David Soong

For the years that I’ve known Nicko Widjaja, one thing has always been clear to me: he is a true believer in Indonesia’s startup ecosystem.

Nicko has consistently championed the next generation of Indonesian founders, not only through his investments, but also through his actions, his writing, and the time he gives to inspire and support entrepreneurs. He has always believed that startups can become a powerful force for progress, creating jobs, innovation, and real impact for society.

In my personal encounters with him, Nicko has always come across as thoughtful, principled, and deeply committed to the ecosystem.

Investment decisions are never without risk. Some succeed, some fail. That is the nature of building and investing in companies. But a business judgment made with proper consideration and due process should not be criminalized simply because the outcome was not what everyone had hoped for.

I stand with Nicko, and I sincerely hope fairness and justice prevail.