USABC Concludes Indonesia Business Mission and Releases Economic Growth Recommendations
Jakarta, October 29, 2026 – The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) has released a white paper outlining eight recommendations to support Indonesia’s target of 8% economic growth. The recommendations draw on the experiences of USABC member companies and the Council’s ongoing engagement with the Indonesian government throughout the year. and discussions during the Indonesia Business Mission (IDBM) 2026, held on October 27–29.
Coinciding with the 77th anniversary of the U.S.-Indonesia diplomatic relationship, the white paper also marked the conclusion of IDBM 2026, during which senior representatives from 33 U.S. companies engaged directly with the Indonesian government through 21 meetings, including with Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, with Finance Minister Suahasil, and a dinner roundtable with Danantara. Discussions covered Indonesia’s development priorities, investment challenges, and commitment on turning opportunities into cooperation. Further, the Mission highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and consistency, requirements proportionate to risks and implementation capacity, and the importance of a stronger partnerships between the government and investors.
“U.S. companies have long contributed to Indonesia’s economic development. Policy certainty and consistency are essential for companies to sustain their investments, expand their operations, and build stronger partnerships with local businesses and the government,” said Amb. Brian McFeeters, President and CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council.
The "8 Recommendations for Indonesia’s 8% Economic Growth" cover the following areas:
- Modernizing import processes by simplifying requirements and establishing realistic timelines with clear monitoring and escalation mechanisms.
- Deepening mutual trust in standards and certification through transparent criteria, recognition of assessments by credible overseas institutions, and expanded accredited testing capacity.
- Enhancing the government’s technical capacity in digital technologiesthrough pilot programs before broader implementation and the productive and secure use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity solutions.
- Improving regulatory predictability through meaningful consultations, clear implementation guidance, adequate transition periods, and stronger central-local government coordination.
- Positioning the government as a long-term investment partner through the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and strengthening mechanisms for addressing investment-related challenges and escalation.
- Expanding knowledge transfer and strengthening local capacity through commercial partnerships and aligning Domestic Component Level (TKDN) requirements with domestic industry capabilities.
- Balancing reserve stability with reinvestment flexibility by reviewing the Foreign Exchange Proceeds from Natural Resources (DHE SDA) policy through consultations involving the government, industry, and banking sector.
- Turning trade commitments into practical outcomes through implementation roadmaps, engagement with affected industries, and measurement of relevant outcomes.
These recommendations align with Indonesia’s development priorities under the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and Asta Cita, including downstream processing, industrialization, bureaucratic reform, and investment mobilization.
“Through this whitepaper, USABC and its member companies hope to continue working with the Indonesian government to strengthen the investment climate, encourage sustainable business expansion, and broaden the benefits of economic growth for communities, workers, local suppliers, and Indonesian businesses,” Amb. Brian McFeeters concluded.