IFC backs impact startups💸. New e-commerce logistics rules 📦. SEA’s green push stumbles 🌱.
Dear subscribers,
As we move deeper into mid-year, the digital economy landscape continues to gain momentum. This week, we’re seeing bold commitments from global finance institutions to support inclusive finance and biotech innovation in Indonesia. At the same time, policy shifts—from crypto taxation to logistics regulation—are shaping the digital economy’s foundations. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia’s green transition is under the spotlight, revealing both its urgency and untapped potential.
Let’s dive into the headlines.
Best regards,
The DailySocial Team
🚨 What’s New
Here are some interesting news highlights from the local startup ecosystem over the past week:
💉 IFC invests in Indonesia's vaccine biotech firm Etana.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is set to invest US$30 million in Etana, an Indonesian biotech company founded in 2014 by Nathan Tirtana. The funding will help expand Etana’s vaccine and biologics production. The total round is US$60 million, with the remaining half expected from other investors. Etana specializes in treatments for communicable and non-communicable diseases, including cancer and kidney-related illnesses. [Read more]
💸 Amartha secures US$55M from global development finance institutions.
Fintech platform Amartha, known for its microloans to rural women entrepreneurs, has raised US$55 million from a syndicate of European development finance institutions: Swedfund (US$25M), Finnfund (US$15M), and BIO (US$15M). This is part of a broader $199 million syndicated facility led by IFC. The capital will support Amartha’s mission of expanding unsecured and sustainable loans for underserved female microbusinesses. [Read more]
📊 Indonesia’s crypto tax revenue topsUS$75M by Q1 2025.
Indonesia’s crypto sector contributed Rp1.2 trillion (approx. US$75 million) in tax revenue by March 2025. This includes Rp560.6B from income tax (PPh 22) on crypto sales and Rp642.1B from VAT on domestic crypto purchases. The sector is now a key contributor to the digital economy tax pool, which reached Rp35 trillion, with PMSE VAT (e-commerce platforms) dominating at Rp27.5 trillion. [Read more]
📦 New postal regulation to boost inclusive logistics.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital’s (Komdigi) Regulation No. 8/2025 mandates minimum delivery standards and service equalization across Indonesia—including remote areas. The policy promotes eco-friendly tech adoption, consumer protection, and fairness for MSMEs. Importantly, Komdigi also clarified that this regulation does not restrict free shipping promotions by e-commerce platforms. Instead, it governs courier-issued shipping discounts, which are limited to three days per month if priced below operational costs.
With logistics contributing 6M+ jobs and 9.01% growth in Q1 2025, this regulation strengthens the sector’s role in economic resilience. [Read more]
👏 What’s Exciting
In the regional ecosystem, there have also been several noteworthy news stories reported over the past week:
📉 Social platforms face youth protection crackdowns in Asia-Pacific.
While the U.S. struggles with federal social media regulation, Asia-Pacific nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Australia are implementing stricter rules to protect children—ranging from age restrictions and identity verification to license requirements. This poses compliance and cost challenges for TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat, especially in a region with a young, growing user base.
🔋 Singapore’s VFlowTech raises $20.5M for long-duration energy storage.
Singapore-based VFlowTech raised $20.5 million led by Granite Asia, joined by EDBI, MOL PLUS, and PSA Ventures. The deeptech startup builds vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) and AI-based energy management systems. Funds will accelerate global expansion and innovation in vanadium recycling and electrolyte R&D.
💵 Franklin Templeton launches tokenized retail fund in Singapore.
Franklin Templeton received approval from Singapore's MAS to launch the Franklin OnChain USD Short-Term Money Market Fund, the first tokenized retail fund in the country. Accessible for as little as $20, the fund uses Franklin’s blockchain-integrated transfer agent to offer enhanced transparency and efficiency.
🚀 What’s Next: Green Economy in Southeast Asia
A recent Bain & Company report reveals that Southeast Asia is not on track to meet its 2030 climate goals despite a 40% YoY growth in green investments. The region must cut 600 MtCO₂e emissions to align with its targets. Key unlocks include:
Bioeconomy & EV ecosystem development
Smart grid modernization
Credible carbon markets and AI for sustainability
Regional collaboration across APAC
With 45% of SEA’s trade and 40% of its FDI coming from APAC countries, cooperation is crucial for scaling green supply chains and manufacturing.
🇮🇩 Indonesia’s pivotal role
Indonesia holds 45% of global nickel reserves and leads in palm oil exports, positioning it as a cornerstone of the green transition. However, challenges persist:
Emissions hit 1.6 GtCO₂e in 2023 and may rise to 1.97 GtCO₂e by 2030
Emission intensity must drop to 0.3 (i.e., 1% GDP growth must raise emissions <0.3%)
Requires stronger carbon market rules, clean energy infrastructure, and agri-forestry tech upgrades
SEA’s green transition demands urgent, cross-sector collaboration among governments, investors, and corporates. With the right incentives, it could unlock US$120B GDP, 900K green jobs, and cut 300 MtCO₂e by 2030.