Home Blog Semarang: Why a Top Location to Start a Business in 2022 Business Setup | Indonesia | Semarang Semarang: Why a Top Location to Start a Business in 2022 InCorp Editorial Team 17 February 2020 3 minutes reading time Table of Contents Semarang, One of the Best Options Available for Foreign Investment in Indonesia Starting a Business in Semarang Business Incorporation in Semarang with Cekindo When it comes to foreign investment in Indonesia, the country was the second biggest to receive venture capital investment in Southeast Asia after Singapore, with a total amount of US$136 million in 2017. The country itself has been labeled as “Asia’s next big Opportunity” supported by the fast-growing economy among G-20 countries. Moreover, almost 70% of Indonesia’s population consists of people under 39 years of age with a labor force of around 122 million, leading it above America and the global average. On top of it, the consumer spending rate in Indonesia is 6.4% which is faster than Brazil, Turkey, Malaysia, and Russia. With all the characteristics, no wonder that foreign investment in Indonesia continues to grow more and more rapidly. Jakarta may be one of the most predictable options for foreign investment as well as starting a new business. However, the manufactures or property may cost quite expensive, and you should consider another city such as Semarang. Read on to learn more about Semarang and why it is an attractive destination for foreign investment in Indonesia. Semarang, One of the Best Options Available for Foreign Investment in Indonesia Located in the heart of Java island right next to Indonesia’s maritime track, Semarang could be the best option that can provide important access to other big cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya as well as to the international’s business market. Semarang also offers a relatively lower cost of manufacturing rather than Jakarta and Bali, which should be one of the most considerable things before starting a business. Aside from that, Semarang also offers you a relatively laid-back environment, something that Jakarta doesn’t offer because of its overcrowding environment and traffic jams, among others . In addition, 31% of startups in Indonesia are based in Semarang, which opted for Semarang to be one of the best foreign investments to expand your businesses. Back in late 2019, there were 11 companies already invested in multiple sectors in Semarang, including hospitality, construction, trading, property, and health. Those investments were conducted via Semarang Business Forum, and it proves that Semarang has a huge potential to be the next big city in Indonesia. Starting a Business in Semarang Behind its prospective potential, unfortunately starting a business in Semarang, or in other cities in Indonesia for that matter, might not be as easy as you think it is. You have to consider several requirements, especially on company type, before establishing one. The most common type for foreign investors is PT PMA as it offers up to 100% foreign ownership and allows the employment of foreign workers. Another thing to take into account is the market’s diversity which also adds up to another challenge, with its different races, tribes, religions, and values-all having their own business needs. If you prefer not to rather than starting a whole new business with its complicated bureaucracy and laws involved, it is better to consider business incorporation by cooperating with a local partner and let them handle the market. Business Incorporation in Semarang with Cekindo Cekindo offers you a wide range of solutions and services to help your needs and achieve your goal strategically. Professionals and experts are ready to help you research the Semarang market as well as assist you in company registration, securing business licenses, work permit applications, and more. Let us know your business needs by filling in the form below. Our team will be in touch with you shortly. Read Full Bio Verified by Daris Salam COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships. Frequently Asked Questions Can Investors 100% own a PT PMA Company? According to Presidential Regulation No. 10/2021 and the amended version, all businesses are open for domestic and foreign investment with these limitations and classifications: Eight businesses are closed to foreign investment and may be operated by the central government. Designated business sectors or joint ventures with cooperatives (koperasi) and micro, small, and medium enterprises Open businesses are subject to specific conditions, such as those that are exclusively available to 100% local investors, those with restricted foreign shareholding, and investments requiring special licenses Certain sectors are closed to foreign investment, including narcotics cultivation, gambling, and environmental conservation activities. Can you have a nominee arrangement when setting up PMA? A nominee arrangement is an arrangement that uses another person’s name as a subject. In Indonesia, it is prohibited. This restriction aims to prevent situations where a company is owned by one party but beneficially owned by another. According to the law, any nominee agreement between a local party and a foreign investor is deemed null and void. Can a PMA company keep non-Rupiah bookkeeping and use a language other than Indonesian? For tax purposes in Indonesia, companies must maintain their books in Rupiah, using the Indonesian language, and store them within the country. Exceptions for using USD and English in bookkeeping require prior notification to the authorities and any use of languages other than Indonesian needs approval from the Ministry of Finance. What is the difference between PT and CV? You can find the difference below: PT: limited liability company (shareholders are not legally liable for company liabilities) CV: a proprietary company where liability falls on the shareholders Get in touch with us. 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Cekindo Business International (“InCorp Indonesia/ we”) for general purpose only and we make no representations or warranties of any kind. We do not act as an authorized government or non-government provider for official documents and services, which is issued by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia or its appointed officials. We do not promote any official government document or services of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, including but not limited to, business identifiers, health and welfare assistance programs and benefits, unclaimed tax rebate, electronic travel visa and authorization, passports in this website. More on Business Setup Stock Opname vs. Stock Taking: What Every Business Needs to Know Read more Vacation Destinations Compared: Indonesia and Europe Read more A Simple Guide to Medical Device Registration in Indonesia Read more