Indonesia's digital economy drives e‑commerce profits, strains SMEs

Indonesia’s digital market is showing a dual trend. Large e‑commerce platforms GoTo, Bukalapak and Blibli all posted second‑quarter 2026 profits, with GoTo reporting a net profit of $23 million, Bukalapak extending its adjusted EBITDA streak and Blibli narrowing its loss as revenues surged. The profitability surge reflects broader gains in fintech, food‑and‑beverage and telco sectors, signalling growing operating discipline and investor confidence in the country’s tech listings.

At the same time, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) face heightened pressure as consumers become more selective, demanding fast digital payment options, quick delivery and responsive service. Analysts advise local SMEs to adopt low‑cost digital tools, leverage organic social‑media marketing, use free AI‑based content generators and improve customer service to remain competitive against larger, digitally integrated rivals.