Starting an Indonesian company as a franchise is a relatively safer business model as compared to other types of business entities. The reason is simple – you start with a reputable and known brand name that millions know about while enjoying the benefits of investing in the populous, vibrant nation of Indonesia.
Hence, Indonesia is ideal for franchising with its young, digitally savvy population and growing middle class.
Franchises in Indonesia
Like all other types of business, franchise businesses in Indonesia still need to go through significant bureaucratic procedures and complex laws that regulate this type of investment. Investing time, finances, and running a franchise business in Indonesia as a foreigner is not impossible. Those who choose to do so require proper preparation and knowledge of the various steps to be taken.
In Indonesia, both the franchiser and the franchisee can be either individuals or legal entities and either residents or non-residents (this varies depending on the entity registration and location). Franchisers can rely on sub-franchisers (resident or non-resident) to run their business in a pre-determined location.
What are the Requirements to Set Up a Franchise Business in Indonesia?
The requirements to set up a franchise in Indonesia are listed below:
- Both franchisors and franchisees are to obtain a franchise registration certificate or Surat Tanda Pendaftaran Waralaba (STPW). The franchise company is to update the Indonesian authorities which issued the STPW on the progress of their franchise through the submission of a detailed report by March 31 every year.
- Franchisors and franchisees intending to run their business in Indonesia must ensure that at least 80% of the raw materials, services, and business equipment are locally sourced, i.e. from Indonesia; an assessment team appointed by government authorities made the recommendation that such must be the case.
- Franchisors must provide a clear business proposition after having registered Intellectual Property Rights and need to abide by the franchise license rules.
- Franchisors need to possess at least five years of business experience and be able to report on the goods and services used for their business activities.
- Franchisors need to be able to demonstrate the profitability of the business and provide continuous support to their franchisees.
Franchisors must complete the following tasks:
- Obtain the STPW franchise registration certificate, which takes approximately three months to be issued and is valid for five years with the possibility of extension
- Approach the Ministry of Trade and register for the Prospect of Offer, which must be in Indonesian and legalized by a public notary and Indonesian
- Embassy where the franchisor is located
- Provide franchising agreement
Franchisees must complete the following tasks:
- Register the franchising agreement with the Ministry of Trade; the franchising agreement must be in Indonesian and by Indonesian laws.
- A disclosure document, which reveals the franchisor’s ID and company history, the franchisor’s enterprises and organisational structures, a list of all franchisees, and details of both franchisor’s and franchisees’ rights and obligations, is also required to register a franchise in Indonesia.
- Franchisors must present audited balance reports for the previous two years, except for small organisations. A recognised entity must legitimate any disclosure documents received from a foreign franchisor.
What are Franchising Agreements?
Every franchise business in Indonesia is bound by the stipulations specified in such agreements. However, franchisees must then guarantee that they will follow all of the operational directions specified in the franchising agreement. Franchisors typically provide training, guidance, and assistance to franchisees.
- All franchising agreements in Indonesia mention the fees and royalties to be received by the franchisor.
- They will also stipulate the rights of the franchisee regarding the use and manufacture of certain objects which may have been patented, copyrighted, or service-marked. These objects are to be used to identify the enterprise in question.
- They typically specify operational directions to be followed by the franchisee.
Alternatives to Franchising in Indonesia
While franchising can be a lucrative business model, some may prefer to set up their own company as a form of full ownership tied to that particular brand. And also for those who are interested in creating a new brand from scratch, you can opt for a local PT or a PT PMA company. These are the two most common types of business entities in Indonesia.
Certainly, incorporating a company in Indonesia, be it a local PT or PT PMA company, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended that you understand more about each business type before incorporation.
Requirements to Setup a Company in Indonesia
Despite the fact if the franchise business model is not for you, consider the Local PT and PT PMA routes like those mentioned above. You can find the basic requirements below for each entity type.
Local PT Company Requirements
- 2 local shareholders
- 1 director
- 1 commission
- Able to meet the minimum projected investment value, depending on the scale of your business
- Small-scale business: IDR 50 million
- Medium-scale business: IDR 500 million
- Large-scale business: more than IDR 10 billion
- Registered business address (virtual office is allowed)
PT PMA Company Requirements
- 2 local shareholders
- 1 director
- 1 commissioner
- Min. value of the investment plan for each business activity is IDR 10 billion
- Local registered address in a commercial building
FAQs
It’s not possible to start a franchise without any money. You’ll need to pay an initial franchise fee, and you will have other start-up costs. Furthermore, franchisors want to see that you have some skin in the game in the form of a down payment.
There are a variety of places a franchise owner can work, depending on the type of franchise they own. Some franchise owners choose to take an active role, and will work alongside their employees, while at the same time managing the business.
If you want to own a business, but don’t have an idea to build from scratch and you have the resources to make it work, a franchise can be a good choice. Make sure you are prepared to pay the costs associated with the franchise and that the corporate headquarters is likely to provide the support you need.
Franchise fees generally run in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, though they can top $100,000 for higher-end, more established brands.
I am interested to start small business in Indonesia bali
Hi Shashank,
We are sorry we cannot assist you to set up your business in Bali. We are happy to assist you to set up your business only in Jakarta area as our registered office address is located in Jakarta.
Please contact us via Paul Hype Page to discuss further.
Thank you.
I’m planning company in the Philippines wanting to partner via a master franchise, joint venture or licensing agreement in Surabaya in Indonesia. I plan to distribute soft ice cream in Lawson, Alfamart and 7-11 stores in Surabaya.
Hello Perry,
It is possible to established a foreign-owned company, also known as a PMA, in Indonesia through a joint venture with an Indonesian partner. If you would like to do so, we provide services which will enable you to establish a PMA in Indonesia.
You may contact us to receive further information on our services related to this matter.
Thank you.
Paul