Why you should invest in Indonesia.
Southeast Asia's largest economy combines a young market of almost 285 million people, steady growth above 5% a year, the world's largest nickel reserves and a fast-growing digital economy. Here is what makes it compelling, and what to know before you enter.
4th largest in the world
81.7% of people
in 2025
direct investment
first half 2026
in the world
ASEAN
Eight reasons to invest in Indonesia.
Indonesia's appeal rests on fundamentals that compound over decades: people, resources, location and a government focused on attracting investment.
- 01 / 08
A large, young market
Almost 285 million people, the fourth-largest population in the world, with a growing middle class and more than half living in cities.
- 02 / 08
Steady growth
GDP grew 5.11% in 2025 and 5.45% in the first half of 2026, driven by household spending, investment and manufacturing.
- 03 / 08
Natural resources
The world's largest nickel reserves (62 million tonnes), plus coal, copper, gas and palm oil. Nickel is central to EV batteries.
- 04 / 08
Infrastructure push
Ongoing investment in toll roads, ports, airports and the new capital Nusantara, with public-private partnerships open to investors.
- 05 / 08
Digital economy
235 million internet users in 2026, or 81.7% of the population, fuelling e-commerce, fintech, logistics and online services.
- 06 / 08
Pro-investment reforms
The Omnibus Law and the risk-based OSS licensing system opened more sectors to foreign ownership, with tax incentives in strategic sectors and special economic zones.
- 07 / 08
Strategic location
On the main shipping routes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and a gateway to ASEAN's 600 million-plus consumers.
- 08 / 08
Stable fundamentals
A large democracy with an independent central bank and a legal cap on the budget deficit, supporting long-term investor confidence.
An economy in motion.
Latest official figures from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the Ministry of Investment (BKPM) and APJII.
GDP growth
Consistently above 5%, and faster again in 2026.
Investment realised in 2025
Rp1,931.2 trillion, 101% of the government's target.
Internet users
Four in five Indonesians are now online.
Opportunity across the archipelago.
Indonesia is not one market but many. Each region has its own strengths, from finance in Jakarta to nickel in Sulawesi. DMS Group works from Bali and Surabaya.
An economy benefiting all Indonesians.
Growth in Indonesia has reached most of its people. In 1984, around three-quarters of Indonesians lived in extreme poverty. By 2023, fewer than 2% did.
That means roughly 120 million people in extreme poverty fell to around 5 million. For businesses, it means a far larger base of consumers, workers and suppliers than a generation ago.
Share in extreme poverty
International poverty line of $2.15 a day.
What to know first.
The opportunity is real, and so is the complexity. These are the points foreign investors most often underestimate.
- i.Ownership rules
Some sectors are open to 100% foreign ownership, while others are capped or reserved. The Positive Investment List sets the rules by business activity.
- ii.Company set-up
Foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) face minimum investment and capital requirements, and must license through the OSS system.
- iii.Product registration
Food, cosmetics, supplements and medicines need BPOM registration before they can be sold or imported.
- iv.Local partners
Relationships matter. The right local partner shortens set-up, opens distribution and avoids costly mistakes.
We run our own businesses in Indonesia, so we know the market from the inside.
- Joint ventures and local partnerships for foreign companies
- Legal set-up, licensing and product registration
- Market research, distribution and digital marketing
- Teams in Bali and Surabaya, working in English, French and Indonesian
Common questions.
Short answers to what foreign investors ask us most. Every project is different, so talk to us for advice on yours.
Can a foreigner own a company in Indonesia?
Yes. Foreign investors set up a PT PMA, a limited liability company with foreign shareholders. Many sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, but some are limited or reserved for Indonesian investors, so check your business activity against the Positive Investment List first.
Why use a joint venture rather than a wholly owned company?
A joint venture with an established local partner gives you market knowledge, networks and operations from day one. It can also be the only route in sectors where foreign ownership is capped.
Which sectors are growing fastest?
Manufacturing, digital services and e-commerce, downstream mining and EV battery materials, renewable energy, healthcare, tourism and food and beverage all show strong demand.
How long does it take to start?
It depends on the sector and structure. Company registration through the OSS system can be quick, but licences, product registration and finding the right partner take longer. Contact us for a realistic timeline for your project.
