Goldfinch, a UK-based entertainment financier, has made a significant stride in expanding its global influence by launching a landmark joint venture in Southeast Asia’s largest market, Indonesia. The establishment of Goldfinch Indonesia marks a strategic partnership with two major local players, Synco and the Goshen Group, aiming to revolutionize the country’s creative industries. The announcement was made in Jakarta and was officially witnessed by Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, underscoring the government’s support for this ambitious initiative. This collaboration is not just a business move; it’s a bold step toward positioning Indonesia as a key player in the global media landscape.
The joint venture is deeply aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities, particularly the development of its creative economy. Goldfinch Indonesia’s partnership with the Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF) focuses on transforming Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into vibrant creative industry hubs. These hubs are intended to become hotbeds of innovation, attracting talent, investment, and international attention. Minister Harsya emphasized the importance of leveraging Indonesia’s cultural assets for sustainable growth, stating, “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant creative economy in Indonesia.” Goldfinch’s involvement is seen as a catalyst for unlocking the nation’s creative potential, ensuring that its rich cultural heritage is preserved while also driving economic progress.
Goldfinch’s Chief Operating Officer, Phil McKenzie, highlighted the company’s alignment with Indonesia’s creative industry ambitions. “We are dedicated to helping position Indonesia as a global leader in the creative industries,” McKenzie remarked. This vision is set to unfold through a series of initiatives scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2025. The first phase of the partnership will focus on debt financing, packaging and sales, and intellectual property (IP) development across the entertainment spectrum. One of the most exciting aspects of this venture is the introduction of Goldfinch’s renowned First Flights program, which has already garnered international acclaim, including Oscar and BAFTA wins. This program will provide early-stage financing to emerging Indonesian filmmakers, enabling them to bring their unique stories to life while fostering international collaborations.
The joint venture is a testament to the confidence that Goldfinch and its Indonesian partners have in the country’s creative potential. Rafael Utomo, Managing Director of Goldfinch Indonesia, expressed his optimism, stating, “Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that not only supports local talents but also attracts international partnerships.” This sentiment was echoed by Allen Jordan of the Goshen Group, who highlighted the broader economic implications of the partnership. “It is a great privilege to be part of the management team and a key facilitator of this joint venture, which will support the acceleration of creative economy development as an engine of economic growth for Indonesia and the region,” Jordan said. By combining local expertise with Goldfinch’s international experience and financial resources, the partnership aims to create a sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem.
Goldfinch’s move into Indonesia is part of a broader international expansion strategy that began in 2024, following a strategic merger with Singapore-based Aurora Media Holdings Inc. Over the past decade, Goldfinch has established itself as a major player in the global entertainment financing sector, closing deals worth $250 million across 300 projects. The company’s institutional lending portfolio boasts an impressive internal rate of return of 11-13%, demonstrating its financial acumen and track record of success. Goldfinch has also produced critically acclaimed films such as “Quant” and “A Bird Flew In,” which have premiered at prestigious festivals like the BFI London Film Festival and Raindance. This combination of financial expertise and creative excellence positions Goldfinch Indonesia as a powerful force in the region’s entertainment industry.
The partnership outlines several key initiatives aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in Indonesia’s creative sector. These include the development of enhanced tax policies to attract investment, infrastructure development for IP-related projects spanning film, television, advertising, digital media, sports, gaming, Web3, and AI, as well as targeted job creation and talent development programs. Justin Deimen, Managing Partner at Goldfinch International and Executive Director of the Intercultural Theatre Institute, underscored the importance of media literacy, cultural preservation, and cross-border collaborations. “We want to preserve and protect Indonesia’s remarkable cultural legacy while developing and positioning its deep creative talent pool for international success,” Deimen said. This holistic approach ensures that the partnership not only drives economic growth but also enriches Indonesia’s cultural landscape.
As Goldfinch Indonesia prepares to roll out its initiatives, the company is setting its sights on further expansion across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific (MENA and APAC) regions. With more partnerships expected to be announced in the coming months, Goldfinch is solidifying its position as a global leader in entertainment financing and creative industry development. The launch of Goldfinch Indonesia is more than just a business deal; it’s a gateway to unlocking the vast potential of Indonesia’s creative economy, ensuring that the nation’s stories, talents, and cultural heritage take center stage on the global media landscape.
