing digital professions between 2025 and 2030 include Big Data Specialists, Fintech Engineers, AI and Machine Learning Experts, Software Developers, and Security Management Professionals.
The government continues to strengthen national startup programs such as the 1000 Digital Startups Program, Startup4Industry, BEKUP, Startup Studio Indonesia, and Blue Innovative Startup Acceleration (BISA). These initiatives provide comprehensive support through training, bootcamps, and business mentoring to help startups grow and expand globally.
“The success of this startup competition should not end with awards alone. We must ensure that innovation continues to evolve and deliver real benefits to society,” Minister Airlangga concluded. (AT Network)
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