Biodiversity is a key feature of Indonesia, the most heavily forested area of our planet after the Amazon. Over 10% of known flowering plants originate there, wildlife and aquatic species tell a similar story.
Whilst there are threats from business, such as deforestation for agriculture, respecting the country’s environment in decisions and actions is a good business move, almost as valuable as building personal relationships.
Indonesia’s 270 million people will appreciate both, as they seek partners to modernise their nation and boost a GDP currently around £1 trillion.
Carnet Principles
Indonesia joined the ATA carnet family in 2015, signing up to accept carnets for exhibitions and fairs, or professional equipment. Commercial samples are not generally allowed, neither are postal items.
Transit operations are accepted, as are unaccompanied goods. Carnets can be processed at all Indonesian customs offices, main offices open on a 24hr basis, local branches from 07:30 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Indonesia has a reputation for complex bureaucratic and regulatory requirements. This is still warranted to an extent, although improving and you should find most customs officers understand the ATA carnet procedure.
Seeking Support
Indonesia is perhaps not a country to arrive in bearing a carnet laden with errors, professional preparation makes sense. Seeking local support for a variety of business activity will also bring benefits.
Selling directly to Indonesian government bodies, state owned companies and a few others is feasible but local agents are of value in most business transactions and in a number of cases, a legal requirement.
Finding specialist support bodies is worthwhile, such as the Bali Film Center. They can deal with central and local government, obtain clearances, or permits, assist with scheduling. See details on their support for filming.
They were at one time part of a government agency, now privatised. A situation which is increasingly common as the economy changes.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) also takes a fairly cosmopolitan view, can assist in various ways and is the national guaranteeing association for ATA carnets. More information is available on the KADIN website (in English).
Indonesian customs also have a partly English website, which may be useful for contact details, regulations, or significant news.
Opportunities In Indonesia
The consumer market has taken off in recent years, bringing growth in retail, health, education, telecoms and financial services.
Beyond the cities, support is sought after in the agricultural and energy sectors, with increasing electricity generation a priority. Other areas such as medical are opening up, to serve an island nation which has as much land as the USA.
If we can help to provide an ATA carnet for your trip, please get in touch with our support team at any time.