Japan has established many bank companies in Indonesia as a long-standing bridge between the two countries, which can be seen in Jakarta’s business districts. The vast expanse of the Japanese banking hub Central Jakarta is a must-know.
In modern times, when digital banking plays a huge role in business, many startups begin seeking workspace environments that support collaboration with banking institutions. Getting access to banking networks could also become a plus point.
For Japanese digital banking startups who wish to broaden their horizon in Jakarta, this article will explain further into the capital city’s premiere Japanese financial institutions. Complete with their infrastructure, development, and advantage.
Key Japanese Banks in the Sudirman Financial District
As a financially active business district, Sudirman Central Business District attracts businesses and startups from around the world, even banks. Here are three of the highly regarded Japanese banks in the Sudirman banking district:
MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) Bank
Originally established on 28 August 1968, MUFG Bank Jakarta has been one of the biggest banks amongst many Indonesia local banks. Its main branch is located in the uniquely shaped Trinity Tower, which is located in the famous SCBD.
MUFG has made a lot of contributions towards Indonesia. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, along with Bank Danamon, they have donated funds for the University of Indonesia’s Alumni Association, as well as 1B IDR for Grab and Gojek.
SMBC (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) Indonesia
Formerly named Bank BTPN, SMBC Indonesia Office is a foreign exchange bank combined from Bank BTPN and Bank Sumitomo Mitsui Indonesia since February 2019. Located in their own SMBC Tower in SCBD, they are well known for these various programs:
- Sinaya, which is a wealth management program where any investment made will be donated to MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) and the government’s initiated national development.
- SMBC Mikro, which is a funding and training program to help micro businesses, small businesses, and small entrepreneur communities.
- Jenius, which is a mobile application developed to help citizens to manage their funds easier through smartphones.
JBIC (Japan Bank for International Cooperation) Indonesia
Located on the 5th floor of Summitmas II Tower, also in SCBD, JBIC Indonesia has played its part as a key Japanese bank in Indonesia. JBIC Indonesia plays an integral part in developing Indonesia’s future economy by funding big corporations.
JBIC itself has also funded energy sector development in Indonesia. For example, Pembangkit Listrik Tanjung Jati-B and Jawa 1, Sarulla and Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plants, and Tangguh Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
Flow and AYANA: Workspaces for Japanese Professionals
Since these Japanese banks are indeed economically important in Indonesia, collaborating with them can help companies and startups to grow. Hence, those who are looking for specialized workspaces that support such can choose Flow and AYANA.
This is mainly because of these perks from Flow and AYANA’s services that benefit business growth:
Flow Office Space that Supports Japanese Business
First, Flow has a unique approach that benefits Japanese companies and startups. For starters, Flow features Japanese business community partnership, design, and services that are culturally aligned with Japanese business and Japan’s suitable price.
As for the office space itself, Flow is a modern premium office with a unique 5-senses design and advanced technology within its event space. It is fitting for Japanese companies and startups that seek professionalism.
AYANA’s Hospitality Services
As a globally respected hospitality service, AYANA welcomes Japanese companies and startups to experience 5-star premium hotels in the Japanese banking hub Central Jakarta.
Not only does it have extensive wellness and recreational facilities, but AYANA also cultivates a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace. A perfect place to look for collaboration and opportunity across banking networks.
Walking Distance to Key Japanese Banks
Both Flow and AYANA (Midplaza Jakarta) are located in the Sudirman banking district, which means they are close to the Japanese banks mentioned above. These are the walking distances for each bank:
- To reach Trinity Tower (MUFG Bank) from here: 3.5 km.
- To reach SMBC Tower (SMBC Indonesia) from here: 3.8 km.
- To reach Summitmas II Tower (JBIC Indonesia) from here: 3.5 km.
Advanced Banking Infrastructures in Japanese Banks
As some of the leading banks globally, these Japanese banks implement few advanced banking technologies:
- Secure transaction system. For example, MUFG Bank utilizes COMSUITE as a secure transaction processing system for corporate clients, and SMBC uses SWIFT to secure the exchange of payments between global network clients.
- Integration with local and global networks. The example for this is using the ANSER network to link Japanese banks to local networks and the SWIFT network for international networks.
- Cross-border payment solutions. MUFG and SMBC are a part of the stablecoin Project Pax, developed as a cross-border payment system. There is also the QRIS digital payment system that has recently launched.
Business Development and Partnership in Japanese Banks
Japanese financial institutions can also help with business development and strengthen their partnership by partaking in these activities:
- Networking events. Japanese banks can hold or attend financial events to discuss related topics, exchange ideas, and build new relationships. For example, the International Bank Association of Japan (IBA Japan) promotes networking and financial developments.
- Bilateral banking initiatives. Besides the already explained QRIS as a cross-border payment solution, MUFG and Bank Danamon have held banking initiatives to support Indonesian workers coming to Japan who want to have a personal MUFG Bank account.
- Building corporate relationships. MUFG, for example, has funded a $100M fund for Indonesian startup Akulaku to collaborate on tech, financing, product development, and distribution.
Competitive Advantage in Japanese Banks
Japanese banks in the Japanese banking hub Central Jakarta aren’t just being established for their services and contributions. They are also ready to serve their clients with these competitive advantages:
- Expansive third-party network. Long-time Japanese banks like MUFG and SMBC were able to secure advantageous terms with clients because of their vast network, ranging from financial institutions to property management.
- Shared knowledge and support. MUFG and JBIC provide a wealth of information and necessary capital, respectively, to promote company growth.
In conclusion, all these Japanese banks offer collaboration opportunities, national-scale contributions, financial infrastructure, and even competitive advantages. Plentiful benefits that help companies and startups to grow and develop.
As such, those who seek innovation-focused workspace in the Japanese banking hub Central Jakarta with access to banking networks should consider choosing Flow Office Space for all the given benefits. Contact us or book a tour today!