When Indonesia had the G20 Presidency in 2022, Bali became a hub for global diplomacy. However, there is another story related to the G20 Digital Innovation Network (DIN) side event. The meeting rooms on this agenda were built not just for ceremonies, but also to serve as a key opportunity for the expansion of Indonesia's startup ecosystem.
As a team entrusted by the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia, SQUAD Indonesia not only designs but also executes this event. Our focus is on how to arrange the event to support the growth of the digital economy by connecting Indonesian startups with domestic and international venture capital (VC). As a result, on September 2-4, 2025, about 600 participants, including 55 companies from five important areas (education, health, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and supply chain), were successfully connected with 42 venture capital firms, both in-person and digitally.
From the pitch stage to one-on-one meetings, this event is designed to open lines of communication. Thus, startups gain access to collaboration and investment, VCs acquire talent, and Indonesia shows its potential and capacity in the digital economy to the world. The Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) stated that the G20 DIN is an "important catalyst" for digital economic growth (Antara, 2022). And even a number of Indonesian startups like Xurya, Nusantics, and Komunal have achieved international recognition, being recognized as outstanding startups in their respective categories (East Ventures, 2022).
For us, this is the essence of being an event organizer. It's not just about the technical aspects of the event, but also about creating a space where visionary ideas meet real opportunities that drive Indonesia's digital economic growth. The G20 DIN 2022 is a reminder that events are not just "events," but a medium that has an impact on ecosystems, communities, and countries.
