Top 17 Foreign-Owned Businesses in Indonesia

Indonesia’s economy is so dynamic it has a good combination of local-owned and foreign-owned businesses. Many of those that are domestic are also owned or controlled by the state. Today, InCorp lists down our top 17 multinational company in Indonesia owned by foreigners.

The list is in no way exhaustive, and the numbers do not denote the actual ranking of these international corporations in Indonesia. If you are looking to start a business with a multinational company in Indonesia, this article will be nice to read.

Understanding Multinational Company

Multinational companies (MNCs) are large corporations that operate in two or more countries. Although they have their headquarters in one country, they have a significant presence in other countries through foreign subsidiaries, production facilities, sales offices, or other operations.

Criteria for Identifying an MNC

There is no single universally accepted definition of an MNC, but some common criteria include:

• Foreign operations: An MNC must have operations in at least two countries. This could include owning or controlling subsidiaries in other countries, having production facilities in other countries, or having sales offices in other countries.
• Revenue from foreign operations: A significant portion of an MNC’s revenue should come from its foreign operations. Some definitions suggest that at least 25% of an MNC’s revenue should come from its foreign operations.
• Cross-border management: An MNC should have a centralized management structure that oversees its operations in multiple countries. This means the company has a central headquarters that decides strategy, investments, and other key matters.
• Global integration: An MNC should be integrated into the global economy. This means that the company is not just a collection of national subsidiaries but a globally unified entity.

Insights of Doing Businesses in Indonesia

Indonesia presents a lucrative opportunity for both local and foreign investment across various thriving sectors, attracting numerous multinational and foreign-owned corporations to the nation. Key factors contributing to the nation’s flourishing business investment landscape include a large domestic market, low wage costs, and extensive access to the ASEAN market, providing numerous opportunities for multinational or foreign corporation to expand their reach.

Furthermore, Indonesia’s central bank has reported significant economic growth, projected to be between 4.5% and 5.3%, which is expected to remain steady and continue growing throughout 2024. This growth is supported by key sectors such as commodities, infrastructure development, tourism, and the manufacturing of high-value products, creating abundant opportunities for local and foreign investment in several industries, including:

• Downstream mining
• EV batteries supply chain
• Coal
• Infrastructure
• Healthcare and supplement
• Tourism

Top 17 Foreign-Owned Businesses in Indonesia

1. Unilever

Unilever is a Dutch brand that has established a presence in more than 100 countries. Founded in the 1930s, it has a market capitalization of $143.9 billion as of May 2017. In Indonesia, the brand has over 6,000 employees, founded in 1933.

2. HM Sampoerna

One of the biggest tobacco companies in the country, HM Sampoerna became famous with its kretek cigarettes. It is a combination of cloves, tobacco, and other surprising flavors. A Chinese-Indonesian immigrant named Liem Seeng Tee founded the company in 1913 and maintained control of it until Philip Morris International acquired approximately 97 percent of it.

3. Astra International

Astra International is one of the largest publicly listed firms in the country. Since it is a holdings company, it operates in various industries, including but not limited to automotive, financial services, infrastructure, and information technology. But while its CEO is an Indonesian, Prijono Sugiarto, Jardine Matheson, a British conglomerate, owns 50.1 percent of its share.

4. Google

While having its main Asian headquarters in Singapore, Google (whose physical office is in Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta) generates revenues from Indonesian advertisers. And its tax trouble can give you a pretty good idea of how profitable the Indonesian market is.

5. Marriott International

Marriott is a famous hospitality brand with a presence in over 100 countries. In 2015, its estimated income was more than $580 million. While it specializes in luxe accommodation, it also has more budget-friendly facilities or perfect for long-term stays.

6. Maybank

Maybank is one of Southeast Asia’s largest banks in market capitalization and assets. Although it is very popular in Indonesia, it is actually a Malaysian brand. You can also find it in Singapore. Currently, it has around 45,000 employees across its 2,400 offices in 20 countries around the world.

7. MedcoEnergi

Oil and gas is one of the most stable and big industries in the country, and a key player is MedcoEnergi. Encore Energy Pte Ltd controls about 50.7 percent of the business. This company is based in Singapore.

8. Toyota

While GM has already bid goodbye, Toyota continues to expand. This year, it has appointed its manufacturing facility’s first local president director. It has also committed to pouring $15 billion as investments until 2019.

9. L’Oreal

A very popular cosmetics firm, L’Oreal has its headquarters in Clichy, France. Two L’Oreal divisions are operating in Indonesia, one for marketing and distribution and the other for manufacturing.

10. Exxon Mobil

Another huge player in oil and gas is Exxon Mobil, an American multinational firm with a total revenue of over $218 billion in 2016. In Indonesia, it has been around for more than 100 years.

11. Adidas

Adidas, the renowned German sportswear giant, has been steadily expanding its presence in Indonesia, one of the most promising markets in Southeast Asia. The company’s journey in Indonesia began in the 1970s, and since then, it has established a strong foothold in the country’s sportswear market.

12. Nestlé

Nestlé’s expansion in Indonesia has been a remarkable success story, driven by its commitment to product quality, market understanding, and sustainable practices. The company’s continued growth and positive impact on Indonesia’s food industry demonstrate its ability to adapt to local needs and contribute to the country’s development.

13. Samsung

Samsung Electronics, a multinational electronics company headquartered in South Korea, has made a significant impact in Indonesia – one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most populous markets. The company’s growth in the region is a result of strategic investments, innovative product offerings, and a dedication to understanding local consumer preferences.

14. Nike

Nike, Inc. is a well-known American multinational corporation that designs and sells athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. The company has managed to establish a strong presence in Indonesia, which is Southeast Asia’s fourth most populous nation. Nike’s success in the region can be attributed to a number of key milestones and strategic initiatives that have been implemented over the years.

15. Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation, a multinational technology company based in the United States, has made a substantial impact in Indonesia – one of the largest and most populous markets in Southeast Asia. The company’s decision to expand in Indonesia was driven by strategic investments, innovative product offerings, and a dedication to understanding the needs of local consumers.

16. Coca Cola Amatil Indonesia

Coca Cola, a British-American owned multinational corporation, is recognized as one of the largest companies in the global beverage market. As the authorized distributor of Coca Cola in Indonesia, this company has become the preferred choice for refreshing beverages, capturing the thriving market with its innovation, quality, and iconic brand.

17. Chevron Pacific Indonesia

Chevron, a multinational company from the United States, specializes predominantly in oil and gas. In recent years, Chevron has played a crucial role in Indonesia’s oil and gas sector. Through its expertise in exploration and production, the company has significantly contributed to Indonesia’s energy security and economic development.

Indonesia’s Top Multinational Companies in Valuation

In terms of market value for global business in Indonesia, there have been switches that are interesting to see. Here are the notable multinational companies list in Indonesia

1. PT Bank Central Asia Tbk.

2. PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk.

3. PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk.

4. PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk.

5. PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk.

6. PT Astra International Tbk.

7. PT Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna Tbk.

8. PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Tbk.

9. PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk.

Expand Your Business to Indonesia with InCorp Indonesia!

Will your business grow as huge as this in Indonesia, or do you want to expand your multinational company in Indonesia? Who knows? One thing is for sure: don’t wait until later to start investing here. It’s a fabulous, electrifying economy that gives you a lot of opportunities for growth, market penetration, and diversification.

When it comes to setting up and operating your business by establishing a multinational company in Indonesia,  InCorp is ready to provide you with complete, reliable, fast, and efficient business support solutions from company registration to HR recruitment, payroll processing, and serviced offices in Jakarta, Bali and Semarang.

Don’t hesitate to contact us discussing deeper about business opportunities in Indonesia.