Indonesia promotes global business footprints by financing diaspora
Government-backed initiative helps Indonesians establish businesses worldwide, boosting international trade
JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV — Indonesia is ramping up efforts to strengthen its global economic footprint by encouraging its diaspora to establish businesses abroad.
The initiative aims to foster international trade and expand the global presence of Indonesian enterprises while posing strong competition to Chinese entrepreneurs, who have long dominated such ventures.
As part of this initiative, state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has introduced a financing program to support Indonesian entrepreneurs living overseas.
The program provides financial backing for diaspora-owned businesses, including restaurants, cafés, retail stores, and trading ventures in key international markets.
BNI Corporate Secretary Okki Rushartomo announced that the bank has already extended loans to several businesses in cities such as London, New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
The initiative seeks to create a robust ecosystem for Indonesian businesses abroad, enabling them to showcase the country’s products, cuisine, and services to a global audience.
“Our goal is not only to support our diaspora financially but also to strengthen Indonesia’s economic footprint internationally. By helping Indonesians build businesses overseas, we are opening doors for Indonesian products and culture to reach a wider market,” Okki said.
The program has already contributed to the establishment of several Indonesian-themed restaurants, including Waroeng Padang Lapek in London, D’Grobak in New York, and Lucky Indonesia Restaurant in Hong Kong. In Asia, notable beneficiaries include Café Bintang in Osaka, Warung Mami Papi in Seoul, and Dapur Van Java in Singapore.
Additionally, BNI has funded Indonesian-owned retail outlets and minimarkets, ensuring that Indonesian products have a stronger retail presence in international markets. Among them are Toko Indonesia Rista in Hong Kong and AlbarMart in Seoul.
The bank has also provided working capital to Surya Trading, a business-matching firm helping Indonesian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) expand their reach into Hong Kong.
“These businesses serve as a gateway for Indonesian products, allowing them to reach global consumers while creating job opportunities for our diaspora,” Okki added.
The initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy to enhance its global trade presence by empowering its diaspora as key business ambassadors.
With financial backing and strategic support, the government aims to accelerate international business expansion, strengthen cultural ties, and boost exports through the Indonesian entrepreneurial network worldwide.
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