Foreign investment in Indonesia contributes to shaping a competitive global economic landscape. It involves substantial investments by companies or individuals in businesses operating within the country, known as foreign direct investment (FDI).
Unlike portfolio investments, where you buy stocks or bonds, FDI involves acquiring a controlling interest or significant influence in a foreign company. This can include setting up new operations, expanding existing facilities, or buying a controlling stake in a local company.
Why is foreign investment important for Indonesia?
In 2023, Indonesia received IDR 1,418 trillion in combined domestic and foreign investments, of which 52.4% (approximately Rp 744 trillion) originated from foreign direct investment (FDI).
Taking note of this achievement, the investment target for 2024 in Indonesia has been increased to Rp 1,650 trillion. The government aims to obtain over half of this amount from foreign investors.
Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia asserted that foreign investors remain keen on investing in Indonesia. Following the 2024 election, many companies are moving forward with their investment plans, with some even planning groundbreaking ceremonies.
Read more: Exploring investment potential in Indonesia
How does foreign direct investment work?
If you’re considering investing in a foreign country, it’s important to understand the steps involved in the foreign investment process. The process generally includes a series of steps you’ll need to follow to invest in a foreign market successfully.
| Steps | Description |
| Investment decision | The foreign investor identifies a business opportunity in Indonesia and conducts market research. |
| Approval process | The investor seeks approval from the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) for their investment plans. |
| Setting up operations | The investor forms a business entity in Indonesia, choosing from options like a wholly-owned subsidiary, a joint venture with a local partner, or acquiring an existing entity. |
| Investment | The investor injects capital into the Indonesian business. |
| Management | Depending on the type and size of the investment, the investor may participate in managing the business. |
Types of foreign investment in Indonesia
Here are some helpful suggestions on how foreign investors can actively participate in the Indonesian market:
- Wholly-owned subsidiaries: Foreign companies can establish their independent businesses in Indonesia.
- Joint ventures: Partnering with a local Indonesian company allows foreign investors to benefit from local knowledge and navigate regulations.
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A): Foreign companies can acquire existing Indonesian businesses to gain immediate market access and a local presence.
- Greenfield investments: This involves setting up a new business venture from scratch in Indonesia.
Benefits of foreign investment in Indonesia
Deciding to invest in Indonesia won’t make you regret it. There are several reasons why Indonesia is a good destination for your investment.
1. Robust economy
Consistent GDP growth exceeding 5% provides a stable environment for investment, fuelled by a growing middle class and increased consumer spending.
2. Business-friendly environment
Indonesia’s policies facilitate investment, with ongoing reforms to streamline bureaucracy and offer incentives like tax breaks and protection against expropriation.
3. Diverse opportunities
Indonesia offers a broad spectrum of investment prospects, from manufacturing to technology and renewable energy, catering to various sectors and interests.
4. Infrastructure development
Heavy government investment in infrastructure projects enhances connectivity and reduces logistics costs, benefiting businesses and driving overall economic growth.
5. Rich in natural resources
Rich in resources like coal, palm oil, and minerals, Indonesia presents lucrative opportunities for mining, agriculture, and energy industries.
6. Youthful workforce
With a median age of 30, Indonesia’s dynamic workforce offers ample skilled labor for businesses, backed by improving education levels.
7. Strategic location
As a member of ASEAN and situated close to major markets like China and India, Indonesia enjoys a strategic location for trade and investment.
8. Government support
The Indonesian government encourages investment through initiatives like “Making Indonesia 4.0” and offers incentives such as tax holidays and exemptions on imported machinery.
9. Cultural diversity
Embracing Indonesia’s cultural richness can benefit businesses focusing on cultural products such as handicrafts, traditional clothing, and cuisine.
10. Tourism potential
Indonesia’s tourism sector offers attractive investment prospects in hotels, resorts, and adventure tourism.
Challenges of foreign direct investment in Indonesia
The Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has noted at least five challenges faced by investors in Indonesia, leading to a decline in foreign investment interest. These include:
- Complex regulations
- Difficulty in land acquisition
- Uneven distribution of public infrastructure
- Tax and other non-fiscal incentives that are not supportive
- Insufficient skilled labor
Moreover, ongoing global challenges such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine are feared to worsen the economic conditions that have not fully recovered.
These conditions are believed to impact the flow of foreign direct investment, including to Indonesia.
The disadvantages of foreign direct investment in Indonesia
While beneficial, foreign investment in Indonesia also poses drawbacks. One key concern is the potential loss of control for the host country, allowing foreign companies significant influence over local businesses.
This may result in profit and resource transfer, weakening the host country’s economy and impeding independent decision-making.
Furthermore, FDI can foster reliance on foreign companies and technologies, hampering local industry growth and competitiveness.
This dependency may lead to foreign dominance in key sectors, diminishing the host country’s economic autonomy. Additionally, FDI could exacerbate income inequality, with benefits disproportionately favoring foreign investors over the local population.
Investment opportunities in Indonesia
The government has announced 14 new National Strategic Projects (PSNs) to be funded by private companies, with construction scheduled to commence in 2024. The PSN initiative prioritizes infrastructure, including toll roads, public transportation, energy, seaports, airports, and information technology.
Among the new strategic projects are the Pantai Indah Kapuk Tropical Concept property development in North Jakarta, the Wiraraja Industrial Area in Galang Island, Riau, the North Hub Development Project in offshore East Kalimantan, and the Neo Energy Parimo Industrial Estate in Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi.
How do you start investing in Indonesia?
There are several ways for foreigners to start a business in Indonesia. Apart from establishing PT PMA, the most commonly used legal entity by foreigners, Indonesia offers other easier ways, namely representative offices.
Below are various kinds of representative offices available in Indonesia:
Foreign Representative Office (KPPA)
KPPA is a general office used to enter the Vietnamese market. The parent company typically sets it up to manage operations.
Foreign Construction Representative Office (BUJKA)
BUJKA differs slightly from KPPA and KP3A and is established for organizations operating in the construction sector. The necessary license for BUJKA is SIUJK.
Foreign Trade Representative Office (KP3A)
A KP3A can engage in activities similar to KPPA and act as a buying and/or selling agent. However, it still needs to be authorized to make sales independently.
Guide to Doing Business in Jakarta
Start investing in Indonesia
InCorp Indonesia offers expertise in assisting foreign businesses with investing in Indonesia by providing company registration and investor KITAS services.
With years of experience in the market entry fields, InCorp Indonesia ensures compliance with Indonesian laws and regulations for thousands of overseas businesses. Our services can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Pandu Biasramadhan
Senior Consulting Manager at InCorp Indonesia
An expert for more than 10 years, Pandu Biasramadhan, has an extensive background in providing top-quality and comprehensive business solutions for enterprises in Indonesia and managing regional partnership channels across Southeast Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Eight businesses are closed to foreign investment and may be operated by the central government.
- Designated business sectors or joint ventures with cooperatives (koperasi) and micro, small, and medium enterprises
- Open businesses are subject to specific conditions, such as those that are exclusively available to 100% local investors, those with restricted foreign shareholding, and investments requiring special licenses
- PT: limited liability company (shareholders are not legally liable for company liabilities)
- CV: a proprietary company where liability falls on the shareholders
For tax purposes in Indonesia, companies must maintain their books in Rupiah, using the Indonesian language, and store them within the country. Exceptions for using USD and English in bookkeeping require prior notification to the authorities and any use of languages other than Indonesian needs approval from the Ministry of Finance.
Investors considering investments in Indonesia should assess existing International Investment Agreements between Indonesia and other countries. Having a business presence in countries with such agreements may offer incentives like stronger investment protection and higher foreign shareholding in Indonesia.
According to Presidential Regulation No. 10/2021 and the amended version, all businesses are open for domestic and foreign investment with these limitations and classifications:
Certain sectors are closed to foreign investment, including narcotics cultivation, gambling, and environmental conservation activities.
You can find the difference below:
