Indonesia continues to demonstrate economic resilience despite global challenges, registering a 4.95% GDP growth year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024. The manufacturing and construction sectors were among the key drivers of this growth. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is an attractive destination for investors, thanks to its political stability, favorable government policies, an abundance of natural resources and a large workforce. The country continues to attract domestic and foreign investment in diverse sectors, from construction and manufacturing to telecommunications and transportation.
Between January and September 2024, Indonesia attracted nearly US$81 billion in investment, mostly from foreign investors. The nation’s robust recovery in tourism is also boosting investor confidence. Indonesia attracted 10.37 million international tourists in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 20.28% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This positive trajectory in tourism has contributed to an increase in hotel investment. In June 2024, the Pan Pacific Hotels Group unveiled Pan Pacific Jakarta in Central Thamrin. The 158-room property reinforces the hotel’s role as a high-profile destination for both business and leisure travelers. It is the second of three properties that the hospitality group plans to open in Jakarta.
Startup Ecosystem Remains Vibrant
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s startup ecosystem remains vibrant, despite funding challenges due to global economic headwinds. In the first half of 2024, fintech, insurtech and enterprise applications emerged as the top sectors to secure funding, highlighting key areas of strategic growth within the industry.
Alpha JWC Ventures (Alpha JWC) remains one of the top venture capital firms in Southeast Asia, playing a key role in supporting some of the region’s most dynamic entrepreneurs in 2024. Locally, Alpha JWC is helping Indonesia strengthen its AI capabilities in a competitive global economy that is increasingly driven by technology. In August 2024, the firm officially launched the Artificial Intelligence Institute for Progress in collaboration with nonprofit organization Pijar Foundation, bringing industry players together to advance AI adoption in Indonesia.
Net Zero Commitment
Indonesia has made steady progress in energy transition as part of its commitment to achieve a net zero economy by 2060 or sooner. Over the span of almost a decade, the country’s new and renewable energy mix grew from around 5.35% in 2014 to 13.1% by the end of 2023.
At COP29, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement, unveiling plans to build 75GW of renewable power in the country in the next 15 years. The renewable projects will include solar, hydro, geothermal and nuclear power.
Pertamina, a state-owned energy company, is at the forefront of the country’s transition to a low-carbon future. The company is actively developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to boost oil and gas production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In the downstream business, Pertamina continues to develop biofuels as part of its commitment to energy transition efforts. Its partnership with Toyota during an international auto show earlier this year showcased the potential of bioethanol as a sustainable transportation fuel.
Astra Group, one of Indonesia’s largest public companies, is also playing a part in Indonesia’s climate goals. The company is exploring new technological innovations and sustainable practices that could further enhance its environmental and social impact. One of the group’s flagship initiatives is its investment in electric vehicle infrastructure as part of its Future Mobility plan. It is also expanding its Future of Mines initiative to transition away from coal dependence by exploring non-coal mineral mining.
Indonesia’s pro-business climate is set to continue under the country’s new leadership. A new investment institution, Danantara, is designed to optimize the management of state assets outside the national budget and is projected to accelerate economic growth in the next five years. As Indonesia approaches its 80th year of independence, the nation is poised to embark on the next chapter with a clear vision and steadfast commitment to sustainable economic growth.