Bali mandates tourist app 📲, BI adjusts burden-sharing 💵, QRIS boosts SME digitalization 📊
Dear subscribers,
This week’s update highlights major developments shaping Indonesia’s digital and economic landscape. Bali has introduced a mandatory tourist app to support sustainable travel, VinFast announced a landmark EV factory investment, and Venturi Partners has closed fresh funding for its second vehicle targeting consumer brands across Asia. On the innovation front, QRIS adoption continues to accelerate, driving SME participation in the digital economy. Meanwhile, governance challenges resurfaced with ongoing updates in the Tanihub case and the recent detention of Gojek founder and ex-Minister of Education, Nadiem Makarim—reminders of the importance of transparency and accountability in sustaining ecosystem growth.
Best regards,
The DailySocial Team
🚨 What’s New
VinFast commits IDR 185 trillion EV plant in Subang, West Java 🚗⚡
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast announced plans to invest IDR 185 trillion (approx. USD 11.2 billion) to build an electric vehicle factory in Subang, around 2 hours from Jakarta. The facility is expected to become one of the largest EV plants in Southeast Asia, producing both cars and batteries for domestic and export markets. This investment marks a major win for Indonesia’s strategy to position itself as a regional EV hub, leveraging its nickel reserves and supportive policies.
Source: Kontan Bali mandates new app for tourists 📲
Starting early September this week, international visitors to Bali are required to download the “Love Bali” app before entry. The app is designed to track tourist activities, promote sustainable travel, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Authorities say the platform will also function as a digital guide, providing travelers with verified information about destinations, cultural etiquette, and environmental conservation.
Ex-minister & Gojek co-founder Nadiem detained on graft charges ⚖️
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Nadiem Makarim, former Minister of Education and founder of Gojek, as a suspect in a corruption investigation linked to state-funded education projects. According to the KPK, the case involves procurement irregularities and potential misuse of public funds through $563 million Google Chromebook laptop procurement project. Meanwhile, GoTo clarified that Nadiem has no formal role or involvement in the company, emphasizing its operations remain unaffected. The case underscores rising scrutiny of governance standards and could shape perceptions of Indonesia’s broader innovation ecosystem.Tanihub scandal deepens 🌾
South Jakarta prosecutors have officially detained three new suspects, including former executives from state-owned venture capital firms, in the ongoing corruption and money-laundering case related to Tanihub’s investment funds. Former executives from state-owned investment firms have been charged with enabling unlawful investments worth millions, allegedly funneled into agritech startup Tanihub before being diverted. The scandal deepens concerns over governance and accountability in Indonesia’s venture capital–backed startup ecosystem.
✨ What’s Exciting
Venturi Partners raises $150M for consumer brands 🌐
Singapore-based private equity firm Venturi Partners has closed $150 million in funding for its second vehicle focused on high-growth consumer brands in Asia. The firm, known for backing companies like Livspace and Country Delight, said the fund will target businesses in food, health, personal care, and lifestyle. This reflects increasing investor appetite for consumer-facing businesses that can scale with Asia’s expanding middle class. Venturi Partners emphasized its hands-on approach, supporting portfolio companies with operational expertise, digital transformation, and regional expansion strategies.
🔮 What’s Next
QRIS drives digitalization for SMEs 📊
Indonesia’s digital economy continues to gain momentum through QRIS adoption. By H1 2025, QRIS recorded 57 million users and 39.3 million merchants, of which 93.16% are SMEs. Transaction volumes hit 6.05 billion with a total value of Rp 579 trillion—clear evidence that SMEs are not just present in the digital ecosystem but also thriving through digital transactions
QRIS Tap adoption accelerates 🚀
Bank Indonesia rolled out QRIS Tap (NFC-based) in March 2025, allowing users to make payments by simply tapping their phone. By June 2025, 47.8 million users and 648,000+ merchants had adopted the service, particularly in retail, F&B, and transport. This rapid adoption underscores QRIS Tap’s role as the next phase in advancing financial inclusion for SMEs.Challenges remain for SME digital transformation ⚠️
To sustain the digital growth momentum, focused efforts are essential—such as localized digital literacy initiatives, mentorship programs, inclusive financing solutions, and strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and SMEs. These should be accompanied by robust evaluation mechanisms to monitor progress toward inclusive digital transformation
