What is A Joint Venture? Definition, Types, and Examples

A Guide to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Joint Ventures in Indonesia

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 2 September 2024
  • 6 reading time

Joint venture offers businesses a strategic pathway to expanding their reach, sharing risks, and capitalizing on complementary strengths.

This guide delves into the intricacies of joint ventures, exploring their various types, advantages, disadvantages, and essential steps for successful implementation.

What is A Joint Venture?

A joint venture is a business arrangement in which two or more entities agree to combine their assets and knowledge to achieve a specific goal.

This collaboration often involves creating a new entity to undertake the venture. Joint ventures are common in various industries, from technology and manufacturing to retail and services.  

Joint Venture vs. Partnership

Joint ventures differ from partnerships because they focus on a single transaction, whereas partnerships usually involve ongoing business relationships.

AspectJoint VenturePartnership
Primary PurposeSingle project or transactionOngoing business
ParticipantsPersons or entities collaborating on a specific taskIndividuals joining the combined business
Agreement NatureContractual arrangement for a particular goalAgreement to share profits and losses in business
DurationLimited to project completionLong-term unless dissolved by parties
Profit FocusNot necessarily profit-driven; specific purposes possibleProfit-focused
Capital Cost AllowanceFlexible usage as agreedSubject to partnership rules
Scope & DurationLimited in scope and durationBroader scope, lasting many years

What are the Examples of Joint Ventures?

Joint ventures can encompass a wide range of structures and arrangements. Some common examples include:

Sony and Honda

In 2022, Sony and Honda announced a joint venture to develop electric vehicles under the newly formed company, Afeela.

The partnership aims to combine Sony’s expertise in electronics with Honda’s engineering capabilities. Afeela plans to launch in the U.S. market in 2026, with pre-orders starting in 2025.

Samsung and Spotify

In August 2018, Samsung Electronics partnered with Spotify to integrate Spotify’s music library into the Samsung ecosystem, aiming to enhance the user experience.

Asus and Gigabyte

In 2007, Asus and Gigabyte collaborated to optimize the production and marketing of computer hardware components, such as motherboards and graphics cards, to improve their competitive positioning and counter rival challenges.

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What are the Examples of Joint Ventures in Indonesia?

Indonesia is a fertile ground for diverse business collaborations, with numerous examples of joint ventures showcasing the strategic partnerships between various companies.

Nestlé and Indofood

Indofood (PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk) and Nestlé SA established a joint venture in 2005 called PT Nestlé Indofood Citarasa Indonesia. The joint venture primarily focused on food seasonings.

The partnership aimed to expand Nestlé’s market share within the culinary industry by combining its product development expertise with Indofood’s deep knowledge of Indonesian flavors.

Suntory and Garudafood

Garudafood and Suntory Beverage & Food Limited entered a joint venture partnership on July 14, 2011—the strategic alliance aimed to bolster Garudafood’s market dominance in the non-alcoholic beverage sector.

The two companies committed to establishing a joint venture entity within this industry that aligns with their shared corporate values.

Kino and Malee

In 2017, PT Kino Malee Indonesia Tbk. (KINO) formed two joint venture companies, one in Indonesia and another in Thailand, in partnership with Malee Capital Company Ltd.

These joint ventures aimed to distribute personal care products and beverages. The joint venture operating in Indonesia was named PT Kino Malee Indonesia, while the one in Thailand was called Malee Kino Company Ltd.

What are the 4 Types of Joint Ventures?

Joint ventures help businesses expand, cut costs, and share risks. They allow companies to combine resources and expertise to achieve specific goals. Here are the four main types of joint ventures:

Project-Based Joint Ventures

These partnerships are concentrated on specific projects and are dissolved once the project is completed, similar to a temporary team-up. Here are some examples:

  • Construction companies join forces to share the risks and costs of a significant development project.
  • Tech companies collaborate to develop a new product, parting ways after completion.
  • Retailers banding together to enter a new market.

Functional-Based Joint Ventures

These ongoing partnerships involve two or more companies sharing resources and expertise to enhance their day-to-day operations.

Imagine a local bakery partnering with a coffee shop to sell each other’s products. This type of venture is often used for:

  • Reaching new markets or customers.
  • Filling gaps in skills or resources.

Vertical Joint Ventures

These ventures bring together buyers and suppliers, often when more than simple trading is needed. They create economies of scale and reduce costs for both parties.

An example is the partnership between Honda and LG Energy Solutions. With its expertise in battery modules, LG is building a battery plant for Honda’s electric vehicles, demonstrating the benefits for suppliers.

Horizontal Joint Ventures

These alliances occur between companies within the same industry. Sharing resources allows them to gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Joint Venture

While joint ventures offer numerous advantages, they also have potential drawbacks. Businesses must understand and address the associated advantages and challenges to fully benefit from joint ventures.

Advantages of Joint VentureDisadvantages of Joint Venture
Risks and expenses are divided among partnersDifferent corporate cultures can lead to disagreements
Companies can expand their reachPartners must share decision-making authority
Partners bring complementary skills and knowledgeSuccess relies on the performance of all parties
Joint ventures can lead to a stronger market positionSetting up and managing a joint venture can be complex

How to Start a Joint Venture in Indonesia

What is A Joint Venture? Definition, Types, and Examples

Starting a joint venture in Indonesia requires careful planning and legal expertise. Here are the general steps:

  1. Identify a Potential Partner: Research and select a suitable partner aligned with your business goals.
  2. Conduct Due Diligence: Assess the partner’s financial health, reputation, and capabilities.
  3. Negotiate the Joint Venture Agreement: Clearly define the terms, roles, responsibilities, and ownership structure.
  4. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Comply with Indonesian regulations for foreign investment.
  5. Establish the Joint Venture Company: Complete the legal formalities to form the new entity.
  6. Develop A Business Plan: Outline the joint venture’s objectives, strategies, and financial projections.

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Seamless Joint Venture Setup with InCorp

Joint ventures help reduce risk and can be a powerful tool for businesses to accelerate growth and achieve strategic goals. InCorp can assist you in finding the right partner and facilitate a seamless entry into Indonesia. Our comprehensive services encompass:

Our consultant is committed to guiding you through the complexities of the Indonesian business landscape. Fill out the form below to discuss your joint venture aspirations and explore how InCorp Indonesia can be your strategic partner.

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

There are three things business owners need to consider before setting up a business in Indonesia: the type of business entity, capital requirements, and regulations.

Indonesian regulations separate local companies from foreign companies. Generally, foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) have more limitations than their local counterparts (Local PT). However, to pursue more foreign direct investment in the country, the government has taken several bold initiatives to increase the ease of doing business and provide numerous attractive incentives for foreign investors.

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.