Welcome to Tech in Asia’s Sunday newsletter, your weekend brief on the biggest moves in Asia’s tech and startup world. Not on the mailing list? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
- Melissa Goh on where politics and tech clash
- Kopi Kenangan reaps gains of 2024 as it goes on expansion mode
- Quick commerce, but not in 10 minutes
Hello reader,
Former Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim’s ongoing corruption trial in Indonesia is a reminder of the political minefields both businesses and individuals have to tread in their dealings within the archipelago.
Makarim is being accused of rigging the tender process for laptops used in schools between 2019 and 2022, during his time as education minister, in favor of Chromebooks.
Google, which has not been accused of any wrongdoing, issued a statement this week denying ever offering, promising, or giving benefits to Ministry of Education officials in exchange for their decision to adopt Google products.
While Indonesia has all the ingredients for investors to be bullish on the market for the long term, it’s not far-fetched to say that the court’s next steps and the trial’s eventual outcome could blemish that outlook.
Image credit: Timmy Loen
With this development, and with founders still reeling from the fallout at eFishery, the playbook for startups is being rewritten.
For instance, more Indonesian startups are looking beyond markets like India and China as they expand overseas. Among them is coffee chain Kopi Kenangan, which is aiming to open approximately 400 stores this year in both existing and new markets.
Higher productivity in stores and better cost management in 2024 appear to be paying off for the coffee chain, and it’s expecting to close 2025 with a net profit.
The odds may be stacked against them, but here’s to all founders ducking down and building for the long haul.
Melissa Goh, senior editor
Editor’s picks
1️⃣ Kopi Kenangan builds on 2024 gains, expects net profit in 2025
Short cuts
What I’m reading
Got a tip for us?
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
