A Partnership Rooted in History

When Standard Oil opened its Jakarta office in 1898, few could have imagined how deeply U.S. business roots in Indonesia would grow. More than a century later, those early commercial ties have evolved into a broad partnership that supports Indonesia’s transformation and its long-term vision for Golden Indonesia 2045.

Today, the U.S. remains one of Indonesia’s most enduring economic partners. American companies continue to invest not only capital, but also expertise, innovation, and opportunities for Indonesian talent. This commitment aligns with Indonesia’s approaching centennial of independence and its goals for inclusive and sustainable growth. 

Building Momentum for Indonesia’s Growth

U.S. companies are also supporting the Prabowo administration’s targets for economic expansion, including the goal to raise growth to 8 percent by 2029. Priority sectors such as food security, energy transition, education, and industrialization are central to this effort, and U.S. businesses play an essential role across each of them.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM), U.S. companies have invested more than US$14.85 billion since 2020. This makes the U.S. the country’s largest Western investor and the sixth largest overall. Over the past decade, total U.S. contributions have exceeded US$128 billion.

Source: Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM) Image by JP/Darma Ahmadi

Investment has increased steadily, rising from $749 million in 2020 to $3.69 billion in 2024. As of the second quarter of 2025, U.S. investment stands at $1.55 billion and continues to trend upward. These funds reach many parts of Indonesia, led by Papua and Central Papua (40 percent), East Java (38 percent), and West Java (13 percent).

Beyond the figures, the impact is most visible in the people and communities who benefit from new skills, better opportunities, and stronger local industries.

Creating Meaningful Change

In October, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) launched the U.S. Business for Indonesia (BISA) report. The publication highlights how U.S. companies contribute to Indonesia’s economic transformation through practical, measurable efforts.

“This report paints a picture of how U.S. businesses are contributing to each of President Prabowo’s ambitious economic priority areas, through their direct investments, workforce development, and technology transfer.” Ambassador Brian McFeeters, Interim President and CEO of USABC, said during the launch of the BISA report.

Founded in 1984, the USABC has been the premier advocacy organization for U.S. business corporations operating within the dynamic Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It promotes trade, investment, and partnerships that benefit both the United States and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The BISA report reflects this mission by profiling more than 35 companies and their contributions to digital transformation, STEM education, sustainable agriculture, and other key areas.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of the most significant outcomes of U.S. business engagement is job creation. Since 2014, partnerships with U.S. companies have created more than 1 million job opportunities. Many of these were made possible through the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and digital skills programs. These activities have produced over $16 billion in revenue.

More than five million Indonesians have received digital skills training that strengthens their knowledge in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Another 60,000 students and educators have benefited from STEM-related initiatives. Approximately 300,000 individuals have gained improved nutrition and health outcomes through various community programs.

Several companies are also playing a central role in preparing Indonesia’s workforce for the digital age. Amazon Web Services has trained more than 1,000 university students through its digital upskilling and job-readiness programs. Oracle has equipped over 2,000 vocational students with hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications. Meanwhile, Netflix has supported more than 600 aspiring media professionals through workshops on film production and creative finance. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment by U.S. businesses to strengthen Indonesia’s human capital and future workforce.

Driving Innovation and Sectoral Transformation

U.S. investment is gradually shifting from traditional sectors toward areas with high innovation potential, including services, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. This aligns well with Indonesia’s goal of diversifying its economy and improving global competitiveness.

The shift also supports the administration’s strategic priorities: advancing science and innovation, implementing a green economy, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening international economic integration, and developing cities as hubs of economic activity.

Partners in Shared Prosperity

The BISA report emphasizes one central message. Indonesia and the U.S. share a long-term interest in developing a resilient, future-ready economy. The report encourages deeper cooperation between Indonesian institutions and U.S. companies, particularly in the areas that support skills development and technology adoption.

“Through upskilling and technology transfer, U.S. companies can boost the efficiency and competitiveness of local industries. More importantly, by working closely with local partners, they can make a real difference in the daily lives of Indonesians,” McFeeters said.

As Indonesia approaches its centennial, collaboration between U.S. enterprise and Indonesian ingenuity will remain a vital foundation for shared progress and prosperity.