Country guide · IDR (Rp)
20 business ideas in Indonesia
TL;DR
Indonesia’s small business opportunities come from a huge, mobile-first population spread over thousands of islands: warung and food stalls, Tokopedia and Shopee selling, tourism in Bali and Java, and services paid by QRIS, GoPay, OVO or Dana. Many ideas start from Rp 2 million to Rp 50 million, and delivery by Gojek and Grab riders makes local reach easy.
The market in Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and has a very young, urban and mobile population. Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Makassar and Denpasar are major markets, and super-apps such as Gojek and Grab move food, parcels and people. QRIS, the national QR payment standard, lets a roadside seller accept payment from GoPay, OVO, Dana, ShopeePay and bank apps with one code, which has made cashless payment normal even for small stalls.
Online selling takes place on Tokopedia, Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada, as well as on Instagram and WhatsApp. Cash on delivery is still used, and couriers such as JNE, J&T, SiCepat and Anteraja cover most islands. Shipping to remote regions in Papua, Maluku or Nusa Tenggara takes longer, so many small sellers focus on Java and Sumatra.
Food culture and agriculture provide strong foundations. Rice, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, spices, seaweed, fish and tropical fruit support processors and packaged-food brands. Kopi from Gayo, Toraja and Java, sambal, kerupuk, tempe and frozen snacks can be sold locally or exported. Tourism in Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok and Labuan Bajo supports villa management, tours, cafes and handicrafts, though seasonal swings affect income.
The rainy season brings floods to cities such as Jakarta, and volcanic or seismic risks affect some regions. Infrastructure is strong in Java and uneven in outer islands, so choose businesses that match your island’s logistics. Remittances from Indonesians working in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Gulf fund housing, education and small trade in many villages.
Best businesses to start in Indonesia
01Warung makan and small food stall
Rp 5 million–Rp 40 millionA warung with nasi campur, soto, ayam goreng or mie ayam can serve lunch crowds near offices, factories and schools. Keep a short menu, fresh ingredients and a QRIS code at the counter.
02Frozen food and dimsum for GoFood and GrabFood
Rp 3 million–Rp 25 millionFrozen dumplings, bakso, nuggets and homemade meal kits sell well through delivery apps and neighbourhood groups. A freezer, sealed packaging and a simple brand are enough to start.
03Tokopedia and Shopee reselling
Rp 2 million–Rp 30 millionFashion, hijab, phone accessories and household goods sell in volume on Indonesian marketplaces. Pick a narrow category, compare supplier prices in Tanah Abang or Mangga Dua and learn how marketplace fees and ads work.
04TikTok Shop and live selling
Rp 2 million–Rp 20 millionLivestream selling has become a major sales channel for skincare, fashion and snacks. A reliable host, clear lighting and a stable internet connection can create daily sales.
Full launch plan →05Coffee shop or kopi keliling cart
Rp 10 million–Rp 100 millionIndonesians drink coffee throughout the day, from es kopi susu in cafes to sachets from roadside carts. A small kiosk or bicycle cart near offices and campuses keeps rent low.
Full launch plan →06Laundry kiloan
Rp 30 million–Rp 150 millionLaundry priced by the kilo is a staple in boarding houses (kos) and apartments. A machine setup with ironing and delivery can serve a neighbourhood, but check water supply and drainage.
Full launch plan →07Homestay and villa management in Bali and Lombok
Rp 5 million–Rp 50 millionTourists book villas and homestays on Airbnb and Booking.com. Managing cleaning, check-ins and guest messaging for owners earns commissions without owning property.
Full launch plan →08Batik, tenun and local craft brand
Rp 10 million–Rp 80 millionBatik shirts, ikat weaves and rattan goods have strong identity and appeal to tourists and overseas buyers. Work with artisans in Yogyakarta, Solo, Jepara or Bali and tell the maker’s story.
Full launch plan →09Hijab and modest fashion label
Rp 15 million–Rp 100 millionIndonesia has a large market for modest clothing, with trends changing around Ramadan and Eid. A brand with clear designs and good-fit sizing can sell across marketplaces.
10Mobile phone repair and accessories
Rp 10 million–Rp 60 millionMany Indonesians depend on their phones for work and payment, and repair shops near campuses and markets are busy. Add data credits and accessories for steadier income.
Full launch plan →11Tutoring and English lessons
Rp 1 million–Rp 15 millionParents and young professionals pay for English, maths and coding classes. Online lessons and small home groups let a strong tutor build a client base.
Full launch plan →12Sambal, kerupuk and packaged snacks
Rp 5 million–Rp 40 millionSambal bottles, crackers and dried snacks are gifts, souvenirs and daily goods. Register your home industry, label clearly and sell on marketplaces and at oleh-oleh shops.
13Specialty coffee beans and roasting
Rp 30 million–Rp 200 millionSingle-origin beans from Aceh, Java, Bali and Sulawesi interest both local cafes and export buyers. A small roaster with direct farmer relationships can sell online and to cafes.
Full launch plan →14Mobile car and motorbike wash
Rp 8 million–Rp 60 millionMotorbikes and cars are everywhere, and a mobile wash or a small steam wash corner earns quickly. Water supply and a good location matter more than expensive equipment.
Full launch plan →15Event photography and videography
Rp 15 million–Rp 80 millionWeddings, graduations and company events call for photographers, and drone shots are common add-ons. A mirrorless camera and a simple editing workflow can start your business.
Full launch plan →16Local tours in Yogyakarta, Bali and Labuan Bajo
Rp 5 million–Rp 60 millionVisitors buy day tours, sunrise hikes, snorkelling trips and cooking classes. Tour guides can partner with drivers and boat operators and list on travel platforms.
17Social media and ads management for UMKM
Rp 2 million–Rp 15 millionMicro and small businesses (UMKM) need help with Instagram, TikTok and Meta ads. A freelancer can offer packages of content and reporting for a fixed monthly fee.
Full launch plan →18Kost (boarding house) management
Rp 50 million–Rp 500 millionStudents and workers rent rooms in kost buildings near campuses and industrial zones. Managing a kost, or building a small one, earns monthly rent and extras like laundry.
Full launch plan →19Seaweed and fish processing
Rp 20 million–Rp 150 millionCoastal communities process seaweed, fish crackers and dried fish for food and cosmetic use. Reliable supply and quality control open doors to local retailers and exporters.
20Translation and freelance work for overseas clients
Rp 2 million–Rp 15 millionIndonesian freelancers offer translation, design, development and virtual assistance to clients abroad. Payments come through PayPal, Wise or local banks, and rupiah earnings go further in most cities.
Full launch plan →
How to start a business in Indonesia
- 1
Pick your business form
Many micro businesses operate as sole proprietors, while a limited liability company (PT) or a partnership (CV) suits larger plans. Decide based on liability, number of owners and funding needs.
- 2
Get a Business Identification Number (NIB)
Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system issues the Nomor Induk Berusaha (NIB), which is the main business identification. Confirm the current steps and requirements on the official OSS website.
- 3
Register for tax
Get a tax number (NPWP) from the Directorate General of Taxes. Ask a tax consultant about the small business tax regime and when VAT registration applies.
- 4
Check sector and food licences
Packaged food and drinks usually need a home industry food licence (PIRT) or approval from BPOM, the Food and Drug Authority, while some activities such as restaurants and tourism need extra permits. Check with your local office.
- 5
Consider halal certification
For food products, halal certification through BPJPH may be expected by customers and retailers. Confirm the current rules and timelines with the official authority.
- 6
Set up QRIS and a business bank account
Register for QRIS through a bank or e-wallet provider, and open a business account to separate your finances. Ask about merchant fees and settlement times.
- 7
Plan logistics for your island
Compare couriers for your region and set clear delivery times, especially outside Java. Keep stock safe from humidity and floods during the rainy season.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, forms and requirements change — confirm with the official agencies named above before you file. Updated 2026-10-20.
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Frequently asked questions
What business can I start in Indonesia with Rp 5 million?
With Rp 5 million you can start a small food business, online reselling, a laundry kiloan with outsourced machines, freelance services or tutoring. Take pre-orders and use QRIS to keep payments simple.
What are the best small business ideas in Indonesia?
Food stalls, frozen foods, marketplace selling, coffee, modest fashion, tourism services and laundry are widely practised. Indonesia’s size means you can find a niche even in a single neighbourhood.
How do I register a small business in Indonesia?
Most businesses begin by getting an NIB through the OSS system and an NPWP for tax. Food, health and tourism businesses may need extra licences, so confirm requirements with the relevant authority.
Is selling on Tokopedia or Shopee profitable?
It can be if you choose products with decent margins and manage returns, ads and shipping costs. Study marketplace fees, compare couriers and focus on one category until you have a repeat customer base.
Can foreigners start a small business in Indonesia?
Foreign ownership rules and visa requirements are more complex and change often. Speak to a licensed Indonesian lawyer or consultant and check current investment rules before you commit.
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