Doing Business in Indonesia

Exporting to Indonesia

Two years ago, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative (NEI) which aims to double U.S. exports by the end of 2014.  With over 240 million citizens, the United States identified Indonesia as a priority market for U.S. exports.  U.S. Mission Indonesia is committed to supporting U.S. companies in this effort. 

Getting Started

If you are considering exporting to Indonesia, below are a few steps you can take to learn more.  

• Visit the export.gov Indonesia page for an overview of economic conditions and opportunities.  Access the U.S. Commercial Service Market Research Library for Indonesia-specific market reports, authored by commercial specialists working in Jakarta.   
• Read the Country Commercial Guide on Indonesia (PDF 822KB) for information on market challenges and opportunities, leading sectors for U.S. exports, and more.
• Watch this vide: Indonesia: A National Export Initiative Priority Market, to learn more about exporting to Indonesia.
• Contact your local U.S. Export Assistance Center for advice and support on exporting to Indonesia.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDCs).  SBDCs can provide educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Contact in-country business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia or the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.
• Make use of business matchmaking services, customized market research, and other services through the U.S. Commercial Service in Jakarta.

Investing in Indonesia

Indonesia’s growing middle class, strong domestic demand, stable political situation, sound macroeconomic policy and GDP growth of 6.3% (2011) makes it worth a closer look for U.S. companies seeking to invest overseas.  However, Indonesia’s investment climate also presents challenges for firms looking to invest. 

Potential investors: Getting Started

If you are considering investing in Indonesia, below are a few steps you can take to learn more.  

• Read the Investment Climate Statement for Indonesia (PDF 252KB)
• Visit Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board site to read investment guides and learn more about sectors open to foreign investment.
• Register with the U.S. Embassy if you are planning a visit to consider investment.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy Economic Team (businessindonesia@state.gov) or the U.S. Commercial Service (Business.Indonesia@trade.gov) to set up a courtesy briefing and get advice on Indonesia’s economic environment.
• Contact in-country business support organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia or the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council.

Current investors: Staying Connected.

If you are a current U.S. investor in Indonesia, the U.S. Embassy wants to stay in touch.  Here are a few steps you can take to keep open the channels of communication.

• Contact the U.S. Embassy Economic Team (businessindonesia@state.gov) or the U.S. Commercial Service (Business.Indonesia@trade.gov) to let us know that you are active in Indonesia or to set up a meeting to discuss any issues you are facing.
• Add us to your mailing lists - we are always happy to stay informed.

Working in and Traveling to Indonesia

Business Visas

All U.S. travelers to Indonesia must obtain a visa at an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate overseas or upon arrival at any international airport.  For more information on obtaining a visa to visit Indonesia, visit Embassy of Republic Indonesia Website.

Travel Advisories

Before you travel, check the current State Department travel advisories, read Indonesia’s Country Specific Information Page, and register with the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, U.S. Consulate Medan, or U.S. Consular Agency in Bali to receive emergency messages and SMS alerts while in country.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is an important anti-corruption tool designed to discourage corrupt business practices in favor of free and fair markets.  The FCPA prohibits promising, offering, giving or authorizing giving anything of value to a foreign government official where the purpose is to obtain or retain business.  These prohibitions apply to U.S. persons, both individuals and companies, and companies that are listed on U.S. exchanges. The statute also requires companies publicly traded in the United States to keep accurate books and records and implement appropriate internal controls.   

Companies seeking to know whether a proposed course of conduct would violate the FCPA can take advantage of the opinion procedure (PDF 136KB).  Within 30 days of receiving a description of the proposed course of conduct in writing, the Attorney General will provide the party with a written opinion on whether the proposed conduct would violate the FCPA.