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Indonesia’s Business Climate Faces Investor Scrutiny

Free News Reader  ·  May 20, 2026

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Indonesia's Business Climate Faces Investor Scrutiny

  • Chinese-invested enterprises in Indonesia's nickel industry have faced significant challenges, including nickel ore mining quota cuts exceeding 70% for some large mines, impacting production.
  • Foreign investors in Indonesia frequently encounter difficulties such as restrictive regulations, legal and regulatory uncertainty, and economic nationalism.

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Foreign investors operating in Indonesia are increasingly vocal about widespread challenges within the business environment, despite the nation’s efforts to attract capital. Key concerns for international companies include restrictive regulations, legal and regulatory uncertainty, and instances of economic nationalism and trade protectionism. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, inconsistent regulations, and limited technological infrastructure also present hurdles. Weak law enforcement and issues like extortion by local communities and officials further undermine the investment appeal.

Specific issues have been highlighted by Chinese investors, particularly in the critical mining and nickel processing sectors. These include repeated increases in taxes and mineral royalties, tighter foreign exchange retention rules for exporters, and significant reductions in nickel ore mining quotas, with some large mines experiencing cuts over 70%. Stricter forestry law enforcement and increased scrutiny of work visas for foreign employees have also been cited as impediments. These policy changes have reportedly caused comprehensive nickel ore costs to surge by as much as 200% for some, leading to operational losses