Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation and Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
With a growing middle class, rapid digital adoption, and a government supportive of innovation, the country offers a plethora of opportunities across various sectors.
This article delves into 100 profitable business ideas in Indonesia tailored to the market demand and providing insights for entrepreneurs.
About Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelagic nation comprising over 17,000 islands, with a population exceeding 270 million people. Its diverse culture, rich natural resources, and strategic location have positioned it as a key player in the global economy.
The government’s focus on infrastructure development, digital transformation, and sustainable practices has further enhanced its appeal to both local and foreign investors.
As the country continues to urbanize and modernize, sectors such as e-commerce, renewable energy, and education technology are experiencing significant growth, making Indonesia a fertile ground for innovative business ventures.
100 Business Ideas in Indonesia
1. E-commerce Platform
With Indonesia’s digital economy projected to reach $146 billion in 2025, launching an e-commerce platform catering to local needs can be highly profitable.
2. Mobile App Development
The increasing smartphone penetration creates a demand for localized mobile applications across various sectors, including finance, education, and entertainment.
3. Eco-Tourism Ventures
Indonesia’s natural beauty offers opportunities for eco-friendly tourism businesses that promote sustainable travel experiences.
4. Organic Farming
Growing health consciousness among Indonesians has led to a surge in demand for organic produce, making organic farming a lucrative venture.
5. Renewable Energy Projects
Investing in solar, wind, or hydro energy projects aligns with Indonesia’s push towards sustainable energy sources.
6. Health and Wellness Centers
Establishing centers offering services like yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies caters to the health-conscious demographic.
7. Sustainable Fashion Brands
Launching fashion lines that use eco-friendly materials meets the growing demand for sustainable clothing options .
8. Digital Marketing Agency
As businesses seek to enhance their online presence, offering digital marketing services becomes increasingly valuable.
9. Food Delivery Services
With urban lifestyles becoming busier, food delivery services that partner with local restaurants can thrive.
10. Language Learning Centers
Providing language courses, especially in English and Mandarin, caters to professionals aiming to compete in the global market.
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11. Smart Home Technology Solutions
Developing and selling smart home devices aligns with the increasing demand for home automation.
12. Co-working Spaces
Creating co-working environments supports freelancers and startups seeking flexible workspaces.
13. Online Education Platforms
Offering online courses and training programs addresses the growing trend of remote learning.
14. Eco-friendly Packaging Solutions
Producing sustainable packaging materials helps businesses reduce their environmental impact.
15. Digital Content Creation Services
Providing services like video production and graphic design supports businesses’ online marketing efforts.
16. Smart Transportation Solutions
Developing ride-sharing apps or electric vehicle charging stations meets the demand for efficient transportation.
17. Boutique Hotels and Private Villas
Investing in personalized lodging experiences caters to tourists seeking unique accommodations.
18. Plant-based Restaurants
Opening vegan or organic eateries aligns with the global trend towards plant-based diets.
19. E-commerce Platforms for Local Artisans
Creating online marketplaces for local craftspeople helps preserve cultural heritage and supports small businesses.
20. Digital Marketing and SEO Services
Offering SEO and social media management services aids businesses in enhancing their online visibility.
21. E-bike Rental Services
Providing electric bike rentals promotes eco-friendly transportation options for tourists and locals.
22. Mobile App Development for Tourism
Developing apps that assist tourists with navigation and local information enhances travel experiences.
23. Customized Gift and Souvenir Shops
Offering personalized items caters to tourists seeking unique mementos.
24. Thrift Flipping Businesses
Repurposing and selling secondhand items appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
25. Content Creation Services
Providing digital content like short videos and social media management supports businesses’ marketing strategies.
26. Eco-friendly Product Stores
Selling sustainable products like reusable bags and eco-friendly stationery meets the demand for green alternatives.
27. Home Cleaning and Maintenance Services
Offering professional cleaning and maintenance services caters to busy urban residents.
28. Agri-tech Solutions
Developing technology to improve agricultural efficiency addresses challenges in traditional farming practices.
29. Renewable Packaging Businesses
Producing biodegradable packaging materials supports the shift towards sustainable consumption.
30. Creative Agencies
Offering branding and design services helps businesses effectively communicate their value propositions.
31. Construction Companies
Participating in infrastructure projects meets the growing demand for residential and commercial spaces.
32. Halal Product Manufacturing
Producing halal-certified goods caters to the predominantly Muslim population.
33. Telemedicine Services
Providing remote healthcare services addresses accessibility issues in the healthcare sector.
34. Waste Management and Recycling
Implementing efficient waste management solutions contributes to environmental preservation.
35. Financial Technology (Fintech) Services
Offering innovative financial solutions supports the growing digital economy.
36. Language Schools
Establishing institutions that teach foreign languages meets the demand for language proficiency.
37. Online Education Platforms
Creating platforms that offer diverse courses caters to the increasing interest in e-learning.
38. Renewable Energy Solutions
Investing in clean energy projects aligns with global sustainability trends.
39. Digital Marketing Agencies
Providing comprehensive digital marketing services supports businesses in reaching their target audiences.
40. Health Supplement Stores
Selling vitamins and minerals addresses the rising health awareness among Indonesians.
41. Online Tutoring Services
Offering personalized tutoring sessions supports students’ academic growth.
42. Skill Development Centers
Providing training in digital literacy and AI-related skills prepares the workforce for a tech-driven future.
43. Streaming and Gaming Platforms
With Indonesia’s young, tech-savvy population, there’s a booming demand for streaming services and interactive gaming experiences. Creating localized gaming content or live-stream platforms can yield high returns.
44. Influencer Marketing Agency
Partnering with local influencers and connecting them with brands for campaigns can be a lucrative niche in Indonesia’s growing digital economy.
45. Pet Care and Grooming Services
Urban dwellers in cities like Jakarta and Surabaya are increasingly adopting pets. Pet grooming, boarding, and veterinary-related businesses are on the rise.
46. Subscription Box Services
Curated boxes for beauty, snacks, health products, or even local handicrafts provide recurring income opportunities.
47. Online Marketplace for Secondhand Goods
Platforms that help people buy and sell used items (e.g., electronics, furniture) are gaining popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z.
48. Sustainable Furniture Manufacturing
Use of reclaimed wood and eco-materials in furniture resonates with conscious consumers and can be marketed for both local and export markets.
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49. Drone Rental and Aerial Photography
With increased demand for aerial footage in real estate, weddings, and tourism, drone services are a creative and in-demand field.
50. Baby and Maternity Products Store
Indonesia’s high birth rate fuels a growing market for baby care products, maternity wear, and related services.
Tech and Innovation
51. AI Chatbot Solutions for Businesses
Offering AI-based customer service chatbots for SMEs can help businesses scale communication efficiently.
52. Cybersecurity Consulting Firm
As businesses digitize, the need for data protection and cybersecurity strategies becomes crucial.
53. Fintech Lending Platforms
With limited traditional banking access in rural areas, peer-to-peer lending platforms can fill financial gaps.
54. EdTech for Vocational Training
Create a platform offering digital vocational or skills-based training tailored to Indonesia’s job market.
55. Smart Farming Tools and IoT Devices
Offer low-cost IoT devices to help farmers monitor soil, weather, and crop health.
Food and Beverage
56. Cloud Kitchens
Set up shared commercial kitchens serving multiple food brands through delivery apps without dine-in services.
57. Herbal Tea and Health Drink Brands
Capitalize on traditional Indonesian herbs like jamu by turning them into stylish, export-ready beverages.
58. Local Snack Exports
Export unique Indonesian snacks such as keripik, tempeh chips, and sambal under a modern brand.
59. Vending Machine Franchise
Install smart vending machines in malls, schools, and offices offering beverages, snacks, or even electronics.
60. Ready-to-cook Meal Kits
Curate local or international recipes and ingredients in kits for busy urban professionals.
Services
61. Home Renovation and Interior Design
A growing middle class is investing in home improvement, making this service highly sought after.
62. Elderly Care Services
Indonesia’s aging population needs more support services, including at-home caregiving and companionship businesses.
63. On-demand Laundry Apps
Pickup and delivery laundry services are in demand in Indonesia’s dense urban areas.
64. Personal Finance and Investment Coaching
Young professionals seek better financial literacy—launch content, courses, or advisory services.
65. Franchise Consulting Business
Help local businesses scale and franchise, especially in the F&B and retail sectors.
Agriculture and Rural Development
66. Aquaculture Startups (Fish, Shrimp Farming)
Indonesia’s coastline offers fertile opportunities for sustainable aquaculture ventures.
67. Coffee Plantation & Roastery
Indonesia is known globally for its coffee. Starting a boutique roastery or sourcing directly from farmers adds value.
68. Mushroom Farming
Low overhead and high market demand make mushroom farming (like oyster mushrooms) a profitable venture.
69. Bee Farming and Organic Honey
Eco-friendly and highly sellable, local honey production can be started even in semi-urban areas.
70. Cassava Processing
Turn cassava into chips, flour, or bioethanol fuel for diverse business models.
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Retail and Consumer Goods
71. Zero-waste Store
Plastic-free grocery stores are gaining popularity among Indonesia’s eco-conscious urban consumers.
72. Online Bookstore or e-Library
Launch a digital platform selling e-books or print-on-demand titles catering to local readers.
73. Customized Footwear and Apparel
Sell made-to-order shoes, batik shirts, or athletic wear using e-commerce.
74. Children’s Educational Toys
Eco-friendly and STEM-based toys are in growing demand with educated urban parents.
75. Pop-up Retail Experiences
Offer traveling mini stores or kiosks for emerging brands in malls and events.
Tourism and Real Estate
76. Homestay and Hostel Management
Cater to digital nomads or backpackers by offering well-managed, affordable stays.
77. Adventure Tour Agency
Offer curated adventure packages—hiking, diving, or cultural immersion experiences.
78. Real Estate Investment Platform
Develop a property crowdfunding platform for locals to invest in fractional real estate ownership.
79. Local Travel App
Create an app for regional travel tips, deals, guides, and ticket booking.
80. Digital Nomad Workspaces
Co-living and co-working facilities in Bali, Yogyakarta, or Lombok for foreign remote workers.
Green and Impact Businesses
81. Carbon Credit Consultancy
Help businesses and landowners enter Indonesia’s emerging carbon offset market.
82. Tree Planting as a Service (TaaS)
Offer companies a chance to offset their footprint with planted trees and verified reports.
83. Upcycled Product Lines
Turn waste materials (plastic, fabric, glass) into stylish home décor, furniture, or accessories.
84. Solar Panel Sales and Installation
With sunlight year-round, solar power is a growing sector for homes and businesses.
85. Clean Water and Sanitation Solutions
Innovate low-cost purification systems for rural and disaster-prone areas.
Education and Career
86. Career Coaching & Resume Services
Support Indonesian graduates and job seekers with tailored guidance, workshops, and CV writing.
87. Coding and Robotics Classes for Kids
Early tech education is a high-demand niche among parents seeking future-proof skills for their children.
88. Study Abroad Consulting
Help students navigate overseas admission, visa processing, and scholarship sourcing.
89. Islamic Education and Product Platform
Offer online Qur’an lessons, modest fashion, or digital tools for religious learning.
90. Public Speaking and Soft Skills Training
In high demand for young professionals aiming for leadership roles.
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Niche & Creative Ideas
91. Local Language Learning Apps
Build apps for Bahasa Indonesia or Javanese learners globally or Indonesians learning other local dialects.
92. Podcast Production Studio
Set up a service helping influencers, companies, and individuals produce high-quality podcasts.
93. Digital Comic or Webtoon Platform
Tap into local storytelling and comics culture by launching digital webtoon services.
94. NFT & Digital Art Marketplace
Though speculative, niche art platforms for Indonesian creators can be a profitable frontier.
95. Event Planning for Sustainable Weddings
Offer eco-conscious couples zero-waste, ethical wedding solutions.
96. Traditional Handicrafts Export
Scale up batik, wood carving, or ikat fabric production for global retail markets.
97. Custom Printing and Merchandise
Sell personalized phone cases, T-shirts, or tote bags via an online storefront.
98. Virtual Assistant Services
Manage remote admin tasks for global clients from Indonesia through a VA agency.
99. Online Mental Health Counseling
Provide digital therapy and mental health support—especially post-pandemic.
100. Women’s Cooperative Businesses
Help rural women start collectives for soap-making, weaving, or food processing with urban distribution networks.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s economy, young population, growing middle class, and rapid digital transformation make it one of the most promising places in Southeast Asia to start a business.
From traditional sectors like agriculture and crafts to modern opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, and green energy, there is no shortage of profitable business ideas in Indonesia.
Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or an international investor, the key to success lies in understanding the unique needs of the Indonesian market, leveraging technology, and building sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Many of the 100 business ideas in Indonesia listed above can be started with minimal capital and scaled over time, especially when backed by innovation and a customer-first mindset.
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