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View all search resultsAs Global Attention Turns to the US: What Are Its Businesses Doing In Indonesia?
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W
ith much of the global conversation currently focused on developments in and around the United States, attention often gravitates toward politics, policy shifts and geopolitical implications. Less visible, but equally important, is how US businesses continue to operate and invest overseas amid this evolving global context.
In Indonesia, US companies remain active across a wide range of sectors, contributing capital, expertise and innovation to support economic and human development. Drawing on findings from the 2024 US-ASEAN Business Council’s US Business for Indonesia (BISA) Report, this article examines how US private sector initiatives are translating into tangible outcomes on the ground.
The discussion focuses exclusively on business activity and its local impact. It does not reflect government policy or political positions, nor does it seek to assess geopolitical dynamics. Instead, it offers a closer look at how the US private sector continues to shape Indonesia’s development in practical ways, often beyond the headlines.
Sustaining A Foundational Support
From foundational ties dating back to the late 19th century, the US has remained one of Indonesia’s key development partners, playing a sustained role in driving investment across sectors aligned with Indonesia’s Golden 2045 vision.
With more than US$14.85 billion invested in Indonesia since 2020, US businesses show no signs of slowing their engagement. Investment reached US$1.55 billion by the second quarter of last year alone and spans regions across the archipelago, from Central Papua to East Java.
Beyond capital, US companies continue to contribute innovation and expertise that support Indonesia’s goals for sustainable growth, job creation and technological advancements. The most significant impact, however, extends beyond monetary figures and is reflected in the empowerment of communities and workers across industries.
Building Digital Skills for Indonesia’s Workforce
In technology and education, several US companies are actively investing in upskilling Indonesia’s youth, educators and entrepreneurs.
Google and its subsidiary YouTube have collectively trained more than 3.4 million Indonesians through a range of digital programs. One example is Gapura Digital, which has supported more than two million micro, small and medium enterprises in adopting digital tools to improve their business operations through accessible online training.
Another initiative, under the Bangkit Bersama AI Google has collaborated with various ministries and partners to bridge the digital skills gap. To date, the program has equipped 300,000 students, educators, developers and professionals with essential AI skills.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has also played a role through digital skills development programs focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities critical to today's economy. Since 2023, more than 16,500 Indonesians have participated in these cloud and AI-focused initiatives. Around 14,000 participants have received training in full-stack programming and digital marketing with cloud technologies, while the remainder were university students across 13 campuses who participated in AI and cloud digital upskilling courses.
Designed to bridge education and industry, these programs aim to provide practical experience in cloud and AI competencies so Indonesian youths can remain competitive in the global digital economy.
In the creative sector, Netflix partnered with the Jogja-NETPACK Asian Film Festival to establish the Reel Life Film Camp. Over 600 young Indonesians registered, offering 75 selected individuals training and mentorship in creative and technical disciplines. Educating them with know-how in fields like post production and sound design through a holistic platform that networks the youth to industry professionals.
Supporting Food Security and Sustainable Farming
In Indonesia’s agricultural sector, US companies such as Corteva and Mondelēz International are contributing to food security and nutrition efforts that align with President Prabowo’s priorities.
Corteva supported vulnerable families in the Malang area by distributing 50,000 nutritious meal packages in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening local communities’ food security, alongside its efforts to promote sustainable farming practices nationwide.
As of 2024, Corteva’s seed technology programs supported more than 94,000 farmers, primarily in East Java, in transitioning from open-pollinated varieties (OPV) to hybrid corn seeds. Through agronomy training and improved seed solutions, these initiatives aim to increase productivity and income for farming communities, with a focus on empowering women farmers.
Mondelēz International, meanwhile, has focused on sustainable cocoa farming through its Cocoa Life program. Operating since 2013, the initiative supports farmers in Aceh, North Sumatera, West Sumatra, Lampung, Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi by providing training in sustainable agricultural practices. The program helps improve yields while strengthening resilience to environmental and economic challenges.
To date, Cocoa Life has empowered more than 32,500 registered farmers, reached over 310 communities impacted, distributed over 7 million cocoa seedlings and helped the economic vitality of rural areas.
These examples represent only a portion of the US businesses featured in the BISA report, all of which share a common focus on delivering tangible human impact alongside commercial activity.
A Partnership Focused on People
Taken together, the presence of US businesses in Indonesia reflects more than an economic relationship. It represents a collaborative platform that prioritizes skills development, sustainability and long-term prosperity.
By placing people at the center of their engagement, US companies continue to support Indonesia’s progress toward its Golden 2045 vision, contributing in ways that are practical, measurable and rooted in local communities.
