Information about Indonesia Indonesia

The Indonesian economy has grown strongly in recent years. Of all European countries, the Netherlands is the largest investor in Indonesia. Many Dutch entrepreneurs are already doing business successfully in the world's largest island state.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), they have recovered well from the corona pandemic. In 2023, growth was 5%. The driver of this growth is domestic consumption. But the recovery in tourism and exports are also doing well. Opportunities lie in the following sectors: Agriculture and horticulture, Energy, Life sciences & health (LSH), Water and maritime, Waste management and Infrastructure, transport and logistics.

Indonesian consumers are increasingly buying foreign brands, especially digital devices and luxury goods. The middle class is growing, which means there is more demand for good quality products.

• Within the country, the official language is 'Bahasa Indonesia'. The international business language is English, but it is appreciated if you speak a few words of Indonesian.
• Indonesian business partners may ask personal questions during the first conversation. For example, about family, relatives, country or religion. This can come across as very direct, but is intended to build a personal relationship. Therefore, show this interest in them.
• They find it important to develop a long-term business relationship, take your time, be patient and be flexible.
• The first greeting consists of a slow, soft handshake with the right hand, accompanied by a slight nod of the head. Some people prefer not to shake hands for personal or religious reasons. In such a case, a contactless greeting with two hands placed together in front of the chest is a respectful alternative. It is polite to address a man with 'bapak' or 'pak' (sir) and women with 'ibu' or 'bu' (madam), followed by the first name or people with a higher job title the last name.
• Respect the hierarchy within your business partner's organization and do not break it. Within Indonesian organizations, formal mutual relationships are important.

• Indonesia is an agricultural country. 45% of the population earns an income in agriculture. Approximately 25% of the total export consists of agricultural products
• Indonesia's GDP is estimated at 1,318 billion (2022)
• The archipelago has an area of ​​1,910,931 km²
• The largest cities are Bandung, Jakarta, Makassar, Malang, Medan, Semarang, Surabaya and Palembang
• 17th economy in the world (1 place higher than the Netherlands)