From Startups Chasing Profit, AI Integration in Finance, to the End of Biodiesel Dispute

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The following is important information related to the development of the business universe that needs attention today based on the curation of the SUAR Team.

From Valuation to Profit, Startups Change Business Orientation

Since the startup era broke out last decade, there was a time when startup management competed to increase their company valuation. However, it seems that their paradigm in managing their business has changed. If they used to focus on boosting valuation, they are now more focused on recording profits and creating a sustainable business.
Tech in Asia's research titled Vital Signs: The 2025 Tech In Asia Conference Report notes this shift in business focus among Southeast Asian startups. 59.2% of tech company founders now prioritize growth and profitability, up from 34.8% in 2020. In a survey of more than 100 startup founders and employees in the region, 27.7% of tech companies said they have already achieved profitability, while another 23.4% expect to achieve it within the next year.

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AI Integration, Arming the Financial Services Industry for the Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a torch for the financial services sector in navigating a foggy future. Not only to maximize services to customers, AI-integrated financial services have proven to be better prepared for potentialfraud and misuse of customer data.
The business world is transforming with AI. Among investors, discussions about AI increased from 14% in 2023 to 35% in 2024. Usage of generated AI is projected to increase 75% by 2027, with the market value reaching USD 900 billion by 2030.

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Efforts to Soften Europe to Accept the WTO Ruling and Indonesian Biodiesel

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling in favor of Indonesia in the biodiesel trade dispute was a ray of hope for the palm oil industry and national biodiesel development. However, instead of complying with the WTO ruling, the European Union chose to appeal to the WTO, leaving the case in limbo again amid economic uncertainty. Why is Indonesia's biodiesel dispute with the European Union not over?

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Optimizing USD 8.7 Billion ADB Loan to Accelerate Growth

In the report Indonesia: Country Partnership Strategy (2025-2029) released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday, October 2, it was revealed that until December 31, 2024 the total loan reached USD 8.7 billion. Through the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) program, ADB wants to help Indonesia accelerate inclusive, resilient and sustainable economic growth. ADB Director for Indonesia Jiro Tominaga stated that six decades of solid partnership has encouraged ADB to assist Indonesia with the formulation of a strategy that has three focuses. First, investment in human resources. Second, accelerating economic growth. Third, increasing resilience and sustainability amid political-economic fluctuations.

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Selected Videos: Blocking TikTok, Striking a Balance between Regulation and Freedom

Price Trends at the Wholesale Level Rise with the Rate of Inflation

Since the beginning of this year, the Index of Wholesale Trade Prices (IHPB) has consistently increased until September 2025. This indicator, which measures the price dynamics of wholesale trade, also has an impact on retail trade prices, so it is directly felt by consumers. The IHPB released by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) measures price changes at the producer or wholesale level. Wholesale trade includes industrial sector commodities, mining and quarrying, agriculture, export and import commodity groups that are traded in large parties or volumes for producers of processed goods, retail traders, to exporters and importers.
Until September 2025, there has been a consistent upward trend in IHPB since the beginning of this year. This increase in prices at the wholesale level indicates an increase in production and distribution costs. Of course, this trend needs serious attention as it could affect inflation.

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Food Business Opportunity Food Zone: HIPMI Food Task Force held a discussion forum Food Business Opportunity: Food Zone with the theme "Building a Food Ecosystem in Supporting the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG)". The forum, which will be held offline on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, starting at 13.00 WIB, at Papabro Cafe, Jl. Pangeran Antasari 36, North Cipete, South Jakarta, aims to discuss business opportunities and the food ecosystem in supporting government programs. The main speakers were Prof. Dadan Hindayana (Head of National Nutrition Agency), Prof. Arif Satria (Rector of IPB University), Putrama Wahju Setyawan (President Director of BNI), Haliman Kustedjo (President Director of Indomaret), Turino Yulianto (Director of Downstream and Diversification of PT Bukit Asam Tbk), Alvin Kennedy (Chairman of HIPMI MBG Task Force), and M Hadi Nainggolan (Chairman of HIPMI Food Task Force).

Wealth Wisdom 2025: After being held in 10 cities in Indonesia, Permata Bank is holding another Wealth Wisdom 2025 summit with the theme Resilient Wealth, Confident Future in Jakarta. The event will discuss crucial topics on financial strategy, sustainable investment and business, and health. The highlight of the event will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 09:30-17:30 WIB, at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place. The forum features leading experts in the fields of economics, investment, and finance from the government, business players, business and financial influencers, and business associations.