Sriwijaya–BlueFive Alliance Aims to Transform Gulf–ASEAN Capital Flows

Indonesia’s Sriwijaya Capital teams up with Abu Dhabi’s BlueFive Capital to connect Gulf capital with Southeast Asia’s high-growth sectors, creating a South-to-South investment bridge.

Sriwijaya Capital, a private equity firm based in Indonesia, has partnered with Abu Dhabi’s BlueFive Capital through an MoU to strengthen investment links between Southeast Asia and the Gulf region. The collaboration aims to create a structured pathway for capital, allowing Gulf investors to explore growth opportunities in ASEAN, while also opening doors for Southeast Asian investors to participate in Middle Eastern markets.

The initiative aims to establish a South-to-South investment corridor, linking  institutional investors, Gulf sovereign wealth funds, and family offices with emerging growth opportunities across ASEAN. Sriwijaya Capital will draw on its extensive network of private banks, limited partners, family businesses, and corporates throughout the region, while BlueFive Capital brings access to long-term Gulf capital and global connections, including major Chinese state-owned enterprises.

Focus Markets and Priority Sectors

The partnership will first focus on Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with the option to extend into South Asia and other emerging regions. Indonesia will serve as the alliance’s central hub, providing a strategic base for regional expansion thanks to its large economy, growing population, and active infrastructure development.

Key sectors identified for collaboration include:

• Renewable energy and infrastructure
  
• Digital economy and fintech
  
• Healthcare and life sciences
  

By concentrating on these industries, the partnership aims to drive innovation, resilient growth, and long-term value creation for investors and entrepreneurs.

Bridging Capital Needs and Investor Goals

The MoU reflects a broader strategic alignment between Gulf and ASEAN investors:

• Gulf funds seek to diversify beyond oil and resource-heavy assets.
  
• ASEAN economies need patient, long-term capital to support fast-growing companies.
  

By structuring co-investments and other collaborative mechanisms, the alliance aims to translate these complementary needs into executable pipelines, streamlining cross-border transactions and aligning regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions.

Leadership Insights

Hazem Ben-Gacem, Founder and CEO of BlueFive Capital, emphasized the strategic intent:
“Together, BlueFive and Sriwijaya will bridge the Gulf and Southeast Asia, focusing on high-growth sectors critical for the future.”

Hartanto Tjitra, CEO of Sriwijaya Capital, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with Indonesia’s “Indonesia Incorporated” approach, where government and private sector collaboration drives development:
“This partnership enables us to connect Gulf investors with ASEAN opportunities, helping scale companies and stimulate growth across both regions.”

Strategic Implications for ASEAN and Gulf Investors

The collaboration is not only about capital deployment but also about market influence and regional integration:

• Structured access: Gulf investors gain a formalized channel to Southeast Asia’s high-growth sectors.
  
• Scalability: ASEAN companies receive capital and expertise to expand across multiple markets.
  
• Sectoral focus: Targeted industries align with global trends in sustainability, technology, and healthcare.
  

The MoU underscores a shift in cross-regional investment strategy, where structured partnerships replace ad hoc deals, enabling faster execution, shared governance, and reduced regulatory friction.

Looking Ahead

Sriwijaya Capital recently closed the first tranche of its inaugural fund, targeting growth-stage companies across Southeast Asia, including sectors such as energy transition, healthcare, industrial services and consumer goods. By combining capital, networks, and regional expertise, the Sriwijaya–BlueFive alliance positions itself to accelerate deal flow and scale companies ready for multi-market growth.

Cross-border collaborations between Gulf investors and Southeast Asian dealmakers have been rising as oil-rich funds diversify, and ASEAN economies seek stable, long-term capital. The Sriwijaya–BlueFive partnership formalizes this trend, creating a structured, high-impact investment channel that could serve as a model for future South-to-South alliances.

Conclusion

The partnership is a timely move in an era where emerging markets and global capital seek alignment. By leveraging strategic networks, shared expertise, and a focus on high-growth sectors, Sriwijaya and BlueFive are not just facilitating investment—they are reshaping how Gulf capital interacts with ASEAN opportunities, potentially setting a blueprint for regional economic collaboration in the years ahead.