The picturesque island nation of Indonesia is an excellent place to start a new venture. Read on for some of the most profitable small businesses and startup ideas you can get started with here.
Indonesia has a mixed economic system that favors the growth of smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, you have the choice of expanding your business into various sectors.
Indonesia has lots of natural sources and agricultural products for you to consider when thinking of a business idea.
Indonesia has an excellent transportation system which makes it easy for anyone to start a business there.
Let’s now look at some business opportunities that are both suitable and profitable in Indonesia.
25 Business Ideas in Indonesia
1. Internet Service Provider
Internet usage is very low in Indonesia. As a consequence, there is a low demand for internet services. Avail of this chance and begin your company as an internet services provider.
You must provide a good quality of fast internet along with prompt troubleshooting. Your network coupled with good advertising techniques can aid you to develop your enterprise effectively.
2. Hotels and Resorts
Indonesia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. With so much natural beauty, it would make sense to open a hotel or a vacation rental property here. You could also offer activities such as surfing lessons or scuba diving classes if you wanted to appeal to families.
Moreover, keep your room clean, hygienically maintained, and decorated along with good quality meals and friendly staff. These factors will help increase the goodwill of your property. You need to spend on the internet and offline advertisements and marketing for your property.
3. Start a Travel and Tourism Business in Indonesia
Businesses related to the tourist sector include hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and souvenir shops. Most people who own businesses in these sectors are self-employed, although they may also work for another company. Some owners of small businesses may hire employees to assist them with their daily operations.
You can be a tour guide offering different tour packages in Indonesia; organize small group travels and conduct them too, and advertise your services through various means. Whatever area you choose, marketing and advertising will help your business grow.
4. Rice Production
Agriculture is one of the main industries in Indonesia. That’s why the agriculture industry is very profitable for you in this country, especially if you know how to farm.
Among the agricultural businesses, rice production is at the top of your list. If you know how to process rice, you can start a successful rice production company. Moreover, rice milling is another great choice for you. Rice is the staple diet of Indonesians, so you have a good chance to make money.
5. Palm Oil Production
In Indonesia, there is a huge demand for coconut oil. Coconut oil has great export prospects. Hence, coconut oil production is an excellent business opportunity for you. You should invest a lot of money in this venture. But if you can manage your expenses well, then you will be able to make good profits.
6. Open an IT Service Company in Indonesia
If you’re trained in IT Indonesia is one of the best countries to start your own business in IT services. You need to understand the client’s needs, decide which software to use, hire the right people, keep the system protected from viruses and upgrades, and fix any issues that arise.
7. Online Retail Marketing
Online retailing is the new trend nowadays. With the help of technology, you can easily promote your product online. A lot of businesses are doing this because they know how much money they can make through selling their products online.
To get started, you should learn about the basics of online retailing. Then, you must create a website where customers can buy your product. After that, you need to advertise your website so that potential buyers will find out about your store.
8. Start a Food Truck Business in Indonesia
Food trucks are an excellent investment because they require little capital outlay and provide high returns. You should choose popular foods that appeal to customers and ensure that the food is tasty.
Try taking your food trailer to busy locations such as shopping malls and parks where tourists gather. Once people start enjoying your food and recognizing your food trailer, your food trailer will bring in more profits.
9. Open a Restaurant
You can start a small business selling homemade goods such as bread, cakes, cookies, pastries, jams, jellies, chocolates, juices, teas, coffees, ice creams, and so forth.
You may also sell fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, flowers, and plants. Some people also make money by selling handmade crafts. However, if you do not know how to cook, then you should consider opening a fast-service eatery instead.
10. Dress designing and Boutique
If you’re a trained or passionate designer, then go for a career in fashion design or start your own boutique. Keep clothing items like handbags, footwear, and costume jewelry in your store.
Be creative in your creations. Try to mix traditional Indonesian attire with western fashions which are currently popular. Do good internet and offline advertising and promotion for your boutique to earn more customers.
11. Handicraft Store
Indonesia has a rich history of art and crafts. Therefore, you can make a good income from selling handicraft products. Tourists are also fond of handicraft goods.
Collect these goods from local artists and sell them through your online shop. Make sure to keep an eye out for the décor of your online shop. In addition, digital advertising and a site are essential to growing your online handicraft shop.
12. Business Consultancy
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to get into the world of entrepreneurship, then starting a consulting firm could be a good option for you.
Your responsibilities would include finding clients, providing them with solutions, and guiding them through their projects. To succeed in this field, you must possess excellent communication skills and strong interpersonal relationships.
13. Social Media Marketing
Indonesian people are avid users of social networking sites. Therefore, social network advertising is an excellent prospect for any entrepreneur who wants to start his own online company. To get started with social network advertising, you’ll require a website and a strong social network presence.
Your job profile will involve creating ads and promoting your client’s products through social networks. This will help them gain popularity and exposure among their target market. You can also work as a freelance social networker if you’re adept at writing copy and engaging people on social networks.
14. Accounting Service
You can start an accountancy firm if you’re a qualified accountant with experience managing books. In the accountancy industry, you’ll manage accounts, produce reports, make reconciliations, advise clients about tax matters, etc. You’ll also provide financial advice to businesses.
15. Vet Clinic
A veterinary clinic is an excellent investment opportunity. The number of people who own pets is increasing every day. You can open a veterinary clinic if you’re qualified. Or, you can open one with paid veterinarians.
Also, include services such as dog walking and feeding, cat care, and animal grooming. Then, sell products such as dog food and toys. In addition, consider getting involved with a local veterinarian hospital so that clients will know they can trust you.
16. Cattle rearing and meat processing
Indonesia is a great place to invest your money into. You can make good profits if you own a beef ranch. You can also process beef and sell them. Or you can raise cattle for milk production. Either option works out fine.
17. Furniture Factory
Indonesian wooden furniture has a wide range of markets. You may also join this industry by starting a woodworking company. Furnishings made of wood are very common nowadays.
Good quality carpenters and designers are needed to produce high-quality furnishings. Research the best designs and materials used in creating these types of items. Your products must be able to meet the demands of the local customers. Use effective advertising techniques to promote your product line.
18. Insurance Consultancy
Insurance consulting is a potential business opportunity in Indonesia. Because the number of insured individuals is low, you can easily start your own business. Most international insurers have opened offices in Indonesia. This gives you a chance to work with them directly.
Your job would be to help them understand local conditions and provide solutions to their problems. Good communication skills and network building are essential for success in this field.
19. Open a Coffee Shop in Indonesia
Indonesia is known for producing high-grade coffees. Therefore, if you’re thinking about starting a new business, then opening a cafe may be the best option for you.
You can also choose to open a café instead. Both types of businesses require a lot of investment, so before you start planning, you should consider how much money you’ll need. In addition, you should also think about what kind of area would suit your business. For example, if you plan on having a restaurant, then you might want to set up your business near a major road.
20. Computer and Mobile Repairing
The widespread use of computers, as well as smartphones, needs good repair services. Therefore computer and phone fixing is a good business idea if you have the technical knowledge of repairs. Start the enterprise from home by attending the client’s office or house for fixings. When your business grows, hire a repair store for your enterprise.
21. Online Teaching
If you’re an expert at something then people may want to hire you to help them learn it. And if you’ve got the qualifications and experience, you could set up your own online course. You can use social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to promote yourself and your courses.
22. Telemedicine
Telemedicine has been growing in popularity ever since the pandemic times began. You can capitalize on this trend by starting a telemedicine practice where doctors’ consultations, follow-ups, and prescriptions will be offered online through various platforms like Google Duo, Skype, or Zoom. To get started, you need to network with doctors and promote your services widely online and off.
23. Start a Fishery Business in Indonesia
Indonesia ranks second after china in global fishing production. Take note of those statistics and consider starting a fisheries business. Tuna farming leads the way in seafood operations.
Hence you can begin with tuna farming. You may also sell your product locally as well as abroad. A knowledge of aquaculture along with the market trends would place you in a comfortable situation in the fishing industry.
24. Wedding Planner
Weddings are much in demand now – it’s a great opportunity for anyone who can manage and plan events. You’ll need to have a strong marketing strategy and a good understanding of how to market yourself online.
A website is essential for any event planning company, so make sure yours is easy to find and gives potential clients a clear picture of what you do. Make sure you also get plenty of press coverage, both locally and nationally.
25. Vocational Training Center
The vocational training center offers a wide range of courses including agriculture, fashion, information technology, and business management. These courses provide students with skills that help them find jobs and earn money.
Students who complete these courses receive certificates of completion. Vocational training centers offer hands-on learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers in various fields. A vocational training program may take one year or longer depending on the course.
Courses offered to vary according to the type of institution offering the training. Some institutions focus on specific industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, construction, and finance. Others offer general education courses.
Vocational training centers also offer short-term certificate programs for individuals who wish to improve their job prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to conduct business in Indonesia, do I need to learn Indonesian?
If your business is based outside of Jakarta, you can conduct business in English without knowing Indonesian.
Where would be good places to start a company in Indonesia?
There are 5 top locations for starting a new company in Indonesia. They are: Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Malang, and Yogyakarta.
- Jakarta
- Surabaya
- Bandung
- Bekasi
- Medan
Starting a company in Indonesia takes a lot of time.
The recent developments in Indonesia have made setting up a company easier than ever before. To get started, however, it may take anywhere from two weeks to six months.
Types of Legal Entities in Indonesia: What are they?
There are three main types of legal entities in Indonesia: PTs, ROs, and PTs with an RO (PT/RO).
Are there any ways to raise funds for my Indonesian startup?
There are various types of funding available for startup businesses in Indonesia. Some are seed funding, series A funding, series B funding, etc.
You may like to read:Â Ramen Shop Name Ideas To Get You Thirsty For Noodles
