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Comprehensive Guide to Indonesia’s Positive Investment List

positive investment list

Indonesia’s Positive Investment List flipped the old, restrictive model on its head: as of March 4, 2021, all business sectors are open to 100% foreign investment unless a regulation explicitly restricts or closes them, replacing the long-standing DNI (Negative Investment List) under Perpres 10/2021, as amended by Perpres 49/2021. Below are the key points you need, framed as questions with direct answers up front.

What is the Positive Investment List and when did it take effect?

It’s Indonesia’s pro-investment regime that replaced the Negative Investment List on March 4, 2021 and significantly broadened market access through Perpres 10/2021 as amended by Perpres 49/2021.
Compared to the previous, restrictive approach, the new policy follows the principle: “All sectors are open unless explicitly closed or restricted.” It liberalizes 200+ business lines, including strategic areas like transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

What are the objectives of the Positive Investment List?

Its goal is to increase Indonesia’s attractiveness, drive growth, enable businesses of all sizes, and provide legal certainty. Specifically, it aims to:

  • Enhance Indonesia’s appeal as a global investment destination.
  • Stimulate economic growth by engaging both foreign and domestic investors in key sectors.
  • Open opportunities to SMEs and large enterprises alike.
  • Clarify sector rules for greater legal certainty.

Which sectors became more open and what remains the general rule?

The general rule is openness: most sectors are open to 100% foreign investment unless otherwise restricted. Examples of sectors liberalized under the new regime include:

  • Construction services
  • Wholesale trade and distribution
  • Energy and natural resources
  • Telecommunications and internet services
  • Land, sea, and air transportation
  • Note: Some sectors remain closed or reserved for government/authorities despite the broad opening.

How are open sectors classified under Perpres 49/2021?

They fall into three categories: Priority Sectors, Sectors for/with MSME partnerships, and Sectors with Specific Requirements. This framework clarifies where incentives apply, where MSME participation is required, and where special ownership/capital rules exist.

Which sectors qualify as Priority Sectors—and what incentives apply?

Priority Sectors (246 business lines in Annex I) offer fiscal incentives to accelerate investment. Incentives can include:

  • Tax Allowance for specific sectors and/or regions
  • Tax Holiday (Corporate Income Tax Exemption)
  • Investment Allowance (net income reduction for new or expansion investment in labour-intensive industries)

Which sectors are reserved for or require partnerships with cooperatives and MSMEs?

Annex II identifies 106 business lines that are reserved for or require partnerships with cooperatives/MSMEs to integrate smaller players into national supply chains. Representative areas include:

  • Agriculture, forestry, fisheries & marine
  • Manufacturing & healthcare
  • Energy & mineral resources
  • Public works & housing
  • Trade & tourism

Which sectors carry specific requirements?

Only a small set remains closed, plus sectors reserved exclusively for the central government (often for defense/sovereignty reasons). The six closed sectors include:

  • Production of arms, ammunition, explosives, and military equipment
  • Business sectors explicitly prohibited under statutory law
  • Alcoholic beverage industries:
    • Alcoholic Beverage Industry (KBLI 11010)
    • Wine Industry (KBLI 11020)
    • Malt Beverage Industry (KBLI 11031)

What does this mean for investors?

It means easier market entry, clearer rules, and potential incentives—ultimately supporting Indonesia’s stability and growth. Practically, the list can simplify company establishment while unlocking relevant incentives for qualifying sectors and investments.

How Permitindo Can Help?

Permitindo supports investors end-to-end with sector classification, eligibility mapping for Priority incentives, structuring in line with MSME-partnership or specific-requirement rules, and company incorporation, so your plan aligns with the Positive Investment List from day one.

If you’d like help assessing your KBLI fit, potential incentives, or partnership needs, email [email protected] or fill out the contact form below, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.


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