Top Business Opportunities in Jakarta

Comprehensive Guide to Business Opportunities in Jakarta

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 19 December 2023
  • 5 reading time

Jakarta presents many top-notch business prospects for individuals seeking to start a new venture or expand their existing enterprises. This article will explore business opportunities in Jakarta within key sectors driving the city’s growth, unveiling potential rewards for those ready to seize them.

Jakarta’s Economy and Business Landscape

Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, announced that the region’s economy is expected to grow by 6.4% in 2024. He emphasized the need for the city to be cautious and prepared for possible economic downturns due to global conflicts. 

He highlighted the importance of Jakarta’s resilience in dealing with various situations and stressed that the city’s development plans 2024 will focus on strengthening the economy and essential services. To support quality growth in economic, social, and environmental areas.

Identifying Profitable Business Opportunities in Jakarta

Top Business Opportunities in Jakarta

Identifying profitable business opportunities in Jakarta is crucial for entrepreneurs. With its rapidly growing economy, Jakarta presents many opportunities for those willing to do the necessary research and take calculated risks.

The region can also help entrepreneurs contribute to economic development by creating job opportunities, boosting the local economy, and supporting the community. Here are some identified benefits of investing in profitable businesses opportunities in Jakarta: 

1. Thriving Market

Business opportunities in Jakarta drive by its 10 million population. The number presents enormous business potential due to urbanization and migration from surrounding areas.

2. Commerce and Finance Hub

Jakarta is the hub of business and finance in Indonesia, with many large companies, including multinationals, choosing it as their headquarters due to its good infrastructure and large market potential.

3. Adequate Infrastructure

Regarding infrastructure, Jakarta has an international airport, a modern seaport, and an extensive toll road network. Investment in infrastructure and other ventures that open business opportunities continue to increase. 

4. Great Potential Across Sectors

With many growing business opportunities, Jakarta has high investment potential in technology, tourism, property, and finance.

5. Cultural Diversity

Jakarta’s rich culture and ethnic diversity create a friendly environment for multinational businesses to adjust to different market needs.

6. Streamlined Investment Process

The Indonesian government provides incentives to attract investment, and the investment bureaucracy has become more accessible in recent years with the adoption of an online system for investment applications.

Read more: Unlocking Investment Opportunities in The New Capital of Indonesia

Top Business Opportunities in Jakarta

As a bustling economic center, Jakarta offers numerous business opportunities across various industries. The following are bullet points of the different sectors based on the Investment Realization in Jakarta in 2022:

Domestic Investment:

  • South Jakarta Administrative City led with Rp 31.27 trillion
  • The construction sector topped the list with Rp 18.8 trillion (21.1%)
  • Transportation, warehouse, and telecommunication with Rp 18.2 trillion (20.3%)
  • Other services with Rp 12.5 trillion (14.0%)
  • Housing, industrial, and office areas with Rp 12.0 trillion (13.5%)
  • Mining with Rp 10.9 trillion (12.3%)

Foreign Investment:

  • South Jakarta Administrative City was the leading recipient, with Rp 31.9 trillion
  • Transportation, warehouse, and telecommunication with Rp 20.0 trillion (37.2%)
  • Other services with Rp 12.2 trillion (22.6%)
  • Housing, industrial, and office areas with Rp 8.5 trillion (15.9%)
  • Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles with Rp 5.2 trillion (9.7%)
  • Mining with Rp 3.4 trillion (6.3%)

Following that, we have also identified the markets that are predicted to see the most growth in the year 2023, specifically in the region of Jakarta: 

1. Infrastructure Development and Construction

Indonesia’s infrastructure requires further investment and improvement. The government has committed to investing $430 billion in the country’s infrastructure from 2020 to 2024, making this sector an attractive investment opportunity.

2. Mining Sector and Renewable Energy

Indonesia is rich in commodity resources, making it a significant exporter. In addition, the mining industry has contributed significantly to the country’s economic growth, and firms specializing in clean energy have the opportunity to enter the industry.

3. Tourism Sector

Indonesia’s tourism sector is an underutilized market, presenting a good opportunity for firms specializing in leisure and tourism to enter. In addition, the country has over 17,700 islands, captivating beaches, and diverse landscapes, making it an attractive tourist destination.

4. E-Commerce

Indonesia has a high e-commerce adoption rate, making it one of the most profitable businesses to start in 2023. The industry was valued at over $30 billion in gross market value in 2020 and is expected to reach $83 billion in 2025, fuelled by changing consumer behaviors seeking convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indonesia’s economy has shown steady growth over the years and is expected to continue in the coming years. The country’s diverse economy and abundant resources allow foreign investors to start profitable businesses in various sectors. 

Based on the current market trends and growth potential, Indonesia’s most profitable business sectors in 2023 are infrastructure and construction, mining and clean energy, leisure and tourism, and e-commerce. 

However, before investing in any sector, it is crucial to understand the regulations, obtain relevant business licenses, and conduct company registration

Working with a reliable business consultant such as InCorp Indonesia (formerly Cekindo) can help foreign investors navigate the registration process and comply with local regulations, leading to a smooth and hassle-free investment experience in Indonesia.

Daris Salam

COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia

With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.

Get in touch with us.

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Frequent Asked Questions

As their names suggest, the main differences between the three business kinds in Indonesia lie in the businesses and the purpose of their incorporation. Local company owners (PT) must be Indonesian citizens, as even 1 percent of foreign ownership is not allowed. This type of company is not limited to entering any business field, and restrictions on incorporation are not so tight. On the contrary, a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) is open to international investors, but the maximal percentage of foreign shares differs in various business sectors. Contact InCorp to get the most updated information on the Negative Investment List. International investors tend to open representative offices as a first step to understanding the Indonesian market before setting up a limited liability company. This type is used for marketing and promotion activities and needs the right to sell directly and receive income.

Yes, this mainly applies to import and export businesses. Instead of establishing a company, you can use an under-name import service, an importer of record.

It should take between 30 to 45 days.

There are two main types, namely, primary business licenses and non-primary business licenses. The primary ones commonly apply to various industries, such as general and industrial business licenses. Additional non-primary ones are included, depending on the operations of your business. Examples of non-primary business licenses are operational and commercial licenses.

Yes, you must apply for it to be able to issue work permits for your foreign employees. This permanent business license is also a prerequisite for the applications for other business licenses and import licenses.