ArkoPay: Financing Indonesia’s Builders of Tomorrow
In Indonesia’s fast-growing economy, small and midsized construction companies often face a problem that technology alone cannot solve. Projects move fast, but payments move slowly. Delays in cash flow, inventory shortages, and inconsistent access to financing can halt even the most promising developments. Recognizing this gap, entrepreneur Laura Lukito cofounded ArkoPay, a fintech company designed to give construction businesses the financial support they need to thrive.
Building Financial Foundations
Launched with a mission to simplify financial operations for construction suppliers, contractors, and developers, ArkoPay focuses on solving one of the industry’s most persistent pain points: liquidity. Construction companies in Indonesia, especially smaller ones, often struggle to manage cash flow between project milestones. Payment cycles can stretch for months, leaving firms unable to cover labor costs or purchase materials on time.
ArkoPay provides solutions that help bridge this financing gap. The company offers digital tools for managing invoices, payroll, and materials procurement, while also giving clients access to working capital to keep projects moving. By streamlining these financial processes, ArkoPay enables small businesses to focus on execution rather than waiting for delayed payments.
Lukito’s vision is simple but ambitious. She believes financial empowerment is key to improving Indonesia’s construction ecosystem, where thousands of small firms form the backbone of the country’s urban development. Her approach combines financial technology with an understanding of real-world industry challenges, creating a bridge between traditional construction operations and modern digital finance.
Innovation Backed by Visibility
ArkoPay’s work gained national attention in March 2024, when the company secured three hundred thousand dollars in funding through The Big Spark, a business reality show produced by Singapore-based news network CNA. The competition brought together startups from across Asia, offering exposure and investment to founders tackling complex regional challenges.
For ArkoPay, the victory was more than a funding milestone. It validated the company’s model and highlighted the significance of construction fintech in emerging markets. The investment is being used to expand its product suite, strengthen its data analytics systems, and reach more regional contractors who lack access to formal banking or financing.
Lukito views this recognition as a turning point for construction-focused financial technology. By connecting industry knowledge with digital tools, ArkoPay is creating a new category within Indonesia’s growing fintech sector, one that merges infrastructure and finance to drive national growth.
Supporting the Backbone of Development
Indonesia’s construction industry employs millions and contributes significantly to national GDP, yet financing options remain concentrated among large corporations. Smaller firms often rely on informal credit arrangements or personal savings, exposing them to risk when project timelines shift.
ArkoPay addresses these structural imbalances by offering flexible funding products tailored to the unique cycles of construction. Clients can access financing for materials purchases, cover labor costs, and manage cash flow through a single platform. The technology also helps reduce waste and inefficiency by providing real-time visibility into spending and procurement.
Through digital integration, ArkoPay turns financial management into a strategic asset rather than an operational burden. The company’s tools allow project managers to forecast expenses, track payments, and maintain transparent records, essential capabilities for businesses seeking to grow beyond local operations.
Empowering Builders Through Finance
Lukito’s leadership embodies a new wave of entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia who combine technology, empathy, and purpose. By focusing on small and midsized businesses rather than large developers, ArkoPay ensures that progress is inclusive.
Her background in business and financial technology enables her to approach problem-solving from both sides, understanding the pressures construction firms face while designing tools that meet regulatory and banking standards. This dual focus has allowed ArkoPay to gain trust among clients who traditionally operated outside the formal financial system.
The company’s success also reflects a broader shift in Indonesia’s economy, where digitization is reaching sectors once seen as offline. As the country invests in new housing, infrastructure, and industrial projects, demand for financial innovation in construction continues to rise.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, ArkoPay aims to expand its reach beyond major cities to serve regional builders and subcontractors. The company plans to partner with banks, suppliers, and government initiatives to create a broader network of financial inclusion within the construction industry.
For Laura Lukito, the goal is not simply to digitize payments but to transform how construction businesses operate, turning financial tools into instruments of growth. Through ArkoPay, she is helping build more than projects; she is building a foundation for a stronger, more resilient industry.
