slot depo 1k

slot gacor

demo slot

slot

slot gacor

slot gacor

sbobet

mahjong ways

slot depo 5k

sbobet

skip to main content

PROTECTING LOCAL STARTUPS: REFORMULATING FOREIGN INVESTMENT POLICIES FOR INDONESIA’S SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

*Satrio Ageng Rihardi orcid  -  Department of Law, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Tidar, Indonesia

Citation Format:
Abstract

Economic growth in a country is largely influenced by investment levels, both from domestic and foreign sources. In Indonesia, foreign investment plays a crucial role in driving business expansion. However, it often overlooks the interests of local businesses, especially startups. This study aims to analyze the need for reformulating legal policies regarding foreign investment to protect local startups in Indonesia. By adopting a doctrinal legal research approach, this study investigates existing laws and regulations, identifying legal challenges arising from the influx of foreign investors into the startup sector. The findings of the study highlight that while foreign investment significantly contributes to the country’s economic development, its presence without adequate regulation can negatively affect local startups. Many local companies struggle to compete with foreign entities, which may have more financial resources and market power. Therefore, it is essential for the government to strengthen policies regarding foreign ownership in local startups and offer legal protections for domestic businesses. Restrictions on foreign investment in this sector are necessary to prevent foreign domination that could harm local enterprises and ensure a healthy, competitive market environment. Reformulating foreign investment policies is also vital to foster the growth of domestic industries, create job opportunities, and reduce dependency on imported products. These changes would not only benefit local startups but also promote a more sustainable and balanced economic growth for Indonesia. In conclusion, clearer and more decisive legal frameworks surrounding foreign investment are crucial to safeguard the interests of local companies, ensuring that Indonesia’s economy remains competitive and continues to grow in the long term.

Keywords: Foreign Investment; Local Startups; Economic Growth; Legal Reform; Investment Policies

Article Metrics:

  1. Alfarrasy, M. Yazhar Rayhan, and Nur Hidayatul Fithri. ‘Impact of Foreign Direct Investment Policy on the Economy in Indonesia’. Melayunesia Law 8, no. 1 (2024): 89–108. https://doi.org/10.30652/ml.v8i1.8029
  2. Anggraeni, Lidya, Zulgani, Siti Hodijah, and Etik Umiyati. ‘Unlocking Inclusive Growth: The Mediating Role of E-Commerce in MSME Digitalization for Economic Development and SDGs’ Achievement in Jambi Province, Indonesia’. Economies 14, no. 2 (2026): 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies14020044
  3. Annur, Cindy Mutia. Survei BPS: Pelaku Usaha RI Yang Berdagang Di E-Commerce Masih Minim. 19 December 2022. https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/12/19/survei-bps-pelaku-usaha-ri-yang-berdagang-di-e-commerce-masih-minim
  4. Ariansyah, Kasmad, Emyana Ruth Eritha Sirait, Badar Agung Nugroho, and Muhammad Suryanegara. ‘Drivers of and Barriers to E-Commerce Adoption in Indonesia: Individuals’ Perspectives and the Implications’. Telecommunications Policy 45, no. 8 (2021): 102219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102219
  5. Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal. ‘Realisasi Investasi 2025 Lampaui Target, Hilirisasi Melompat 43,3 Persen’. BKPM Press Release, 15 January 2026. https://www.bkpm.go.id/id/info/siaran-pers/realisasi-investasi-2025-lampaui-target-hilirisasi-melompat-43-3-persen
  6. Badriyah, Siti Malikhatun, R. Suharto, Retno Saraswati, and Marjo. ‘Revamping Partnership Agreements to Empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in the Processed Marine Fish Food Industry’. Lentera Hukum 12, no. 2 (2025). https://doi.org/10.19184/ejlh.v12i2.48815
  7. Bahtiar, Rais Agil. ‘Potensi, Peran Pemerintah, Dan Tantangan Dalam Pengembangan E-Commerce Di Indonesia’. Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Kebijakan Publik 11, no. 1 (2020): 13–25. https://doi.org/10.22212/jekp.v11i1.1485
  8. Bao, Meng, Shahid Latif, Dongdong Bao, Zahid Latif, and Jianfeng Lu. ‘Overcoming E-Commerce Barriers in Developing Markets: A Review of Data-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Growth’. Sustainable Futures 10 (December 2025): 101408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2025.101408
  9. Bui, Ngoc Toan, and Thu-Trang Thi Doan. ‘Foreign Direct Investment and Green GDP: The Thresholds of Financial Development for Economic Policies’. Cogent Economics & Finance 12, no. 1 (2024): 2437011. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2024.2437011
  10. Butt, Simon. ‘Foreign Investment in Indonesia: The Problem of Legal Uncertainty’. In Foreign Investment and Dispute Resolution Law and Practice in Asia. Routledge, 2012
  11. Daniel, D. ‘Basic Operating Principles of an E-Commerce System’. In E-Commerce: Concepts, Principles, and Application, edited by Zheng Qin, Qinghong Shuai, Guolong Wang, Pu Zhang, Mengyu Cao, and Mingshi Chen. Springer Nature Singapore, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6438-1_5
  12. Dewi, Ayu Komala, and Yoyo Arifardhani. ‘Analisis Regulasi Pada Pencatatan Dan Pergerakan Saham Perusahaan Rintisan (Startup) Di Pasar Modal (Studi Kasus: GoTo)’. Jurnal Hukum Kenotariatan Otentik’s 6, no. 1 (2024): 94–118. https://journal.univpancasila.ac.id/index.php/otentik/article/view/6215/2795
  13. Dewi, Intan Rakhmayanti. ‘Terkuak! Ini Dia E-Commerce Asing Yang Dibenci Jokowi’. CNBC Indonesia Technology News, 30 August 2022. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20220830063003-37-367594/terkuak-ini-dia-e-commerce-asing-yang-dibenci-jokowi
  14. Dhewanto, Wawan, Donald Crestofel Lantu, Sri Herliana, and Salma Azzahra. ‘The Entrance Mode for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Indonesian Fashion Industry to International Market’. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research 16, no. 3 (2018): 267–84. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBIR.2018.092619
  15. Emako, Ezo, Seid Nuru, and Mesfin Menza. ‘The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Developing Countries’. Special Issue on TNCs, Geopolitical Risks, and Russia-Ukraine Crisis; Guest Editors: Xiaotong Zhang & Erick Duchesne 14, no. 4 (2022): 382–401. https://doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2022.2146967
  16. Fernandez, Manuel, Mariam Almaazmi, and Robinson Joseph. ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Indonesia: An Analysis from Investors Perspective’. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues 10, no. 5 (2020): 102–12. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.10330
  17. Goel, Ritendra. E-Commerce. New Age International, 2007
  18. Gopalan, Sasidaran, Rabin Hattari, and Ramkishen S. Rajan. ‘Understanding Foreign Direct Investment in Indonesia’. Journal of International Trade Law and Policy 15, no. 1 (2016): 28–50. https://doi.org/10.1108/JITLP-01-2016-0003
  19. Guba, Egon G., and Yvonna S. Lincoln. ‘Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research’. In Handbook of Qualitative Research, vol. 2. Sage, 1994
  20. Gulfraz, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Sufyan, Mekhail Mustak, Joni Salminen, and Deepak Kumar Srivastava. ‘Understanding the Impact of Online Customers’ Shopping Experience on Online Impulsive Buying: A Study on Two Leading E-Commerce Platforms’. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 68 (September 2022): 103000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.103000
  21. Hamid, Adnan, and Nina Silvana. ‘The Impact of the Constitutional Court Decision Number 168/PUU-XXI/2023 Concerning Law Number 6 of 2023 on National Investment Growth in Indonesia’. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy 7, no. 1 (2025): 204–21. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v7i1.737
  22. Herzer, Dierk. ‘How Does Foreign Direct Investment Really Affect Developing Countries’ Growth?’ Review of International Economics 20, no. 2 (2012): 396–414. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9396.2012.01029.x
  23. Hornick, Robert N., and Mark A. Nelson. ‘Foreign Investment in Indonesia’. Fordham International Law Journal 11, no. 4 (1987): 724–76. https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ilj/vol11/iss4/2/
  24. Hutahayan, Benny, Mohamad Fadli, Satria Amiputra Amimakmur, and Reka Dewantara. ‘Investment Decision, Legal Certainty and Its Determinant Factors: Evidence from the Indonesia Stock Exchange’. Cogent Business & Management 11, no. 1 (2024): 2332950. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2332950
  25. Jakpat. Indonesia Local Fashion Brands Survey Report. Insight.jakpat.net, 2015. https://insight.jakpat.net/indonesia-local-fashion-brands-survey/
  26. JNEWS Online. ‘Ini 3 Layanan Bayar Pajak Lewat E-Commerce’. JNEWS Online Article, 19 January 2023. https://jnewsonline.com/bikin-gampang-ini-3-layanan-bayar-pajak-lewat-e-commerce/
  27. Junita, Fifi. ‘The Foreign Mining Investment Regime in Indonesia: Regulatory Risk Under Resource Nationalism Policy and How International Investment Treaties Provide Protection’. Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law 33, no. 3 (2015): 241–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2015.1057028
  28. Jurriëns, Edwin, and Ross Tapsell. ‘Challenges and Opportunities of the Digital ‘Revolution’in Indonesia’. In Digital Indonesia: Connectivity and Divergence, vol. 2020. ISEAS Publishing Singapore, 2017
  29. Kadir, M. Y. Aiyub, and Alexander Murray. ‘Resource Nationalism in the Law and Policies of Indonesia: A Contest of State, Foreign Investors, and Indigenous Peoples’. Asian Journal of International Law 9, no. 2 (2019): 298–333. https://doi.org/10.1017/S204425131900002X
  30. Karina, Dhiyaah, Siti Alfiyatus Sa’diyah, Hanna Nabilah, and Maya Panorama. ‘Pengaruh Perusahaan Startup Terhadap Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Indonesia Selama Pandemi Covid-19’. Berajah Journal 2, no. 1 (2022): 156–66. https://doi.org/10.47353/bj.v2i1.69
  31. Katifa, Anjali, Muhammad Daffa Radhia, and Zefanya Queenta Mangundihardjo. ‘Assessing Types of Capital Market in the Indonesian Legal System’. Anthology: Inside Intellectual Property Rights, 2025, 92–114. https://ojs.uph.edu/index.php/Anthology/article/view/10057
  32. Kemp, Simon. Digital 2024 October Global Statshot Report. 23 October 2024. https://wearesocial.com/id/blog/2024/10/digital-2024-october-global-statshot-report/
  33. Knoerich, Jan, and Daniel Benson. ‘Home-Country Effects of Outward Foreign Direct Investment: A Systematic Review of Empirical and Policy Evidence’. International Business Review 35, no. 1 (2026): 102529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2025.102529
  34. Kosack, Stephen, and Jennifer Tobin. ‘Funding Self-Sustaining Development: The Role of Aid, FDI and Government in Economic Success’. International Organization 60, no. 1 (2006): 205–43. Cambridge Core. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818306060097
  35. Kurniawati, Elya, Umar Haiyat Abdul Kohar, and Kashan Pirzada. ‘Change or Destroy: The Digital Transformation of Indonesian Msmes to Achieve Sustainable Economy’. Polish Journal of Management Studies 26, no. 2 (2022): 248–64. https://doi.org/10.17512/pjms.2022.26.2.15
  36. Kuswanto, K., Herman W. Hoen, and Ronald L. Holzhacker. ‘Bargaining Between Local Governments and Multinational Corporations in a Decentralised System of Governance: The Cases of Ogan Komering Ilir and Banyuwangi Districts in Indonesia’. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration 39, no. 3 (2017): 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1080/23276665.2017.1368246
  37. Kuswanto, K., Herman W. Hoen, and Ronald L. Holzhacker. ‘Decentralization, Foreign Direct Investment and Development in Indonesia’. In Decentralization and Governance in Indonesia, edited by Ronald L. Holzhacker, Rafael Wittek, and Johan Woltjer. Springer International Publishing, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22434-3_5
  38. Lall, Sanjaya, and Rajneesh Narula. ‘Foreign Direct Investment and Its Role in Economic Development: Do We Need a New Agenda?’ The European Journal of Development Research 16, no. 3 (2004): 447–64. https://doi.org/10.1080/0957881042000266589
  39. Lindblad, J. Thomas. ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Indonesia: Fifty Years of Discourse’. Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies 51, no. 2 (2015): 217–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/00074918.2015.1061913
  40. Lipsey, Robert E., and Fredrik Sjöholm. ‘Foreign Direct Investment and Growth in East Asia: Lessons for Indonesia’. Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies 47, no. 1 (2011): 35–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/00074918.2011.556055
  41. Lyanthi, Merline Eva. ‘Independensi Peran Jabatan Notaris Sebagai Profesi Penunjang Pasar Modal’. Jurnal Hukum Bisnis Bonum Commune 3, no. 2 (2020): 457724. https://doi.org/10.30996/jhbbc.v3i2.3627
  42. Meliala, Aurora Jillena, Adinda Putri Prakasa, and Jonathan Andre Woods. ‘Narrating The Effective Law for Foreign Direct Investment’. Indonesian Journal of International Law 21, no. 5 (2024): 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17304/ijil.vol21.5.1876
  43. Nalle, Victor Imanuel W. ‘Deciphering Developmentalism: A Legal-Economic Examination of Indonesia’s Administration’. Law and Development Review 19, no. 1 (2026): 181–218. https://doi.org/10.1515/ldr-2025-0010
  44. Nurcahyo, Rahmat, and Prawira A. Putra. ‘Critical Factors in Indonesia’s E-Commerce Collaboration’. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research 16, no. 6 (2021): 2458–69. https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer16060135
  45. Paramitha, Tasya. ‘Startup Pakaian Berbasis Indonesia Ini Sukses Mencuri Hati Pasar Global’. VIVA Lifestyle/Tech News, 2023. https://www.viva.co.id/gaya-hidup/gaya/1611123-startup-pakaian-berbasis-indonesia-ini-sukses-mencuri-hati-pasar-global
  46. Priyadharma, Subekti. Internet and Social Change in Rural Indonesia: From Development Communication to Communication Development in Decentralized Indonesia. Springer, 2021
  47. Ritzer, George. Sociological Theory. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2007
  48. Riyanto, Andi Dwi. Hootsuite (We Are Social): Data Digital Indonesia 2024. 21 February 2024. https://andi.link/hootsuite-we-are-social-data-digital-indonesia-2024/
  49. Rohendi, Acep, Asriani Asriani, and Dona Budi Kharisma. ‘Regulation for Startups in Indonesia: Problems and Recommendations’. Cogent Business & Management 10, no. 3 (2023): 2276993. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2023.2276993
  50. Sahid, Nur, A. S. Hardy Syafii, Surya Farid Sathotho, Koes Yuliadi, and Purwanto Purwanto. ‘The Impact of Digital Technology on Various Traditional Theaters: An Examination of the Sociology of Arts’. Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education 25, no. 2 (2025): 448–63. https://doi.org/10.15294/harmonia.v25i2.24730
  51. Savrul, Mesut, and Cüneyt Kılıç. ‘E-Commerce As An Alternative Strategy In Recovery From The Recession’. The Proceedings of 7th International Strategic Management Conference 24 (January 2011): 247–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.09.055
  52. Sjöholm, Fredrik. ‘Productivity Growth in Indonesia: The Role of Regional Characteristics and Direct Foreign Investment’. Economic Development and Cultural Change 47, no. 3 (1999): 559–84. https://doi.org/10.1086/452419
  53. Soegoto, Herman, Suryatno Wiganepdo Soegoto, and Daniel Francois Meyer. ‘The Role of Domestic Investment, Foreign Investment and the Number of Micro Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises to Reduce Poverty in Indonesia’. Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research 9, no. 5 (2022): 901–13. https://doi.org/10.15549/jeecar.v9i5.1072
  54. Suroso, Joko T., Dani Durahman, and Indra Budi. ‘The Simplification of Licensing Procedure in Job Creation Law: The Effectiveness to Attract Foreign Investor’. Cogent Social Sciences 10, no. 1 (2024): 2414509. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2414509
  55. Surya, Batara, Firman Menne, Hernita Sabhan, Seri Suriani, Herminawaty Abubakar, and Muhammad Idris. ‘Economic Growth, Increasing Productivity of SMEs, and Open Innovation’. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity 7, no. 1 (2021): 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010020
  56. Susilo, Donny. ‘Scalable Start-up Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development in Emerging Economies’. Asian Journal of Applied Economics/Applied Economics Journal 27, no. 2 (2020): 145–63. https://so01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/AEJ/article/view/241923
  57. Sya’bani, Apri. ‘Minority Shareholders’protection in the Indonesian Capital Market’. Indonesia Law Review 4, no. 1 (n.d.): 114–42. https://doi.org/10.15742/ilrev.v4n1.96
  58. Walz, Uwe. ‘Innovation, Foreign Direct Investment and Growth’. Economica 64, no. 253 (1997): 63–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0335.00064
  59. Wartini, Sri. ‘The Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment to the Environment in Developing Countries: Indonesian Perspective’. Indonesian Journal of International Law 13, no. 2 (2016): 296–324. https://doi.org/10.17304/ijil.vol13.2.650
  60. Wattoo, Muhammad Umair, Jianguo Du, Fakhar Shahzad, and Shakila Kousar. ‘Shaping E-Commerce Experiences: Unraveling the Impact of Service Quality on Youth Customer Behavior in a Developing Nation’. Sage Open 15, no. 1 (2025): 21582440241311786. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241311786
  61. Widyanto, Hanif, and Jony Haryanto. ‘Mapping the E-Business Ecosystem in Indonesia: A Comprehensive Analysis’. In Handbook of Research on Innovation and Development of E-Commerce and E-Business in ASEAN. 2021. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4984-1.ch009
  62. Yang, Runyu, Youngbok Ryu, and Mikhail V. Oet. ‘Assessing the Foreign Direct Investment Performance of Middle-Income Countries Using Data Envelopment Analysis with Translation Invariance’. Economies 12, no. 11 (2024): 314. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12110314
  63. Yohanes, Triyana, Theresia Anita Christiani, H. Untung Setyardi, and Hajed A. Alotaibi. ‘The WTO Non-Discrimination Principle and Its Impact on Developing Indonesia’s Investment’. Legality: Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum 33, no. 2 (2025): 513–34. https://doi.org/10.22219/ljih.v33i2.41046
  64. Zheng, Qin, Shundong Li, Yi Han, Jinchun Dong, Lixiang Yan, and Jun Qin. ‘E-Commerce and the Law’. In Introduction to E-Commerce, edited by Qin Zheng. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-49645-8_5
  65. Zheng, Qin, Shundong Li, Yi Han, Jinchun Dong, Lixiang Yan, and Jun Qin. ‘Fundamentals of E-Commerce’. In Introduction to E-Commerce, edited by Qin Zheng. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-49645-8_1
  66. Zuhroh, Diana, Johnny Jermias, Sri Langgeng Ratnasari, Sriyono, Elok Nurjanah, and Mochammad Fahlevi. ‘The Impact of Sharing Economy Platforms, Management Accounting Systems, and Demographic Factors on Financial Performance: Exploring the Role of Formal and Informal Education in MSMEs’. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity 11, no. 1 (2025): 100447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100447

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2026-03-05 11:54:20

No citation recorded.